Her Back to School Goals for 2012-2013

I cannot believe it is already time to think about going back to school. We are still in Australia having a great time but the fact that it is August and August means back to school is not lost on me - even on the other side of the world. I stumbled upon this link-up with I {heart} recess and thought it would be a good place to start my back-to-school thinking. 

Personal: I always set this goal for myself but I am really hoping this is the year I can keep it up. I can stay at work until 5:00 or 5:30 without noticing and by then, there is no chance of going to the gym because I am so exhausted. If I can leave by 4:00 on non-meeting days and 4:30 on meeting days then I can still go to the gym and be home in time for dinner and some unwind time. *fingers crossed*

Organization: I find myself apologizing many times during the year to the parents and students because I fall behind on my grading. I am horrible with this! I have got to get better and stay on top of things. If I can then it means no more Sunday afternoon marathons of grading papers and no more apology emails.

Planning: I get a 90 minute planning period each day so planning for a week's worth of classes shouldn't be a problem, right? Each teacher reading this blog just chuckled to themselves because they know that planning periods are always interrupted! What I want to do this year is be better about using the time I have productively. No more chit chatting or stalling...it's time for door closed and work! (This will ultimately help make the Personal goal easier too.)

Professional: I learned so much about reading and encouraging my students to be readers by reading The Book Whisperer that I cannot wait to start implementing those ideas in the classroom. My kids better be ready!

Students: Last year my students were terrible about completing their homework. I typically give an assignment on Monday and it is due on Friday. They have all week to get it done. Most weeks I would have 6 or 7 out of 40 complete the work. Crazy huh? This year I want to try to encourage the students to get those assignments completed. I'm not sure how though so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Motto: This is a saying I love and quote often. It is amazing how much you can improve your day simply by smiling or how you can improve someone else's day by sharing your smile with them. :) :)

What are your goals for the upcoming school year?

Happy Goal Setting,