Getting Ready for Next Year...Already!

OK, it is official. I have started thinking about some things that I would like to improve upon and change up a little for next year. Time4Kindergarten is having a linky party so that teachers can share some of their ideas to help make our transition back into the classroom in the Fall nice and easy.


Here are some of the things that I do every year:
1. To-Do List: I keep a to do list on my computer desktop so that when I am blog hopping, checking email, etc. I can take a bit of time to create/redo something to stash on my flashdrive so that I can take it to school and print it off in color. When one item is completed, I delete it from the list.

2. Print/Laminate: Every so often I bring my flashdrive to school, print off some items such as new bathroom passes or table tub numbers (snag a copy below), and then laminate and cut them so they are ready for the Fall.

3. Classroom Configuration: I start thinking about how to rearrange my classroom for the Fall. I'm having a hard time this year though because I really liked how I set it up this year and I'm not certain that I will make too many changes.

4. Labels: I adhere labels to construction paper folders for back to school night that have my classroom info. and my classroom website address on them. I've got them all printed off for next years group already.

5. Messy Tubs: On the last day of school, I have my current kids use Clorox wipes to clean out their independent reading tubs and a few of my library tubs so they can be stored over the summer and I won't need to clean them in the Fall (other than a quick dusting).

6. Questionnaire: I create a classroom questionnaire for my kids to use to rank certain units of study and management items on how useful they were. I also create one for my parents to fill out for me to help me plan and tweak my plans/ homework packets, etc. over the summer for next year. Ii is always very helpful to see how your parents and kids felt about your homework and classroom management. Sometimes they have great ideas for change that I never thought of!

7. Welcome Brochures: I create a welcome brochure for my current class to fill out for my next years class. They love getting them on back to school night. I always include a section on what units of study we have in third grade, field trips they will get to take, and some things they must know about me, Mrs. Randall. They always say silly things that put my new kids at ease, such as "if she seems grumpy, she just needs a hug and a few more sips of her coffee." Of course, I am never grumpy though! Geesh!

I'm sticking with my team theme for next year so I created these team number labels to adhere to little supply caddies I place on student table teams. Maybe you can use them if you do a team theme as well...


Here is a copy of my bathroom passes. I laminate them and cut them out. Then I stick them in those clear plastic picture frames you can find at Target and Walmart. When kids need to use the restroom, they place the appropriate frame on their desk. This ensure only two students go to the restroom at a time, one girl and one boy. Also, if I have to leave my room quickly for a fire dirll, I can take a quick scan of the desks to see if someone is in the restroom. The frames stand up on the desks and make it easy to see who is out of the classroom.