One of my goals this year is to avoid teacher burnout by accepting help that is offered! I have already had SEVERAL parents whose children I have taught offer to help me set up my room and help with anything I have need of.

Why is it so difficult for me to let people actually help me? What is this need to do everything perfectly and do everything myself?

I have found that, though I work tirelessly in an attempt to do so, I cannot do everything that I want to do. There are not enough hours in the day and I do not have enough hands. When I try to do everything, I am spread so thin that I am of no use to the children when they come in in the morning-and isn't that who I am there for?

As teachers, it's hard to let go of that control, but I am sure going to try for the sake of my sanity!

Another year has ended and next year provides new students (1st graders!), new challenges, and new opportunities to be effective and meaningful in our practices. I have been completely wrapped up in professional literature because my students deserve the best teacher I can be. Here are some of the books I have read/are currently reading/are on order to guide me through preparation for next year:


Books on the Reggio Emilia Approach:
Beautiful Stuff: Learning from Found Materials
Designs for Living and Learning
Working in the Reggio Way
www.theprojectapproach.org

Classroom Management:
Punished by Rewards
Beyond Discipline

Building Community:
The Morning Meeting Book
The First Six Weeks of School (Thank you, Mrs. R!)

Classroom Organization:
Spaces and Places
Classroom Management in Photographs

Content:
Guided Reading
Making...