I made the decision to let this be a summer of training for me. So in the end I only had about three non-consecutive weeks of vacation. But I learned a lot and am looking forward to putting it in action.
I learned some differentiation strategies, AVID strategies, and technology implementation (we're going 1:1 ipad this year). It was my goal to have all of my lessons planned and handouts prepped when teachers have to report for duty in a couple of weeks. But that didn't happen. I teach Algebra II and Pre-Calculus, but I only ended up focusing on Pre-Cal when I tried to plan. I sketched a rough outline of the first trimester (12 weeks). I have solid lesson plans and handouts for week 1 only.
I showed up to my classroom yesterday. I decided that an hour or two a day will have me set up early enough to focus on planning. Between yesterday and today, I have arranged student and teacher desks. I had hoped to set up backgrounds and boarders for my bulletin boards, but I made the mistake of getting plastic table cloths that tore when I stapled them. (The tip I read said to try vinyl, but I somehow forgot that.) I will either purchase the vinyl or find fabric. I'm hoping to have a more decorated room this year. I got inspired by visiting elementary teacher blogs and Pinterest.
I hope to get the boards finished and a few things on the wall tomorrow. I also want to start cleaning out my class webpage. Since we don't get keys for a couple of weeks, I'm limited on what I'm willing to leave out on shelves.
