Welcome to 2010!

I recommend reviewing classroom expectations and reteaching procedures the first day back from winter break. Give specific praise for what your classes have been doing well so far, and ask students to help you describe exactly what still needs work. Also, during the month of January try to build movement into your lessons because kids aren't as physically active outside. Have students pantomime a scene from a story you just read while the class guesses what is being acted out, for example.

The Better Teaching Elementary Edition for January includes tips for setting up math stations, differentiating for a diverse classroom of students, using writing prompts to help students prepare for class discussions, instilling a climate of appreciation and patience, and teaching specific study and memorization tips.

The January Better Teaching Secondary Edition shares tips for supporting student organization (it lists 4 activities, try 1 per week during homeroom for a month of organization!), efficiently reviewing homework, creating an on-line book club, documenting student performance using specific & measurable language, creating a reusable lesson plan for your last minute absence, and giving pairs of students techniques for reviewing reading and practicing for quizzes.