happy new year

I wonder how many of us educators think about a "year" as being from September to June rather than January to December! And here we are, at the start of a new year. I hope your summers were both relaxing and glorious.

Here's a great place to begin your new year. The folks from Responsive Classroom have a huge amount of information for new teachers as well as for us veterans. And it's not just for primary teachers - read the guided discovery article about the fifth graders and their dictionaries! I especially like that they archive all their newsletters here at http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/newsletter/index.htm. For other great features, follow their links to their home page and to the Article Library.

Okay, I'm not crazy about the web design of this next site but I'm including the link here because the site is about Harry K. Wong and his beliefs. Wong is the co-author of The First Days of School and, although it's not all applicable for elementary teachers, there's some good reminders for us here as we start a new year. The Summary of Major Concepts Covered by Harry K. Wong can be found at http://www.glavac.com/harrywong.htm

I can't find the right URL for this next suggestion - I'll repost if I find it. In the meantime, to get this free mailing from The Master Teacher, you'll need to follow these directions: click on the link at http://www.masterteacher.com/freeresource/. Scroll down to the bottom right section of the page and look for "Weekly Tips." Sign up for emailed hints and strategies about teaching, inclusion, and discipline. Good stuff from a great group.

Lastly, words of inspiration for the new school year. One of my favorite pieces, The Art of Living at http://www.wuji.com/Classics/artofliving.htm carries a good message for all of us - educators or not.

Best wishes for a wonderful new year.