"What about the rest of the year?"

Shandi, The importance of engagement has been stressed throughout this entire semester. Finding ways to "draw students in" and "keep students interested" is not as easy as one might bel... See More

Shandi, The importance of engagement has been stressed throughout this entire semester. Finding ways to "draw students in" and "keep students interested" is not as easy as one might believe. Classrooms are not chosen by the teachers. They are given to them each and every year. The time teachers and students spend together is usually calculated and scheduled without their input. In science, the difficulty lies in overcoming the stereotype of what science is not. Most students shy away from science and resist any type of introduction to science other what they "are required to do". So when presented with information that can offer tips and techniques for creative teaching becomes available, I am all ears. In "The Idea Bank", the author Harry Wong provides procedures that are the foundation for student achievement and examples of what to do to "start the year off right". For special education teachers, it is very relevant to note that science teachers today must set the goals abiding by laws and guidelines established by the No Child Left Behind Act and the state and national standards. With the addition of students with special needs, the article makes it clear how valuable time is in any student's life. Starting off the year by stating the rules and the consequences of breaking those rules provides the students with boundaries and the classroom with the opportunity to maintain order. The importance of "taking control" of your class the first week of school seems like a very effective way to create and encourage routines. The classroom remains under the teacher's care and offers the students a chance to reach their higher order goals of deep understanding, inclusion, inquiry and critical thinking. "Starting the Year Off Right" can be a win, win situation if done right. I just wished he had talked about what to do for the rest of the school year.