I get around 15 emails a day in my school email account. Emails from everyone, reminders on everything, messages that don't apply to me and random, silly quotes from the superintendent. So after talking to my team, and one of our instructional coaches about everything that I was supposed to be doing on Monday (today) I somehow forgot to read a couple of important emails. So at 8:15 this morning a substitute walked into my classroom and informed she was was taking my class for the day... what??
Apparently I was scheduled to attend a Singapore math training at the district office, in 20 minutes. I have been teaching for a little over a month and already have been responsible for 3 different sub plans. None of these absences were planned. I am so mad at myself for not realizing this and for not having read through my emails closer. However, there was no verbal communication. I went about planning for the day. I was supposed to have some hard core review on number bonds for the retest tomorrow. I didn't have perfectly scripted lesson plans. I had notes but nothing that would be easy for a sub to follow!
The training was actually really, really good. Singapore Math is an amazing program that is so much fun. It is all about 'the why before the how'. We use lots of manipulaties and varying strategies of solving problems. We went through the entire year's curriculum and discusses ways to teach the material. It was awesome. I just wish I was more prepared.
There is SO much to do! My grade book isn't even set up because we can't figure it out!
So I need to always be prepared with some sort of emergency sub plan. I know I need one, I just haven't had the time or the thought to remember and make it.
I do love the kids. And we're having a great time. I have always been impatient with myself. I wish that I was just naturally good at everything. I hate learning.. and failing... and learning again. Our principal with do these random, unannounced five minute observations. Thankfully, none of these observations can go on our record for about another month. So right now is strictly a period to really, really make sure I know what I'm doing. I had one of those 5 minute evaluations and the things we are expected to do it tough to completely implement. So I get to go and observe a class for a little while tomorrow. Just keep learning and just keep swimming and just keep smiling!!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
MY classroom! :D
I have been in first grade one week. I began with the help of a wonderful woman who has experience teaching first grade. I went back to 'Student Teacher' status. I watched, helped the class and set up my classroom while she did the planning and the teaching. I was very grateful for this help and it was nice to have a break to set up my room and get in the groove. It was also difficult not be in control. I understand that the school has been helping me, because fourth grade was sort of a disaster. I am SO ready and SO excited to start teaching all by my self next week.
The teacher who had the room before me left most of the classroom set up. She is letting me borrow a few things that she doesn't need in Kinder, but I am trying to give it my own style and create my own stuff so that I can return all of hers. First grade is AMAZING! The are so sweet, so eager to learn and easier to manage. Of course their are naughty kids but somehow, even when they are naughty, they are super cute still! I have 23 students and only 5 girls!
The curriculum is different. I am not teaching science. We focus mainly on language arts and math. We have set up small groups for intervention that we start next week. The kids have procedures down pretty well but there will be things that I will change. I love having a rug in the back of the room. We are always going from the desks to the rug, standing up, sitting down, partners, games, circles. First graders have short attention spans and I try to switch up the activities every 10-15 minutes. On Friday we sat in a circle to practice of short a sound. I have a Mickey Mouse doll that they got to pass around. They loved it!
It is interesting to get to know a new grade level team. They are very organized and my team leader has been a huge help in getting me all the files that I need. We meet every day for a little bit after school. It is very nice.
I am stating my first year teacher stuff soon. I have a mentor that I work with. I need to begin creating an electronic portfolio and I even have to take a video of myself teaching! Yikes!
I am very excited for next week. It will be fun!
The teacher who had the room before me left most of the classroom set up. She is letting me borrow a few things that she doesn't need in Kinder, but I am trying to give it my own style and create my own stuff so that I can return all of hers. First grade is AMAZING! The are so sweet, so eager to learn and easier to manage. Of course their are naughty kids but somehow, even when they are naughty, they are super cute still! I have 23 students and only 5 girls!
The curriculum is different. I am not teaching science. We focus mainly on language arts and math. We have set up small groups for intervention that we start next week. The kids have procedures down pretty well but there will be things that I will change. I love having a rug in the back of the room. We are always going from the desks to the rug, standing up, sitting down, partners, games, circles. First graders have short attention spans and I try to switch up the activities every 10-15 minutes. On Friday we sat in a circle to practice of short a sound. I have a Mickey Mouse doll that they got to pass around. They loved it!
