This is not the glamorous stage of the teaching year. Instead this is the digging in, effortful chapter of the year--the daily practice, attention to detail, and routine structure that builds the foundation for children.
The key as I've noted so many times is attention to a responsive routine--the structure that has evolved with this year's class in mind.
So today, students will take a math assessment, read closely to learn about the author, Grace Lin, delight in a picture book, practice writer's craft, make music with multiple instruments, and share the next chapter in our read aloud, Letters to Rifka. My job is to keep the momentum going with lots of cheerleading, encouragement, response, and targeted effort so that everyone feels welcome, heard, cared for, curious, and appropriately challenged. Onward.
