Back to School Planning

I just returned from presenting at the SDE National Conferences, and WOW I am so inspired by all of the teachers I met. There was so much energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to our children. I will be sharing some slides from my sessions over the next coming days and weeks.  First up is a topic I am very passionate about.

REMEMBER HOW YOU TEACH IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU TEACH

I know many times we feel like we have no control over what happens in our classroom because of changing standards, assessments, or political mandates.  But we really do.  How we choose to teach those standards can make all of the difference.  

How will our students best learn these standards?  As early childhood educators, what do we know about teaching young children?  Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees.  But we must see clearly when planning learning activities for our students.  When looking at our curriculum and standards, we must remember to use our early childhood lens.  Young children learn through play.  Young children learn through hands-on, minds-on activities.  Worksheets do not keep our young children engaged.  A recording sheet can just be another name for a worksheet.  Balance is key when planning activities.  

KEEP IT SIMPLE 

We tend to overplan.  Overplanning is fine but don't let it consume you.  Pinterest and blogs are amazing resources, but everything you do does not have to be picture perfect.  Don't wear yourself out trying to make everything color-coded, sprinkled with glitter, and in a perfect package.  Children like authentic.  You establish the climate of the classroom.  You make a difference.  

I hope you are enjoying your summer break, even though I know most of you are already thinking about the upcoming school year.  Don't forget to add some time in there to relax too.

See you again soon!

Photo Credits:  Dollar Photo Club