A Look Back

Christmas break seems like the ideal time to evaluate the year. For the most part I feel like the first half of the year went well.

LESSONS

I tried something different with the 5th graders. Instead of seeing them every week (mini-lesson and check out week 1, 30 min lesson week 2), I have been seeing them every other week for 40 min. They come in during SSR time or during breaks to check out, so they aren't missing out on that. I thought this would help my lesson week not be so rushed. It has done that, but I feel like I am behind. I have 8-9 lesson times left for the year, and still a lot I want to cover.

The physical space in the library is pretty much wrapped up. Prior to the start of school, I completely redid the library. The rearranged space is laid out better, better sight lines, seating area, computer stations, new decorations. I painted the classroom, hung a dry erase board and added shelving for teacher resources and work area for me and my volunteers. I was also able to replace the temporary folding tables with nice wood tables on wheels. They seat students better, and can be wheeled off to the back when floor space is needed for read aloud.

Another new blog!

There are so many blogs out there, I'm not sure that the world needs another.  I hope that if you have stumbled upon my site that you find it useful or perhaps you have insight to share with me.  I am serving a Christian elementary school starting with pre-kindergarteners going up to fifth graders and of course their teachers.  I absolutely love what I do and am looking forward to the beginning of another year.  Space is very limited for me, so I have revamped (hopefully for the last time) the layout of the library and taken on another room to use for instruction.  I neglected to take before pictures, but I do have a few durings and am almost ready to take the after pictures.