I love the first week of school! No, really, I do.
The first days of a new school year means renewal. They mean new chances for applying new learning. They mean a refreshment that only comes in the beginning of autumn.
Students in all of my classes enter with preconceived notions of what they might learn. Some are eager for the challenge and others are used to finding ways to fake their way through school once again. Luckily, my AP Lit students this year seem to be ready for what comes their way.
As with every year I didn't hold back much. We jumped right into reading and writing by setting up class blogs, discussing reasons for reading, writing, and critical thinking across every discipline.
Though the primary focus this week was explaining classroom routines I also spent a large amount of time framing the amount of reading students will do this year. Using Kittle's reading ladder and reading rates, we are poised for reading and writing processes that will turn into an increased volume of reading and writing; an increased amount of growth and learning; and an increased confidence for students as they settle into the learners they never knew they could be.
I am engaging in these activities as well and am encouraged to grow immensely with my students.
Here's to starting the year off right with goals, process, and encouragement!
The first days of a new school year means renewal. They mean new chances for applying new learning. They mean a refreshment that only comes in the beginning of autumn.
Students in all of my classes enter with preconceived notions of what they might learn. Some are eager for the challenge and others are used to finding ways to fake their way through school once again. Luckily, my AP Lit students this year seem to be ready for what comes their way.
As with every year I didn't hold back much. We jumped right into reading and writing by setting up class blogs, discussing reasons for reading, writing, and critical thinking across every discipline.
Though the primary focus this week was explaining classroom routines I also spent a large amount of time framing the amount of reading students will do this year. Using Kittle's reading ladder and reading rates, we are poised for reading and writing processes that will turn into an increased volume of reading and writing; an increased amount of growth and learning; and an increased confidence for students as they settle into the learners they never knew they could be.
I am engaging in these activities as well and am encouraged to grow immensely with my students.
Here's to starting the year off right with goals, process, and encouragement!