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.