It is interesting to get to know a new grade level team. They are very organized and my team leader has been a huge help in getting me all the files that I need. We meet every day for a little bit after school. It is very nice.
I am stating my first year teacher stuff soon. I have a mentor that I work with. I need to begin creating an electronic portfolio and I even have to take a video of myself teaching! Yikes!
I am very excited for next week. It will be fun!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
hmm.. Thanks Grandma ;)
So this story actually begins on Monday night. I was coming off an another stressful, exhausting day. I am breaking my back trying to work with this class. I am trying everything, I am am working SO hard. And yet.. I just can't do it. I'll admit it. This class is hard, the kids are hard, the curriculum is hard. And as much as I love teaching and most of the class- I was coming home everyday with a pounding headache, a bitter attitude and feeling highly discouraged. So maybe this just isn't the class for me. I have been praying so hard, trying to figure this out, trying to understand. And I know my prayers have been answered.
I was riding my bike. I was thinking of my Grandma Johnson. She taught 1st grade for thirty years and she was my everything. She passed away when I was ten. As I grow up and begin my teaching career I miss her sooo much. I rode to her house. Parked my bike on the street and just stared at it. I sat there, remembering her and our talks we had together. I didn't cry- I just sat at thought- wishing that I could talk to her, that she could help me through this. I know she watches over me and helps me and I know that she must have pulled some strings. :)
The next morning I receive an email sent to the entire staff from one our kindergarten teachers. She had very suddenly accepted a job at another school and she took it. The next morning, Wednesday, we receive another email explaining that because of enrollment and school grant money reasons that our school cannot hire another teacher. Arrangements would have to be make and many options were being taken into consideration. I didn't really think anything of this. An few hours later, after a stressful and very confusing team PLC meeting, my principal pulls me aside and asks me if I want the position. Unfortunately, I am not licensed to teach kindergarten.
So things are switched very suddenly. Our first grade teacher is switched to that kindergarten position and I am asked to teach first grade. My class will be split up and the fourth and fifth grade classes will be rearranged.
I am blown away. I have always wanted to teach first grade and everyone agrees: This is where I'm supposed to me. Today was my last day in fourth- tomorrow I enter first. Wow.
I don't want to feel like I have 'failed' the fourth grade. This change needed to happen for things to be better- I haven't failed, I'm simply finding a new way. A better way, something that I hope will be a good change. Thankfully, I have a mentor to help me the first few weeks. I will simply observing and helping tomorrow, and slowly take over the class. I feel a little like I'm back to being a student teacher.
Maybe this is where I was supposed to be all along. I am going from a Fourth Grade Nothing to a First Grade Something. And I'm pretty sure Grandma has something to do with it.. ;)
I was riding my bike. I was thinking of my Grandma Johnson. She taught 1st grade for thirty years and she was my everything. She passed away when I was ten. As I grow up and begin my teaching career I miss her sooo much. I rode to her house. Parked my bike on the street and just stared at it. I sat there, remembering her and our talks we had together. I didn't cry- I just sat at thought- wishing that I could talk to her, that she could help me through this. I know she watches over me and helps me and I know that she must have pulled some strings. :)
The next morning I receive an email sent to the entire staff from one our kindergarten teachers. She had very suddenly accepted a job at another school and she took it. The next morning, Wednesday, we receive another email explaining that because of enrollment and school grant money reasons that our school cannot hire another teacher. Arrangements would have to be make and many options were being taken into consideration. I didn't really think anything of this. An few hours later, after a stressful and very confusing team PLC meeting, my principal pulls me aside and asks me if I want the position. Unfortunately, I am not licensed to teach kindergarten.
So things are switched very suddenly. Our first grade teacher is switched to that kindergarten position and I am asked to teach first grade. My class will be split up and the fourth and fifth grade classes will be rearranged.
I am blown away. I have always wanted to teach first grade and everyone agrees: This is where I'm supposed to me. Today was my last day in fourth- tomorrow I enter first. Wow.
I don't want to feel like I have 'failed' the fourth grade. This change needed to happen for things to be better- I haven't failed, I'm simply finding a new way. A better way, something that I hope will be a good change. Thankfully, I have a mentor to help me the first few weeks. I will simply observing and helping tomorrow, and slowly take over the class. I feel a little like I'm back to being a student teacher.
