Summer Bucket List

Every summer I come up with a bucket list of things I want to do-both personally and professionally. This summer is no different and I am well on my way to doing a lot of what I wanted to get done, well, done. This is a two part series, broken down into 5 professional and 5 personal.  I wanted to share with you guys some of the things I have been able to do, and some of the things that I am still looking forward to doing and accomplishing.  My professional goals are focused on products I want to create in my classroom.  I have really started to enjoy creating products--using fun backgrounds, cute fonts, and adorable clip art to get the decor just the way I want it. Plus, it has become my “adult coloring book”--a complete stress reliever.  The second post will focus on my personal summer bucket list--the book I hope to finish, the shows I want to binge watch on Netflix--you get the idea.

Professional Bucket List

#1 Create an “I Can” Pennant for my classroom

I teach 5th grade science in a suburban school district that is growing every year.  In the last 5 years, the district as grown greatly in diversity--especially economic diversity.  In response to that, the district required “I WIll” statements to be posted every day.  There was not a whole lot of other information provided and very little direction.  I just took the TEKS (learning standards in Texas)  I was teaching for that week, through an I will in front and scribbled it on the whiteboard.  Honestly, half the time I forgot about it--so I knew I needed something permanent that I could use year after year, and also added to the decor of my classroom.  

I created pennant posters for each of the TEKS and my plan is to hang a clothesline on my focus wall and hang each pennant as we work on that unit.  I am excited to see the knowledge of the students grow on the pennant throughout the year.  This is also available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

#2 Create a One Minute Dismissal Checklist

I love all those ideas on Pinterest for the one minute dismissal checklist.  I wanted to create one that works for my own classroom.  My biggest issue is not giving my students enough time to clean their area, gather supplies, put homework away and get out in a quiet orderly fashion every time we switch classes.  Next year, I will see 4 different science classes.  I am hoping that designating the last minute to class and having the visual of the checklist will streamline dismissal time.  

#3 Early Finishers Choice Board

This was another idea I saw on Pinterest.  I am still not entirely sure I want this in the classroom. Obviously I know kids finish assignments at different times, and unless I want chaos I should have things to keep the kiddos occupied--BUT--I also have an issue with kids who think school work is a race and they have to be the first to cross the finish line.

#4 Bring this to class icons

For the last 8 years I have posted a dry erase board outside the door to my classroom and every day I would write what the kiddos needed for class that day.  After the first 6 weeks, they figure out what they need from their lockers daily and I stop updating the board.  It has worked great, until this past school year--the kids just didn’t pay attention to when the board was updated.  I want to create “Icons”--app like pictures with colorful backgrounds that will capture the kids attention quickly and effectively.

# 5 First 2 Weeks Lesson Plans mapped out and copies made BEFORE I officially report back to campus

The biggest goal on my summer bucket list is to have the first 2 weeks completely mapped out in my planner before reporting back to campus.  This includes making the copies I will need.  When school starts--I want to focus on establishing my expectations and procedures--this is a huge professional goal for me and I know that I will be able to focus on it more if my curriculum for those first two weeks is well planned out and ready to go.

Do you create a summer bucket list? What professional or personal things have you been able to cross off your list so far? I'd love to hear from you and share ideas.