First Day Tomorrow

In my first three years of teaching, I always had grand plans of being incredibly well prepared for the beginning of the school year, and each year I had big ideas about things I wanted to do during the year. Each time, reality set in quickly.

My first year was all about survival. Just getting through each day.

My second year was tough. I had survived my first year, and had it in my mind to actually try and do my job reasonably well that year. All in all, I tried really hard but didn't get as good at it as I'd hoped.

My third year, I finally did a few things right.

Now, in my fourth year, I no longer have any grand ideas about being incredibly prepared for the first few weeks of school, and my high-level strategy or "theme" for the year has become one of simplifying, not the opposite.

So, I sit before you now and proclaim my goals for the year:
- Do less
- Assign very little homework
- Do more hands-on work.
- Get kids to write about math -- even blog about it.
- Get into the computer lab as much as possible.
- Never teach in a bad mood

On a more spiritual level, if you will, I plan to read something inspirational every day. Even before every class, if possible. The Artisan's Prayer is one example. I need to get myself present, so that the kids have a chance of following. I don't ever want to teach while in a bad mood.

That's it. I'm teaching Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, Finite Math, Algebra 3 and Trigonometry, and AP Statistics. The Algebra 2 class is new to me, and the Finite Math class is new to the school. Stat will be pretty much exactly like I've taught before (though I want to add an experiential thing for each chapter), and the Algebra 3 class is something I've done before, but will change with the addition of the new Finite Math. So essentially I'm teaching about 3 NEW classes this year. Pretty heavy load.

That, and running the chess club and trying to get an Aikido program going. Oboy, here we go...