Maybe this is where I was supposed to be all along. I am going from a Fourth Grade Nothing to a First Grade Something. And I'm pretty sure Grandma has something to do with it.. ;)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Going with the Spirit.
This weekend was absolutely wonderful. I had a chance to lay back and relax, hang out with my friends and family and take some time for myself. I listened to some amazing lessons in church and read a conference talk that has really had me thinking.
Here's the link..
Elder Scott's talk- read it! It's super, super good.
Elder Richard G. Scott gave a fabulous talk in General Conference last April. He spoke about gaining inspiration and revelation. I feel as though that is something I am dire need right now. If I can keep the Spirit with me always and listening to the quiet promptings that it gives me, I know that I can be a much better teacher. I will be more confident, ideas will come easier to me, I will be happier and I will truly see these children though Christlist eyes. The Holy Ghost will give us direction in our lives for anything that we need. We simply need to be worthy to receive it.
This talk outlines much of how I am trying to really live my life right now- and how I always should. I have gotten so busy and so stressed that my scripture study and prayer have been.. sad to say it- not as good as they should be. In order to have the Spirit with me and receive inspiration and revelation I must:
Study the scriptures, pray and ask for guidance.
Keep my cool- strive to put away feelings of offense, hurt and anger.
Be happy and keep an appropriate sense of humor.
Exercise, sleep and eat properly.
Listen and recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirt.
I am also trying to take time for my self and for my friends.
I will:
Wake up early and be at the school early to plan my lessons and set up my classroom.
Stay after school to clean the room, meet with my team, and put in grades.
Say a prayer before class starts and after class ends- pouring out my heart and soul.
Do piano lessons.
Ride my bike or take a 20 minute walk.
Practice the piano for 20 minutes.
Read 20 minutes.
Shower at night- it helps me sleep better.
Blog or write in my journal daily.
Study my scriptures.
Today went well and I did it all. Let's see if I can do it tomorrow!
Here's the link..
Elder Scott's talk- read it! It's super, super good.
Elder Richard G. Scott gave a fabulous talk in General Conference last April. He spoke about gaining inspiration and revelation. I feel as though that is something I am dire need right now. If I can keep the Spirit with me always and listening to the quiet promptings that it gives me, I know that I can be a much better teacher. I will be more confident, ideas will come easier to me, I will be happier and I will truly see these children though Christlist eyes. The Holy Ghost will give us direction in our lives for anything that we need. We simply need to be worthy to receive it.
This talk outlines much of how I am trying to really live my life right now- and how I always should. I have gotten so busy and so stressed that my scripture study and prayer have been.. sad to say it- not as good as they should be. In order to have the Spirit with me and receive inspiration and revelation I must:
Study the scriptures, pray and ask for guidance.
Keep my cool- strive to put away feelings of offense, hurt and anger.
Be happy and keep an appropriate sense of humor.
Exercise, sleep and eat properly.
Listen and recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirt.
I am also trying to take time for my self and for my friends.
I will:
Wake up early and be at the school early to plan my lessons and set up my classroom.
Stay after school to clean the room, meet with my team, and put in grades.
Say a prayer before class starts and after class ends- pouring out my heart and soul.
Do piano lessons.
Ride my bike or take a 20 minute walk.
Practice the piano for 20 minutes.
Read 20 minutes.
Shower at night- it helps me sleep better.
Blog or write in my journal daily.
Study my scriptures.
Today went well and I did it all. Let's see if I can do it tomorrow!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Hot Cheetos and Takis
I love my students. I have worked in a Title One school before and I have learned to truly appreciate these children because of their resiliency. The school is 100% poverty. Lunch and breakfast are given away for free. Homes are broken, there is often little home support, and I've been bombarded by learning some of the sad situations of my students. For this reason I must love them even more. I hope that this love will overcome my frustration with them. I just have to keep working!!!
My kids are fighters. Last week two boys started beating each other up because one snuck out during centers and stole the other boy's hot cheetos. Let me me show you a taste of what my students are like.. :)
Hot Cheetos and Takis
For some reason, nearly every kid in the school is obsessed with Hot Cheetos. We have to remind them during morning announcements to not bring them to school. I can't eat them. WAY too hot for me. I don't have their hot and spicy spanish taste buds!
I love my kids. They are wearing me out but they are funny, sweet and fascinating. I'll keep them.
