Back to School, Teachers!

Can you believe we are approaching August!?!  I have had a fabulous summer vacation, and it isn’t quite over, but I’ve been thinking about the new year and have even been in my classroom once (shhh – I know this is a teacher sin).  However, I am not letting the calendar slow down summer fun!!  Are you?

My district brings teachers back on August 12 and kids come on the 15th; however, since I am moving into a new classroom and have to unbox everything, I will officially head back August 5.

I know this is a very busy time for rookie and veteran teachers, PLUS we’re still trying to get in some summer fun, so I’ve created this post that focuses on transitioning back into the school year (aka school mode).

If you’ve seen my Facebook posts, you’ll already know that Fred Myers, Office Depot, and Target have discounts for teachers.  Although my children are not in school, I tend to pick up a few items for my new students, as some come to school without supplies.


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Besides snagging some “Back to School” deals, here are some tips to transition you back to school mode.

Something very important is to continue professional development.  I always start the year with a few areas that I’d like to improve up professionally.  This helps me determine upcoming courses I want to take and books I want to read.  I also determine if I will be working independently or with a small cohort.  I prefer the cohort, since it is a great collaboration and learning format.

Last year I was able to focus my learning on whole brain teaching, instructional strategies, and student motivation and engagement. Read more about this here. 

 

 

 

 

One of the areas I am still developing is project based learning and STEAM.  Although, I’ve spent the past two years working with this concept and online learning, I plan to continue the project based learning and STEAM at my new school, a more traditional environment, using the online learning as a supplemental personalizing resource. I’m hoping there will be some other teachers interested in learning, too.

This is one of the books I’ve been reviewing.  There are books for various grade levels, so this will help teachers focus their planning and instruction. 

 

I haven’t read this one, but I think this would be a great resource for anyone interested in starting a STEM focus.  This would be a resource for homeschooling families and teachers new to STEM.  This book also comes in kindle format. 

 

My daughter is also finishing up a master degree in STEM education, so we have been engaging in great conversations this summer.  I’ll be reading some of her course textbooks for more support.

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I usually spend some time during the summer checking out some new children’s literature.  This summer I read these two books.

Last year I read, The One and Only Ivan.  It was a great book about friendship.  This book follows along the same theme with great adventures.  I’m thinking this will be a class read in September as we continue building our class community.

Another book I read focused on the social studies content, Alaska history.  This book, The Year of Miss Agnes, will be a fabulous book to read and build some background knowledge about life in the bush.

Of course, I’ve been working on my curriculum map and thinking about how the day will start, procedures, expectations, and all that comes with “Back to School” fun.  Check out my tips for a successful year,  to start your year out right.

As you start thinking about heading back to school, keep in mind the tips shared and you’ll be READY when the school bell rings. 


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Annette Durbin

Annette has been an educator for more than 30 years working in the PK-6 elementary classroom, K-12 multi-language learner instructional specialist, district leadership, university professor, as well as a mentor for teachers nationwide. A National Board Certificated Teacher, Annette focuses her research on accelerating learning and advancing achievement, personalizing instruction, technology, and leadership in the education field.

This Post Has 44 Comments

  2. Stacey Billingsley July 30, 2019 Reply

    Great suggestions here! I have a nine-year-old, but I teach high school kids. I’m heading back Aug. 8, and the kids will join us Aug. 15. It will be year 14 for me. In some ways I’m ready, but in others I’m still holding onto summer.

  3. Kendra July 30, 2019 Reply

    Great list! Hope your upcoming year is awesome!

  5. Chris July 30, 2019 Reply

    Great post! As an author, I especially appreciate your efforts to get even your most reluctant readers to pick up a book (or magazine.) When I do school talks around the country about life as an author, kids always ask me, “How do you become a writer?” My answer is always, “Read, read, read, and then read some more. Great readers become even better writers.” Have a great school year!

    1. Annette Durbin July 30, 2019 Reply

      Thanks, Chris!!! I LOVE teaching literacy AND reading/writing go hand in had. What genre do you write?

  6. Alexandra July 30, 2019 Reply

    Thank you for sharing! great recommendations!

  7. Jennifer July 30, 2019 Reply

    I can’t believe the summer is coming to an end! Great list.

  8. Cynthia July 30, 2019 Reply

    I used to be a teacher and now I homeschool my children. I enjoyed seeing your suggestions for read alouds. I will check these out!

    1. Annette Durbin July 30, 2019 Reply

      Great!!! I homeschooled my kiddos for a few years, and LOVED the opportunity to do so.

  9. Robin July 30, 2019 Reply

    Hope you have a great year!

  10. Haley July 30, 2019 Reply

    This is a great informational post! Thanks!

  11. Tiffany July 29, 2019 Reply

    Your kids are going to be so lucky this year! Love the suggestions for magazines and books!

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