Happy New (School) Year!

While most consider January 1^st as the first day of the year—a time to make resolutions and contemplate the year ahead, I take a different view. The first day back at school is my New Year’s Day. I have had a whole summer to rethink, review and plan for changes—changes for myself, my teaching, as well as changes in the structure of my classroom. So with just 3 weeks before my New Year’s beginning, I decided it was time to record my resolutions, to ‘put them out there’ for others to see, but more importantly for me to refer back to and reflect on during the school year.

This year, I RESOLVE to make sure I incorporate body and brain breaks at least every hour during the school day. I am going to remember that our brains are more efficient when we move our bodies. I know that with 85% of my class this year being boys, I am going to have to make this a priority.

I RESOLVE to leave more time in the day for asking questions about the students, what they are up to and what important events are happening in their lives. I don’t want to feel so rushed that I lose the opportunity to hear about their soccer goal or their birthday party.

I RESOLVE to be more flexible and ‘go with the flow’ more often. Instead of stopping one lesson where everyone is engaged and enthusiastic to move to another subject, we will dig deeper into the activity and catch up another day. I will also resist trying to squeeze one more activity in at the end of the day, knowing that there is not enough time to do it properly.

I RESOLVE to ‘lighten up’ more in school—not be so serious about everything. I want to draw with the students in art and maybe even join in a game of basketball in gym. I will mark the ‘Spirit Days’ on my calendar at home and make sure I dress up for ‘Pajama Day or Wacky Hair Day.’

I RESOLVE to continue to collaborate and share ideas, even if it sometimes feels like a one way street. I am also going to make it a point to sit with my colleagues and chat at least for one of the recesses every day. It is too easy to stay in my classroom and work right through breaks. I need to remember that adult conversation can be freeing, perhaps enlightening and a much-needed break from our schedules.

I RESOLVE to sign up for at least 1 daily outdoor supervision so that I enjoy the fresh air and see another side of my students too.

I RESOLVE to set a reasonable time to leave school everyday. Even if I have marking to do, I am going to leave it behind some days and spend time with my family. I am going to reflect on who is working harder in the classroom?—me or my students.

And finally, I RESOLVE to be more diligent in recording comments and observations on students during the term so that I am not scouring my brain and staying up too late the week before report cards go out. I want to change the time crunch and reduce the pressure that I put on myself each reporting period.

I plan to add these to the front of my day book and refer to them at the beginning of each week.

What resolutions have you made for your new school year? Are any the same as last year’s? (some of mine are) I’m interested and would love to hear how others plan for their New Year.