Guest Blogger: Ms. Fultz's Corner

Hey, everyone! It's Christi here from Ms. Fultz's Corner. I'm happy to be over at Rebecca's blog today as part of the Primary Possibilities Guest Blog Hop. If you haven't been to my blog before, I'm a third grade teacher in Indiana. I write about classroom organization tips, literacy resources, reading strategies, writing mini lessons, math games, and of course everyone's favorite... freebies. =) Stop by and become a follower if you aren't already because I love new teacher friends!

Now that we're new friends, let's talk about resolutions. Like many of you, I'm thinking about all of the things 2013 might hold. This also got me reflecting on 2012. I started thinking about how much my students have grown this year, but also about how I want to make the most of the second half of the year with them. I'm always looking for ways to be just a little bit better. I decided it was time to hold a class meeting and really get to work double time in 2013.

We started back on Thursday. Instead of our traditional morning working, I had this free resolution page waiting for students on their desks. A few of them needed help understanding the concept of a resolution, but most of them got it right away. A few even mentioned popular resolutions they've heard their parents make (like losing weight or quitting a bad habit).  

After they finished their pages, we had a class meeting and discussed the things we could do to make ourselves a little better in 2013. We talked about things like being responsible and following classroom routines {like sharpening those pesky pencils every morning!}. Many students mentioned raising their grades, earning the honor roll, or becoming better at a favorite hobby or sport. A few students mentioned being nicer or more helpful by sharing better. We also talked a little bit about things they could do at home to be better in 2013 too.

We were all feeling pumped and ready to tackle the new year, so it was time to put our plans into action. We started by cleaning our desks and workshop boxes (something I never usually take class time to do). I also used this as an opportunity for students to write notes home if they needed new school supplies. Having scissors, glue, or even crayons has been a problem for this year's group of students. Even though they started the year with their supplies, they've gotten lost along the way. It's so frustrating when we're trying to work and they're hunting for needed materials. A new year of responsibility and productivity starts by having everything you need! So, I typed up a quick sheet and had students fill it out as they cleaned their desks.They simply put a check mark next to the supplies they still had or wrote "I'm Out" if they needed to be restocked. Easy! I stapled the note (on a half sheet of paper) to their resolution sheet and sent them home in their Friday Folders for parents to see. I kept my form really simple in Word so you can grab it here and edit it for your classroom.

Our resolutions and clean start for 2013 took us almost an hour, but I honestly believe it was an hour well spent. I hope it's inpired you too! 

Don't forget to keep hopping along! Your next stop is {I Teach. What's Your Superpower?.}