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.
# 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: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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Sister Alice Boyle just may have been on to something! Thanks for sharing Gina!
ReplyDeleteShe was terrifying! But brilliant! Hope you're doing well! and thanks for reading. Talk soon, Gina
ReplyDeleteGreat advice for the August "ughs"!
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteI started using Writer's Workshop with my students this year and hope to do more next year. I will have to check out your resource!
Brynn Allison
The Literary Maven
I definitely want to start a writer's workshop next year - this resource might be just the ticket!
ReplyDelete-Lisa
Mrs. Spangler in the Middle
Sometimes students need to be pushed out of their comfort zones - it sounds like Sister Alice is a wise lady! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thanks for the reminder to devote more time to planning.
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ReplyDeleteI wish I had a "Sister Alice" to whip me into shape when I was a student. I also love using writer's workshop; it makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteDarlene
ELABuffet
Love your idea for a Macro Schedule and a Micro Schedule . . . it got me to thinking about teaching students to create a Macro Plan and a Micro Plan for their writing!
ReplyDelete-Sherri
Literary Sherri
I like your micro and macro planning idea. I think you may be on to something :)
ReplyDelete