Example
Goals:
1. Number of books read in 9 weeks.
2. Total number of words read. (Students in my
classes are encouraged to reach a million words by the end of the school year.
One student reached their million words read by the holiday break!) The number
of words read are calculated by passed book quizzes.
3. 80% or higher passing rate on book quizzes.
4. Perfect attendance at school.
5. Participate in all classes by answering a
question asked by the teacher in front of classmates.
6. Volunteering to read aloud in READ 180 and in
other classes.
7. Read at least 20 minutes each night.
8. Complete eReads with passing scores.
9. Improvements in each Reading Inventory.
10. Join a club or after school program to
challenge yourself.
11. Answer all questions in the ReaL book to the
best of your ability.
12. Complete assignments in each Small Group
rotation.
13. Rotate quickly and quietly.
Share
Dear Abby's New Year's Resolution with your students. In fact, make individual
copies for all students. Next, read it aloud to all students in Whole
Group.
“DEAR READERS: Welcome to 2018! A new year has
arrived, and with it our chance for a new beginning by Abigail Van Buren.
Today we have an opportunity to discard destructive old habits for healthy new ones, and with that in mind, I will share Dear Abby's often-requested list of New Year's Resolutions -- which were adapted by my late mother, Pauline Phillips, from the original credo of Al-Anon:
JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit.
If I am overweight, I will eat healthfully -- if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.JUST FOR TODAY: I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions."
On the
second reading, have students read it as a choral reading or as an Oral Cloze.
Then, have students write their own goals and resolutions on the back. As
students are writing casually walk around the classroom. Have students share
their writings with their elbow partners. Ask for volunteers to share their
goals and resolutions to the whole class. Lastly, have students keep the copy
in their reading folders and periodically look over them to make sure they are
working toward their goals and resolutions.
"When you get all you want and you struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your mother, your father or wife
whose judgment upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you right to the end,
and you've passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you've cheated the man in the glass." by Peter "Dale" Wimbrow Sr.
Hold students accountable for their hopes, dreams, behaviors, attitudes, and goals.
The third day back at school, I would use the
following in a high school classroom:
On the third day back in school share the
following from financial planner George Kinder that he asks each of his new
clients to respond to the following three hypothetical scenarios:
1. Imagine you have more money than you ever
dreamed of. What would you buy? Where would you travel?
2. Now imagine that your doctor diagnoses a rare
disease; you will die within 10 years. How will you live your life?
3. Now the doctor says that you have only 24
hours to live. The question isn't "What would you like to do or buy
between now and tomorrow?" It's this: "What did you not get to do in
life--who did you not get to be?"
The three different scenarios help students to "focus less on net worth and more on self-worth." We want our students to go after their dreams, live their best lives, and be accountable for who they become.
Welcome to 2018! May you and your students have the best year ever!!
Philosophy of Teaching All of my life, I have enjoyed working with children and have always desired to teach. It is my belief that no matter what socio-economic background, everyone deserves to achieve his/her educational goals. It is my ambition to facilitate this process.Growing up in the Houston area, I have always been aware of the Cypress-Fairbanks School District. The district's reputation of excellence is well known, not only in the Houston metroplex, but throughout the state of Texas. As a professional educator, it is important to be associated with a school district whose goals for its students are aligned with my philosophy of teaching.