Steve Reifman - Tip #1: Beginning-of-the-Year Priorities

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Tip #1: Beginning-of-the-Year Priorities

Sunday, 22 August 2010 17:45

Tip #1: Beginning-of-the-Year Priorities

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At the beginning of each new school year, we need to focus significant time and attention on the four critical priorities described below.

Over the next couple months all the weekly teaching tips will address these priorities. I describe these priorities in much greater detail in my book Eight Essentials for Empowered Teaching and Learning, K-8: Bringing Out the Best in Your Students.

To help you implement the weekly tips, I will frequently upload various items in the "Free Resources" section of this website.

Establish procedures, routines, and expectations so students know how to function efficiently and effectively in our classrooms. Keep this training period going until performing these routines and procedures becomes second nature for students. Generally, 4-6 weeks will be sufficient.
Begin to build a cooperative classroom culture through icebreaking and team-building activities so students feel safe and comfortable and start to see one another as friends and assets, not rivals.
Establish a sense of purpose in your class so students understand why it's important to come to school each day and work hard. Students who understand the many purposes of their learning will behave better, work with greater motivation and enthusiasm, and find greater meaning in their work.
Communicate with your studentsâ€™ families about the new year. Build a sense of excitement, optimism, and possibility as you share your plans for the coming months. Be proactive. Doing so gives you the opportunity to package your ideas and articulate them in the best possible light. Proactivity increases your credibility, strengthens your voice, and reaffirms your position of leadership.

New Teaching Tips appear every Sunday of the school year.