What do you do when the internet goes out, and there are two days before the students arrive at school? Make anchor charts, of course. Why not? The laminator is well stocked and hot. I got new markers with my supply order. I have a copy of Disrupting Teaching* on my table with a bookmark to the Book, Head, Heart format.
Influencer Faith Broussard Cade of Fleurdelisspeaks wrote, “You are not a fraud. You have put in the work. Do not waste precious energy doubting your worth or capabilities. You deserve to be here.”*
Even though the state insists on a new rubric for evaluation of teachers, even though the district has chosen a new platform for teaching English/ Language Arts, and even though my supervisor will be checking for annotated lessons and gifted strategies, I am an expert here. I know what I am doing.
It’s so easy for me to get stressed out over all the new, but I am keeping a mantra throughout beginning-of-the-year teacher meetings, “You know what you are doing!”
So anchor charts! To remind me that good teaching practice was not invented this year. I will implement good reading strategies without a manual that is hidden behind a code I don’t know yet. I will guide my students’ writing by sitting beside them as I have always done. I will encourage independent reading, personal narrative writing, and poetry not just in April. I deserve to be here.
*Kylene Beers & Robert E. Probst, Disrupting Thinking: Why How We Read Matters, Scholastic, 2017.
*Faith Broussard Cade, Shine Bright Anyway, Harper Collins, 2024
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I love your positive attitude. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when so much new is happening and expected. Your mantra is perfect. Wishing you the best as your year starts!
Ooh, I love that Book, Head, Heart–that’s a lovely prism to view a book through. And–you DO have this. You’re an inspiring, creative teacher, Margaret!
Have a great year!
“You know what you are doing!” To be sure. A perfect mantra for a year of changes, but there are no changes in the bottom lines that you are an expert at. Have a great beginning of a new year.
I love me a brave and bold experienced teacher! Preach it, Sister! Show the babies how it’s done!
Oh Margaret – I can tell from all your posts over the years that you are a GIFTED gifted teachers. Do not doubt yourself! I am in awe of how you connect to your students and bring them the joy of reading and writing.