We just had our school’s “Meet the Teacher” night and the feedback from the parents in my classroom proved that, without a doubt, the best time spent during the first month is in getting to know my students.  I was astounded at the fact that most parents felt like they already knew me.  They commented on how their child went home and told them all about our fantastic conversations during our morning community circle and couldn’t wait to be the “Rockstar of the Week.”  This month I’ve really focused on and enjoyed creating meaningful opportunities to get students to open up and share who they are with our classroom community.

The following are some examples of how we get to know each other:

1. Each student has a Daily Journal.  After they come in, they write a “Reflection Question” in their journal and spend the first 10-15 minutes writing down their thoughts.  This is a powerful self-reflection exercise that I have started in my own life and felt the difference it makes on every level: personal, professional, spiritual, etc.  We then start our morning by sitting in a community circle and volunteering our ideas and opinions.  You can literally feel the good energy permeate in our classroom!  I have attached some examples of Reflection Questions.

2. We have a “Rockstar of the Week” bulletin board.  Each week, a student is chosen to fill us in on who they are!  It involves writing about what’s most important to them in life (we read “The Important Book” as a pre-lesson), sharing their favourite books, music, movies, etc., and putting up pictures that can give us a window into their life.  During the week, students must ask the Rockstar about any fact or picture they’d like to find out more about.  At the end of the week, we have an oral quiz on the Rockstar for points that go to the groups that answer the questions correctly. This is a blast and the Rockstar runs the show!

In a letter to their parents this week, one of my students wrote something that brought tears to my eyes and affirmed why I love teaching.  He wrote, This year, I have an amazing teacher.  She really cares about us and says our classroom is our home for the day.  I like that because that’s how it feels.” And that’s why I love my job!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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