In this throwback episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we revisit Episode 42, “Setting The Stage: Key Areas To Prepare for a Successful Year in our WL Classes.” As the new academic year approaches, it’s the perfect time to refresh our strategies for a smooth and successful start.
Join us as we delve into the four crucial areas to focus on before your students even step into the classroom. We cover everything from optimizing your classroom space and arranging it strategically, communicating essential information to students and parents, and implementing student surveys. These preparations will boost student engagement, foster collaboration, and create a productive year.
This week, I’m diving into 4 key areas to prepare for a successful academic year before your students even step foot into the classroom. I’m highlighting these key areas in this post.
4 Key Areas To Prepare
In episode 106 of GWP The Podcast, we explore how to optimize your classroom space, strategic classroom arrangement, essential information to communicate to our students and parents, and student surveys. Discover how working on these areas before you start the year will enhance student engagement, and collaboration, and overall will set the stage for a good year.
Your Space
One thing that transformed my ability to use the target language in class was utilizing my wall space with useful language resources. Word posters especially are helpful. So, what types of word posters? First, question words. Then, frequent verbs and classroom expressions. Finally, rejoinders. In episode 106, I talk about some of my favorite word groups to use.
Advantages of This Key Area
You’ll be much more intentional using those words. When you’re telling a story, talking about your unit, or asking questions about the weekend, you’ll look at those posters. Next, when you use the language, you can point to it and your students will understand. You can also walk to the language to point so it will help slow you down.
Classroom Arrangement
The physical layout of your classroom can greatly impact student interaction and learning. One important decision to make is whether to use desks or go deskless. I was deskless for three or four years before the pandemic, and when I had to put the desks back due to COVID-19, I almost lost my mind.
Going deskless has numerous benefits. It invites more conversation among students, as there are no physical barriers between them. It eliminates a zone of distraction, allowing students to focus more on their peers and the learning environment. Moreover, it encourages students to be more open and expressive.
Next, you need to decide between individual rows or groups. From my experience, students generally prefer working with their peers. Grouping them into teams provides a great scaffold for collaboration. In episode 106, I also discuss suggestions for Kagan Structures.
Communication
We need to effectively communicate to our students, parents, admin, and even colleagues. Clarity in communication helps students understand what to expect, sets a positive tone, and establishes a foundation for meaningful learning experiences.
Surveys
Conducting a survey can provide valuable insights into your students’ preferences, frustrations, and needs. When designing the survey, focus on three key areas: personal interests, school-related appreciations and frustrations regarding teachers, and how you can better support your students. This feedback allows you to tailor your teaching approach and meet the specific needs of your students.
As always, find all episodes of GWP The Podcast HERE.
