Today, I am joining Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd and Lucky Little Learners for their monthly #2getherwearebetter linky parties! We're going to be discussing our schedules and resources we use in the classroom!
You know how you always see those fabulous schedules on Pinterest and all over bloggy land...?
I used to look at those and say, "How in the world do they do that everyday?" I loved looking at them, and I used to try to make my schedule mirror other schedules that I thought were 'ideal!' I cannot tell you how many schedules I have tried in my little teaching career! It's probably around the range of 20...! :-0 Good thing kids are resilient!
This year, I finally learned... that there is no 'perfect' schedule. No matter how hard I try to set a routine to follow each day of the entire year, it just doesn't work. My schedule depends on WHAT I'm teaching at that time.
My advice to you, don't be too hard on yourself if you are sometime who felt like I did. I honestly used to be so hard on myself. I felt like something was wrong with me because I couldn't stick with a set schedule. Honestly, if I kept my day the same every single day, then I wouldn't be doing 'me.' I would be a little bored. This is why! --I like projects... I like active learning... I like collaboration... I love trying new things... I try to stay away from worksheety things... This stuff takes time, and yes, messes up the 'schedule.' Don't feel bad if you don't stick to your schedule each day, if you're moving away from it, then I bet you're doing something really meaningful with the kids. They'd rather do the something meaningful, than sticking to the schedule! Trust me! ;) They will thank you!
With all that said, this is my 'ideal' schedule. Keep in mind though... it doesn't go this way everyday because classroom 'life' happens. So, sometimes... the schedule will change!
Now, onto resources I use...
As you can see, my school does not have a curriculum. I literally get to be 'me' in the classroom, and I love it! It's hard work, but I love it!
For reading, I use a lot of mentor texts. I create my own lessons to go along with the books. I haven't uploaded many of them to tpt due to lack of time. Here are a few of my reading units that I've used this year with my third graders!
I use these for student's reading responses.
My kids also do reading stations to work on grammar & language skills.
These are the stations that my students are currently working through.
For more, click here.
Sometimes, my students work with math stations. These can be found here.
I hope this post helped out a little bit!
If you have any questions, please comment below!! :) I'd love to help!
Make sure you link up too, or check out these other great posts!
Thanks so much for linking up with us, Jessica! I loved getting a peek at your schedule!! :) I may have tried a schedule or 20, too! ;)
ReplyDeleteAshley
Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd
Jessica! Thank you for linking up with us! Don't feel too guilty about all of the different schedules! One year I find I have the "perfect" schedule and then I try to use that with the next year's class and it's a flop. You're not alone, ha! BTW, I LOVE the Lucy Calkin's series for writing and had seen so many great gains with that program. Unfortunately, my current school district uses something different!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Olson’s Lucky Little Learners