time management

So its 7o'clock on a Sunday and I just finished lesson planning for Monday.

In all honesty I'm an easily distractable person who sometimes has a tendency to wait until Sunday to plan for the week or day ahead. So this blog entry is to discuss time management.

Every teacher pretty much gets 2 prep periods a day, well at least in my school in addition to lunch. For me I have 3rd,4th and 5th periods off. Most days I struggle to find something to do for 3 periods straight.

Suggestion number 1: Do as much as you can while your at work and during your prep periods
-I'm finally starting to realise I can't save it all for home. Home is where you should rest.
-learn from your mistakes and mine

Suggestion number 2: Grade everything right away so it doesn't build up on you.
- I know teachers with piles of ungraded homework and quizzes etc.
-Don't let that be you

Suggestion number 3: When in doubt...over plan
-in this case at least you have material for the next day.

Suggestion number 4: plan at least 2 days in advance in case you need worksheets run off
- Because I have 3 periods off I use those to copy my own worksheets while I should have them done by the school.
-Lessen your work load and have someone do it for you, its their job anyway.

Suggestion 5: My AP keeps telling me not to take my work home with me. So for tonight I planned for one day and preplanned for Tuesday and tomorrow during prep I will actually lesson plan.

My first Bulletin board

Bulletin Board Advice

1. Get creative
2. Involve your students
3. Show off only good work, I was told to put good and bad but I think that could be potentially embarassing.
4. Choose students who need a boost of confidence (I posted 3 special ed students and they have since really bloomed in their work)

my first back to school night

Thursday October 28th and Friday October 29th I experienced my first back to school night and afternoon. This was probably one of the most nerve recking experiences I had so far besides the quality review. Why so scary? What do I expect? How will they react to a first year 5 foot 1 teacher that looks like shes 16 even in a suit? All I knew was I was scared.

How did I handle it?
I handled it like I handle everything, one step at a time.

My advice to future teachers:

1. Be prepared have all your paperwork, test grades, lab data, attendance ready on your desk before the parents arrive.
2. Keep it organized I got side tracked during  one of my conferences was and forgot where I put something.
3. Start with a positive Always start with a positive comment even for your worst student this way you can gain their confidence and then...bam but it won't be as bad for you because they see you as compassionate.
4.  Candy Sweeten them up before you knock 'em down. Provide your parent visitors with candy.
5. Don't get your hopes up I only had a total of 20 parents over 2 days, if your working in any school for the most part the parents won't come especially if you don't teach freshman.