Happy New Year! With some returning to school next week and others already in session, the 2022 is underway, but I have a question?
Will your 2022 actually be '2020-too' or truly a new year?
Here is what I mean. COVID impacted our kids in lots of ways and one big way was their work ethic and work routine. Throughout 2020, students got out of 'game shape' for learning, and as a result it has been a struggle getting them back to the form they need to have to succeed on grade level. In addition, student regression from 2020 impacted 2021 greatly, and closing the gaps has been both more challenging than ever AND more important than ever.
2022 has to be a powerful year in learning!
So how do we get them back into game shape? January is the first month of 2022, and thus it has to have a strong start in order for 2022 to have any chance at having a strong finish. If we want to have a strong start, then we have to build a strong learning routine and ensure that students engage in that routine each and every day of January in order to build that routine. Remember that 20 consecutive days of a strong routine lays the foundation for a new habit. If you want to join me in creating this strong routine, let's give it a name.
'Just Do It' is a great slogan from Nike, but you can leverage this catchy slogan with your students to challenge them to build a stronger work ethic and more consistent learning behaviors that will help them reach their learning goals. Consider building stronger routines for the following:
Routines for note-taking and note-using,
Routines for entering the room with a strong start,
Routines for developing fluency and vocabulary acquisition,
Routines for critical thinking and problem-solving,
Routines for how we persevere through challenging work or days,
Variation of routines for each day of the week. Monday is modeling day. Tuesday is TeamWork Tuesday. Wednesday is WinsDay. etc...
The opportunities are endless, but if we want #JustDoItJanuary to succeed, our first question is this. What do I need to improve on in my own routines in order to develop stronger learning routines and behaviors for the students? All improvement starts inside before it can be developed around us.
Finally, I challenge you to grow in your faith. You can change the game for kids in January. To start, I want you to believe in your gifts and abilities, for faith is the foundation you need to close the gaps in 2022. Kids will rise to our expectations when we give them the challenge along with support and encouragement to reach them. I wish you the best year ever in 2022. May it be prosperous and fulfilling.
Comments