Setting the Tone for the Year

When I first started out teaching, my first days of school did not set the tone I wanted for my school year.  I am not ashamed to say it, but I realize now that I missed out on important learning experiences for myself and my students.  Rules were introduced. Goals were created for a class students knew little about for a teacher they did not yet trust; meaningless words on soon forgotten paper.  How did I want my students to leave the room on those first days of school? What did I want them thinking my class was going to be about?  I had the answer in my mind, but my actions were not consistent with mind's vision.

That changed this year.  My first days of school have been memorable, and based on their reactions, my students will remember them as well.  We switched to a seventy-minute block schedule this year, and my favorite comment was "I can't believe that was 75 minutes; that period flew."  Students were engaged in meaningful activities that set the tone for the year.  Students thought, discussed, collaborated, wrote, questioned and thought some more.  Along the way, I realized that all of the things that I used to come out and say about rules and expectations were introduced naturally and seamlessly through the activities students were actively engaged in.

So, how did this occur?  As all good educators do, I stole ideas from colleagues on Twitter, took advice from my wife who used one activity first and gave me feedback, and adapted pieces of past years' openings and made them student-centered.  Students entered the room on day one and created items that represented themselves with pipecleaners.  

Next, they wrote down three words that described themselves.  I surprised them by asking them to connect their words to their pipecleaner creation and share with their groups.  This simple activity gave me insight into their personalities, interests, and, even more importantly, into their willingness to think and think creatively.  

I was able to introduce my students to the "Keys to the Classroom."  Students were invited to question everything including and especially me.  They couldn't believe I was admitting that my opinion would be wrong multiple times this year and that it needed to be questioned.  I asked students to think always.  Students collaborated on what it meant to "collaborate with each other." And I asked students to take risks and step out of their comfort zone.  

The next day students collaborated to create three sentences that connected the words: respect, trust, responsibility, quality, success, discipline, and fun. Watching students work together after the first day was enlightening.  Different students stepped up in leadership roles.  Students collaborated in Google documents while others created handwritten copies.  The different group interactions, styles and products gave me valuable information about the dynamic of my classes.

Students then participated in their first snowball discussion. If you haven't tried this type of discussion, I highly recommend it.  Students start the discussion as partners and then you combine groups after a couple of minutes.  Groups grew to four and then eight and then full class.  As the groups grew, the more animated the discussions were.  We then reflected as a class what went well, what didn't and what we could improve on with our next discussion.

We ended our day with 6 word memoirs.  It amazed me what sixth graders were able to come up with to detail their lives.  They were so impressive that I am compiling them to create a video to share with their parents. (I will share that later on)

I learned a valuable lesson during these first few days of classes.  If I expect students to collaborate, question, discuss and think throughout the school year, then I better set the tone and start from day one.  You can't learn these things by hearing about them; you need to experience them.  Based on my students' reactions, the experiences were a success.  Now that the tone is set, I need to keep that momentum going.

What are some things you use the first few days of school to set the tone for your school year?

Here is the link to my #1st5days prezi:

http://prezi.com/sklx8-qndvwp/opening-activities-2013-2014/?kw=view-sklx8-qndvwp&rc=ref-12572716&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Taking the Plunge

As summer draws to a close, I can't help but think what a summer this has been. I come from a family of teachers. We have always been a reflective bunch from mother and father, to my beautiful bride, to aunts, uncles and cousins, there are teachers everywhere. Seldom does the conversation stray from education. But after this summer, I feel like my educational family has grown. 

For a long time, I swore off Twitter and most social media sites for that matter.  I'm not entirely sure why especially since I've always been a strong believer and user of instructional technology. But I did. When I finally took the plunge, I learned more in the first three months than in ten years of professional development. Teachers and administrators from Australia to Canada from East Coast to West Coast of the United States have become collaborators, mentors, and colleagues. People who I have never met in person have been willing to share ideas, lessons and opinions freely. Chats, blogs, resources, articles and laughs scroll down my screen daily.  

On this back to school eve, I am grateful for meeting all of these new colleagues and expanding my PLN. My excitement grows as I think about the new things to try and share.  When the school year begins, I know I will be a better teacher because of my interactions with the people I have met through Twitter this summer. 

Based on my summer experiences, three questions have arisen that I wish to attack this school year:

1) How can I share all these new ideas with colleagues within my school district while also opening their minds to the global possibilities of a PLN?

2) How can I continue to challenge my students through real-life learning experiences in an engaging classroom environment?

3) How can I meaningfully reflect on my practices while sharing trials and tribulations with others? 

The train is set in motion, and I look forward to learning, sharing and reflecting throughout the school year. I have been lifted off the island and now realize that there is a global community of teachers looking to do the best they can for their students each and every day. 

Good luck and have a great school year.