Mr. Lane’s classA tour

2012-2013

Teaching expectations• As your teacher, I have nothing but the highest

expectations for each student this year.

• As your teacher, these expectations will be

communicated from the very first day of class.

• However, as your teacher, I truly believe that if you

put the work in, you can achieve everything we ask

you to do this year. We will not let you fail!

Rules• 1. Safety first!

• 2. Be courteous and respectful

• 3. Everyone participates!

• 4. “Three Before Me”

• (ask classmates for help - then the teacher!)

• These rules are simple but direct, and focus on encouraging classroom participation and a comfortable learning environment. When gone over in class, students figure out the reasons behind each rule, and how it promotes our learning.

Daily schedule• 8:20-8:35: Opening bell work / attendance / pledge

• 8:35-9:50: Language arts (vocab, phonics, writing)

• 9:50-10:00: Morning recess

• 10:00-11:30: Math

• 11:30-12:15: Lunch / lunch recess

• 12:15-12:45: Post-lunch cooldown activity / individual silent reading / Physical Education

• 12:45-1:30: Science (alternatively, art/music/computer project time)

• 1:30-2:10: Interventions

• 2:10-2:20: Overflow / wrap up / clean classroom

• 2:20: End of day

Balance• Teacher-as-lecturer and student-as-learner time will

be split, so that students can learn first-hand instead

of through teacher speeches.

• During student-learning time, I will act as a guide for

students. They will still discover most answers on

their own and in groups.

Attention signal• “If you can hear me, clap once.”

• Students who can hear, clap.

• “If you can hear me, clap twice.”

• Students who can hear, clap twice.

• This technique refocuses the students on the

teacher for important instruction moments.

Attendance• As students are doing their opening assignment, I

will be able to glance around the classroom and see which chairs are missing, and mark them as absent (or late).

• Missed assignments are posted on the Announcements board in the front of the classroom.

• Multiple absences get a call home, to see if assignments can be picked up or if any other help can be offered.

Beginning routines• Greeted at the door at the opening bell!

• Opening bell-work assignment in our

journals, usually a review of the previous day’s work.

• Pledge of Allegiance

Ending routines• Clean the classroom

• Replace any supplies where they belong

• Turn off any computers

• Clean your desk area

• Enjoy your afternoon! Don’t forget your homework!

Assigning classwork & homework

• All assignments will be posted in sections on the

Announcements board.

• Daily Assignments, Homework, and Ongoing Work

will each be included. This area should help

students pace their studying, providing the chance

to learn good study habits.

• Also a printed assignment page in your binders to

keep track for personal record. This teaches

personal responsibility & record-keeping skills.

Collecting completed work

• Assignments will be collected from each student

personally.

• This shows students that I value their work and their

effort. It also lets me know immediately if someone

was missing an assignment, so I can find out why.

• Journals or other long-term assignments are kept at

their desk, and collected periodically.

Records and feedback• Students will get assignments back within hours or

days. I am lucky to have high-school aides in my

classroom, who can help get grades done quickly.

• In-school encouragement will be given to finish

class work. Parental contact may be necessary if

students miss several in a row.

Late/missing assignments• Missing assignments will be communicated to

students at least twice a week.

• Late work is accepted and encouraged.

• Corrected assignments can earn full points.

Finish early?• The teacher has many extra puzzles, learning

activities, and challenging work for those who finish

early and are looking for more to do.

• Occasionally, those who finish early may also be

encouraged to help those who haven’t yet finished.

Family contact• Best way to reach Mr. Lane is through e-mail:

• alane@orlandusd.net

• Phone numbers and school address are also posted

on the website.

• Please don’t hesitate to contact me for anything.

• I look forward to keeping an open and honest

dialogue with each family about each student!

Questions/comments/concerns

• Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

• I look forward to this school year!

• -Adam Lane