Back to School

By S. Romero 

Hey, teacher friends, it's that time of year again! Back to School!

I hope you had smooth start to the 1^st day of school.  Did you get everything done liked you had planned? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with so much to do?

Well, don’t stress. There is still time to get your room like you want it.

If there is anything I learned throughout my teaching career is that the smaller ‘to dos’ that I leave for last usually take the longest. What ends up happening is I run out of time and never get those small time consuming things done and I find myself tackling them at the last minute of the day I actually need them. Talk about stress and not using my time wisely.  So, here’s an idea! Instead of tackling the big projects, try tackling smaller things first and then you can take your time decorating your classroom with a clear mind and not thinking about all the "little" things that still need to be done. 

Below is a checklist of the small "to do's".

·      Math - Have at least four math tubs set up by concepts and label such as geometry, patterns, number concepts, and math word problems.  In each tub, include manipulatives and games ready to be used. I usually set up several games, enough for a group of four to work in. This will save you lots of time. Instead of scrambling for materials to use for a specific lesson concept, you just pull out a tub that's ready for use and start that engaging lesson! 

Note: Take a look at the manipulatives, math games, etc. that you will need according to your district and grade level curriculum as well as your state standards.

·      Reading - Start sorting out your personal library by genre and put them into individually labeled baskets. For example, put all the poetry books in one basket labeled "poetry" or another "fables." You will be so glad your books are organized, especially when you are teaching a specific genre and all you have to do is reach over to that specific basket and grab a book! Plus, you’re also modeling for your students how to categorize and identify books according to their genre! It's a win, win situation!

·      Miscellaneous:

-       Name tags (field trips)

-       Student desk name plates (pre-laminated) 

-       Container of sharpened pencils

-       Folders/binders (included with calendar, class /grade level expectations, rules/homework information etc) 

-       Restroom Hall pass

-       Small labeled tubs (scissors, glue, rulers, etc.)

-       Teacher tub labeled according to each subject include (teacher basal, copy of state standards for that subject, any manipulatives or materials you might need according to your district curriculum. 

-       Sub tub or basket (include your daily schedule, school map, a generic lesson plan and activities that can be used in case you have an unexpected absence) When you know your going to be out, include all the necessary materials all in one tub to make things easy for your sub to manage your classroom. 

The lists can go on and on, as you know!

What are your most important back to school "to do's" that help made "back to school" a little more smoother?