4 On The Fourth Linky

I'm joining Ms. M's Blog for a linky on four things I am going to try new in the classroom for the upcoming school year.

1. 7 Habits of Happy Kids

I just found this book by Sean Covey out in blog land and LOVE IT!  I am planning to start the year with it.  There are several great resources on TPT – many free!

2. New 3rd Grade Team and Switching for Math Class

I have taught third grade before, but this will be the first time I have changed grades in this district.  It means a new room, a new building and a whole new team.  I know most of the third grade teachers, but have worked with few of them.  I am excited about returning to the older grades, but also nervous that kids have changed a great deal in 8 years and I hope that am as comfortable in third as I was before.  It will also be new for me to switch students for math class.  The 7 or 8 sections will regroup the kids in to more heterogeneous groups to better meet student needs.  It will be a challenge for me to give up my kiddos!

3. New Reading Adventures

• Reader Response Journals - I have attempted to use reader response journals in the past, but I really think they are critical with the new CORE standards and our state assessments.

• 3rd Grade State Assessments – I have never taught third grade when it has been a testing grade.  I have experience from 4th grade when it was the first testing grade, so hopefully this will help.

     

• Daily 5 and CAFÉ in 3rd Grade – I have loved using D5r and CAFÉ in first grade and look forward to trying it with older students.  The funny thing is, I shared D5 and CAFÉ with teachers and it caught like wildfire in the building I will be moving to, where I was the only person using it in my building.

4. Brag Tags

I debating about adding these to my classroom. I saw them on the First Grade Parade a while ago.  I have found it increasingly difficult to motivate students, as they become over-tested, the pace of curriculum doe not always allow for real learning, and technology fads have influenced our classroom so drastically (wow I guess I have been around for a while!)  I think these may be the key to give students a sense of accomplishment.  I really dislike reward systems, but maybe it will be a helpful addition to the classroom.

Have a happy 4th!  I’ll be back tomorrow with my Daily 5 Book Study response.