One of my SCARIEST, but best teachers EVER - did we not all have one of those? - had above her chalk board, in large cut out stencils:
"FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL."
In addition to being an antimetabole, and incurring a nearly "audible eye roll" from students, it just so happened to be true. She was a mentor, not my actual English Teacher, but she sure did teach me a lot. And every student she taught went in to her class hating her GUTS, but left smarter, and somehow, loving her.
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| Me and Sister Alice, fundraising |
# 1. In honor of Sister Alice Boyle, who is still kicking butt and taking names, let's do a little "Planning Ahead" - Here is a TIP:
***Use Your August wisely***** - make a "macro," semester schedule, and a "Micro" first month, or, first week schedule. Set aside just ONE WEEK to do it. But make sure you do.
A. Eases the August "ughs." - you know, the creeping dread surrounding all the work you KNOW you have to do? Stop procrastinating, sit down, do the work. Then go back to your vacation.
B. Builds a foundation for organization. Just a little bit of work now will improve the beginning of the year, and sets a good habit for the rest of the year, too.
C. May lead to inspiration! Once you sit down and have an overarching schedule you may break through the "writer's block" of simply dreading your task, and find great ideas on the other side of that wall.
Keep on Learning and Teaching, Gina @ the PerfettoWritingRoom
WHY?
The amount of time it takes to organize a semester schedule, and to then break down what you will do the first week (or the first four weeks) will NOT take that much time. But, it has the following benefits:
Did you ever feel this way? 
A. Eases the August "ughs." - you know, the creeping dread surrounding all the work you KNOW you have to do? Stop procrastinating, sit down, do the work. Then go back to your vacation.
B. Builds a foundation for organization. Just a little bit of work now will improve the beginning of the year, and sets a good habit for the rest of the year, too.
C. May lead to inspiration! Once you sit down and have an overarching schedule you may break through the "writer's block" of simply dreading your task, and find great ideas on the other side of that wall.
And #2. An essential, "Start the School Year Off 'Write' " Resource!
The Complete Writer's Workshop - Grades 6 - 8 - 10 -12. My favorite all-time resource! Fully Common Core Aligned, it teaches students how to properly implement and use the Writer's Workshop Model. When done at the beginning of the year, the instructor can look forward to an entire year of student-centered writing growth and progress.
Keep on Learning and Teaching, Gina @ the PerfettoWritingRoom
Enjoy your SUMMER, and be sure to visit other great teachers who are LOOKING AHEAD and have great ideas and tips for you!
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