Learning Objectives

The power of our teaching is clearly evident when our students can relate back to us why they are learning what they are learning and the real-life relevance of what they are doing. One of my goals as a teacher is to enable my students at any given moment to articulate their learning to anyone who may enter the classroom. In order to attain this goal, I must deliberately plan and communicate my learning objectives for every lesson. One way to do this is to write our daily learning target on the board as a reference point for my students. I can explain these targets in the hooks at the beginning of my lessons. I can refer to the targets at the "catch-and-release" moments during student independent work, and we can discuss them during our debriefs at the end of the lessons. Additionally, I can make these objectives meaningful by using familiar vocabulary for my learners. I must make them clear and straight forward--something that my students can say back to me in their own words. If students don't know what I am asking them to do, I have not effectively communicated the goal of the lesson. Learning objectives not only focus my teaching, but they also guide student learning.

Hopes for the First Year of Teaching

The first year of teaching brings a slew of new challenges to the hands of teachers entering the classroom for the first time. I want to take my learning step by step. My main goal in this journey is to practice reflective teaching. As Henry Ford once said, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." The great thing about teaching is that we get a chance to learn from mistakes and make changes the next time around. By being reflective, I can constantly work to improve in my teaching. I also hope to always do what is right for my students. My work is about kids, and I will try my best to keep them at them at the forefront of my decisions. Finally, I hope to finish the year as a better teacher than when I started. I recognize that it is unrealistic to want to be perfect in all aspects of teaching after the first year. In the classroom, this first time around, I am going to focus on classroom management and planning engaging lessons. Because I believe in establishing a balance between work and home life, I can also improve as a teacher by making time for me outside of the classroom. If I take care of myself, I can better take care of those around me. I am going to put everything I have into my teaching, then I will relax and take advantage of all that these Colorado mountains have to offer.

As I dive head first into this ring of fire, I fully expect to find stumbling blocks. I will have to keep in mind the words of my friend, Michael Johnston: "The depth of the challenges is outweighed by the power of the impact!"

Room Set-up

Setting up a room is an adventure in itself! Who knew that what kids see on their first day of school takes so much problem solving and brain strain from the teacher? I have been impressed, honestly, by the challenge of setting up a first grade classroom.

I began with my furniture. I needed to find the best position for tables, shelves, and chairs so as to be able to see all students at all times (which is not the easiest task with a half-wall that divides the classroom). Meanwhile, I had to consider the places in the room for my whole group lessons and my small group lessons. Quite the complication!

The next step for me was deciding what I was going to use my bulletin boards for and how I was going to format them. I knew I needed a Crew (or class community) board, a math board, and word walls. I also decided that I needed to establish a board that focuses on our small group lessons and goals. Walls indeed are an evolving entity in a classroom. It will be interesting to see what they become...

3 Take Aways from Rick Smith's Classroom Management

1. Hold your ground with students in a positive manner. Saying no is not always a bad thing. I can always say no by saying: "yes, when..." or "yes, as soon as..." or "yes, in/at (time)..."

2. Classroom management starts with prevention, but I need to have strategies for intervention when the prevention falls through.

3. Delay the answer to a why by having kids approach you with the "why" question once you get everyone started on their work.

First Thing's First

Hi, I'm Kelly Casber. I am about to embark on an adventure as a first year teacher. This will be my first time being in school in a non-student role. The most exciting part of teaching for me is helping students find new talents and interests. I also love the professional collaboration that transpires between teachers. I hope to find teaching a challenging and exciting career that leads me through many new doors.