The Best Thing I Have Ever Done

As we near the end of the school year it is always good to reflect and see what we can improve on for the next year. I thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect. Teaching blogs have opened a whole new world for me! I have not been to a professional development or done an observation for a while but with teacher blogs we have the opportunity to constantly do them. I wanted to reflect/ share the best things I have ever done as a teacher (not a pat on the back but more the most helpful thing I have found.)

The best things I have ever done as a teacher ( besides finding teacher blogs):

1. This was advice from a teammate- have your students mail all of the valentines first thing when they come in the morning. It eliminates some of that anticipation and allows you to get through the day unit the party. Its simple and IT WORKS!!!

2.  I stumbled upon Whole Brain Teaching. This is one form of classroom management that I fully believe in all of the aspects of it. IT WORKS!!! I thank teacher blogs and youtube for this. If you are searching for something new I just think this might be it. You can basically watch every video and read the website and know how to use it for FREE!!! I love free.

3. Creating a class website. I posted homework, class and school policies. I even linked it to our grade book so parents could access them. Everyone was on the same page. There was not excuses for lost or late assignments. This kept me, my students and their parents accountable. I recommend this in older grades for sure!

Now I am sure there are other smart things I have done as a teacher but these are ones that anyone can use. Share your ideas! What are some of the smartest things you have done as a teacher? What tips do have to share with us?