ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – Many teachers have already been back all week getting ready for a new year.
Teachers at Valley View Elementary school in Ashwaubenon say that preparation has changed over the years.
From making seating charts to prepping lesson plans, the teachers are as ready for school to start as the students.
“It’s so exciting you lose sleep at times because you’re like ‘oh I can’t wait to try this, I can’t wait to meet this student,’” said fourth-grade teacher Andrea Ciha.
In less than a week the halls at Valley View Elementary in Ashwaubenon, and schools across Wisconsin, will be filled with students.
The preparation for teachers goes beyond getting the classroom ready.
“Today we watched a video really focusing in on the social and emotional development of students,” said Amanda Rotter Valley View first grade teacher.
Their attention isn’t all on test scores, but engaging students and getting them excited to learn.
“It’s kind of always been there, its just brought to the forefront a little bit more. There’s a little more focus on it,” said Rotter.
The mistakes students make could have underlying issues, like pent-up energy
“We know that students spend more time sitting and learning in classrooms,” said pediatric occupational therapist, Heidi Stubb.
A new hallway at Valley View is designed to help kids with that problem. Hopscotch and breathing activities give them a chance to get out of their seat and move.
“Jumping and reaching and heavy work,” said Stubb. “To kind of get them organized and focused and in the moment, if you will, and ready to learn.”
And teachers are already looking for ways to build that relationship with students.
“It’s current it’s what the kids know right now,” said Rotter.
By filming a choreographed dance to a popular Blanco Brown song that they will watch on the first day.
Open house at Valley View is Wednesday. It will be the first time students meet their teachers ahead of the school year.
