Even though teachers tend to use August or September as the start of the school year, I always tried to use January as a new beginning, too. I reflected on what had been accomplished, considered any changes I had to make, and prepared myself for the tasks ahead. Think about how you can relate/connect your subject areas, just as Ding Darling did. It’s also a good time to “take stock” of our successes and needs. As teachers, we tend to see all that needs to be done because we are the “fixers.” But it is helpful and healthy to consider all that has been accomplished. You can do this for yourself and for your students. In a twist on the “morning message,” gather your class before dismissal. Each day, write one sentence about something positive that happened. You will soon have a chart of optimism in your classroom. Do this for yourself, too. We focus so much on planning, so take a minute or two at the end of your day and write a funny or heartwarming statement in your plan book describing what touched you during the day. Reading back on these will help you to see all the good you prompt in your classroom!
Happy teaching
