066 Honestly Answering the Question "Why Are We Learning This?"

What you teach likely doesn't actually matter.  I mean, sure, some of what we teach matters, but most of it can be found within a few minutes and a Google search.  Our job isn't to teach content anymore.  It's to use our content to get the kids to build skills.  Skills like: analyzing data, reading subtext, literacy, problem solving, spatial thinking and so much more! There's really no point in lying to the kids, and you'll get a lot more respect if you're straight up and honest with them.  Check out my "Why Are We Learning This?" posters to download for yourself or use as inspiration to create your own. 

There are so many reasons you should be taking the notes that your students do.  It is 100% worth the amount of time it takes you, I pinky promise.  It will make your lesson plans easier, both this year and next year.  Listen to this episode and learn how! For more on saving time on your lesson plans, check out episode 49 or the All Star Planning Masterclass!

Parents are an asset! Make sure you are using them!  There are so many ways to stay in contact with parents, and a bunch of reasons to do so!  In this episode I will also share my tips for what to say and do while and after talking with parents and families.  Learn more about Parent Teacher Conferences in episode 38!  Grab the positive postcards! Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass!

Getting these few things in place has definitely helped me to get out the door each day right around the bell.  For years I've been getting out within 30 minutes of the bell, usually sooner.  And I don't work at all at home.   Everything that gets done needs to get done on the clock - and that's my goal for you too.   Implementing these few things really helped me to get ahead of my plans and STAY ahead of my plans each week.  And even though I've been at this for five years, each year I get something new added to my plate (and I'm sure it's the same for you!) Listen to episode 44 for more information on my favorite project management system, To Do Ist.  Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass. 

Getting to know your students makes all the difference in your classroom and in your planning.  Here's how I recommend you get to know your students.  Let the kids get to know you.  Get to know you questions. Grab your copy of my 180 questions of the day.  Take an interest in what the kids do.  Attend school events. Get to know the families and the community.  Reasons getting to know the students is beneficial to you:  It's not miserable.  Parent contact is easier.  Kids care about you and will let you be a human being.  Kids root for you.  Kids appreciate what you do for them because they know it comes from the heart.  Kids work hard (listen for more details - this is important) Your classroom is a happy & safe place.  You become a person that kids trust and can go to for help.  Listen to more on my unlimited test retake policy. 

Every year for my first five years of teaching have had some kind of a curveball that made me feel like a first year teacher all over again.  So to help you with that (very steep) learning curve, I've collected the things I wish I had known into a list of first year teacher tips for you! Get the Pinterest and Instagram classroom off to do list.  You need a solid syllabus. (Episode 57) You teach humans.  Be firm but fair.  You need a lesson planning method. (Episode 50)  Call parents before you need to.  Set boundaries, say no, leave on time.  Never ever yell at kids.  Delegate to the kids. (Episode 27) Take notes alongside kids. (Lesson Reflection Episode 16) Teaching should be fun. If it's not, there's something wrong.  Listen to the Classroom Set Up Episode!   Get my free syllabus template! Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass. 

There's no correct way to set up a classroom, but there are some things that simply aren't worth the time.  Whether you're setting up for the first time or the fifth, these tips will help you to set up a FUNCTIONAL classroom.  Grab the Printable Periodic Table.  Grab the shopping list of classroom materials I recommend! 

Updating your curriculum can feel like taming a beast, but it's not so bad. I promise! Check on these few things and I'm sure you'll quickly figure out what to adjust and how: I'm a big proponent of lesson reflection.  Listen to that episode to learn more about lesson reflection.  Don't forget to reflect on final exam data.  Check out the End of the Year Student Survey. Check on the unit order.  Check on the lesson order.  Check on your observations.    Get the unit order planning pages. 

Planning your curriculum from scratch is both a blessing and a curse.  You have a lot on your plate, because you have to plan it all, but, you also have the ability to make this course exactly what you feel is right.  But planning with no input from the students and how they're doing and the adjustments that need to be made makes it tough.  I have some places you can go to get at least a starting point for your new curriculum:  Other Teachers Textbooks: Table of Contents Free Resources from the Textbook Company Final Exam Cheap Workbook Teachers Pay Teachers Check out the All Star Planning Masterclass!

If you've ever had a student like me, then you know how brutal it is to have your syllabus picked apart for loopholes for grades and policies.  Now being on the other side of the syllabus situation, I know exactly how important it is to start off the year with everyone, teacher, students and parents, having a complete understanding of what to expect during the year.  Get the free syllabus template.