Summer Surveys

I pride myself on reflection, at all points in the year, but especially as summer is approaching.  That is the best time to jot down lessons that worked, didn't work, and need to be altered the following year.  If you wait until September, chances are you'll be looking back through rose-colored glasses and won't remember what it was you wanted to do better this year!

One of the ways I gather information about how I did as a teacher during the year is to send out student and parent surveys.  I use www.zoomerang.com to create simple surveys that I can send via e-mail.  The students enjoy filling out the "professional-looking" surveys, and parents are happy that they are so easy to complete!

You can create your surveys for FREE with a simple sign-up.  Click below to get started!

Think about the things that you wanted to accomplish this year, and write your questions accordingly. For instance, I always want the kids to know that I care about them.  So, on the student survey I write "Miss Lewis cares about me." and then offer several scaled responses.  On the parent survey, I write "Miss Lewis cares about my child." and offer several scaled responses.  I also leave room for comments or suggestions.  Sometimes their suggestions are wonderful and I incorporate them in to next year's plans, and sometimes their comments can be used in my year-end evaluation meeting with my principal!

Cubby Curation

One of the best things about researching online to improve my own teaching is finding other teachers who are doing amazing things!  I got this idea from the fantastic 3rd grade teacher/blogger, Dandelions and Dragonflies. 

I have one shelf from IKEA next to each group, where they keep their folders (in IKEA magazine files), textbooks and supply boxes.  On the top you'll see a group hand sanitzer, box of tissues and their ACTIVotes. 

Since I teach fifth grade, and we are in the business of preparing them for life in middle school, they actually turn their desks around (so the opening is facing away from them) partway through the year.  They are allowed to get up and go to their cubbies (or "lockers") once prior to each subject, and must store all supplies on the cubbies and not inside their desks.

Fashioning Files

Some may not realize the importance of keeping organized computer files; we tend to focus on organizing our filing cabinets, but pay little attention to those bothersome yellow folder icons.


The focus of this endeavor is ALWAYS NAME AND SAVE FILES APPROPRIATELY.  Rearranging and renaming files is cumbersome, so getting into the habit of correctly doing it will save you time in the long run.

This is a great starting point for beginning to organize your files.  Follow these steps to get your files in order!

Step 1

Decide what organizational system makes sense for you.  Do you work best when materials are organized by:

• Unit, theme or topic?
• Subject and then topic?
• Standards?
• Time?

Step 2

Begin by creating the folders you will use to store your files.  You can always add, delete or rename them, so don't worry about making it perfect the first time.  

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My files are arranged by subject and topic.



Step 3

Next, add sub-folders that will be easy to use as you are saving or opening files.  Be clear and concise - it is terribly frustrating when you can't find something quickly!

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Within my Math folder, I have files arranged in order of the topics I teach and by extra materials.

Step 4

Decide how to name your files.  What will help you locate them?  Personally, I like to use capital and lowercase letters and be clear and concise. 

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You can see the file trail in the address bar - it is so easy to find my materials now!

Step 5

Move your old files into the appropriate folders and sub-folders, re-naming them along the way.

Step 6

Now, just keep up the work!  Each time you save a file, take the time to put it in the appropriate folder and name it transparently.

BONUS TIP

For your Holidays folder, arrange the files with the number of the month and month or event name.  That way they are always easy to locate!
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You could also arrange them in the order of the school year, with September being marked as 1, October being marked as 2, etc.

Inaugural Idea

After teaching for six years, and searching the internet for informative teacher- and classroom-related sites, I decided to create one of my own! 


My idea is to post tips, how-to guides and thought-provoking information about classrooms, kids and teaching today.  I hope to help other teachers by offering advice about classroom organization, management, and curricula.


I am constantly attempting to better my teaching skills and to inspire my students and myself.  I believe that teaching is my life's work and I cannot wait to share my ideas and knowledge with others!