:)
My kids are fighters. Last week two boys started beating each other up because one snuck out during centers and stole the other boy's hot cheetos. Let me me show you a taste of what my students are like.. :)
Hot Cheetos and Takis
For some reason, nearly every kid in the school is obsessed with Hot Cheetos. We have to remind them during morning announcements to not bring them to school. I can't eat them. WAY too hot for me. I don't have their hot and spicy spanish taste buds!
I love my kids. They are wearing me out but they are funny, sweet and fascinating. I'll keep them.
:)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Getting Help
My I.C finally decided to let me borrow the First Grade teacher's mentor. So I finally have some experienced wonderful woman to help me figure out my life! Yes!
We have been working on ways to refine procedures and helping me to find a way to balance my voice level and discipline procedures. As a teacher, you have to be able to have eyes all over your head. You are teaching a whole group while watching individual students, coaching, managing naughty kids, keeping track of your materials, where you are in your lesson, answering questions, giving out tickets, taking away class points, giving class points, staying happy and staying firm. I sometimes struggle to notice and take care of specific problems because I get so involved in my teaching.
The key, I've found, is to keep things very subtle. When you have to stop teaching to fix a behavior problem it is distracting to you and the rest of your class. I am trying to use quick one word warnings, stern looks and proximity.
I need to be more firm, with out being 'mean' which is exactly what I'm afraid of becoming. I have yet to actually send a kid out of the classroom, mostly because I just forget to enforce it. When in reality sending a kid out for a few minutes would fix so many problems. So I'm working on that.
I finally was able to put in a few desks today. We were only able to scrounge up six. I stuck some of my harder kids in them, so they can better keep their hands and feet to themselves. Now all the kids are jealous and want one. I told them we're working on it.
I am trying to find some great ideas for literature centers. Currently I have a writing center where they can choose from three prompts, with instructions on how and what to write. I have a word work center for them to practice spelling and vocabulary words. I'm using laminated sentence strips, whiteboards and magnetic alphabet letters. Reading center, where they can choose a book and fill out a reading response form. At lastly a teacher table where my staff assistant works with small groups. Rotating is tricky and messy. I'm debating on using the Daily 5 program. I'll keep you updated. Any advice?
My mentor is helping me make my room more inviting. I now have a pine tree in my reading center!
I am so happy to have help- someone to talk things over with, who has actually seen me teach!
The kids are still obnoxious. I started Utah Studies with a group of 30 kids today... yikes!!!
Getting better, learning more, getting help. Keep Swimming!!!
We have been working on ways to refine procedures and helping me to find a way to balance my voice level and discipline procedures. As a teacher, you have to be able to have eyes all over your head. You are teaching a whole group while watching individual students, coaching, managing naughty kids, keeping track of your materials, where you are in your lesson, answering questions, giving out tickets, taking away class points, giving class points, staying happy and staying firm. I sometimes struggle to notice and take care of specific problems because I get so involved in my teaching.
The key, I've found, is to keep things very subtle. When you have to stop teaching to fix a behavior problem it is distracting to you and the rest of your class. I am trying to use quick one word warnings, stern looks and proximity.
I need to be more firm, with out being 'mean' which is exactly what I'm afraid of becoming. I have yet to actually send a kid out of the classroom, mostly because I just forget to enforce it. When in reality sending a kid out for a few minutes would fix so many problems. So I'm working on that.
I finally was able to put in a few desks today. We were only able to scrounge up six. I stuck some of my harder kids in them, so they can better keep their hands and feet to themselves. Now all the kids are jealous and want one. I told them we're working on it.
I am trying to find some great ideas for literature centers. Currently I have a writing center where they can choose from three prompts, with instructions on how and what to write. I have a word work center for them to practice spelling and vocabulary words. I'm using laminated sentence strips, whiteboards and magnetic alphabet letters. Reading center, where they can choose a book and fill out a reading response form. At lastly a teacher table where my staff assistant works with small groups. Rotating is tricky and messy. I'm debating on using the Daily 5 program. I'll keep you updated. Any advice?
My mentor is helping me make my room more inviting. I now have a pine tree in my reading center!
I am so happy to have help- someone to talk things over with, who has actually seen me teach!
The kids are still obnoxious. I started Utah Studies with a group of 30 kids today... yikes!!!
Getting better, learning more, getting help. Keep Swimming!!!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Reflection on the first week.
This week has not been all bad. I know I sound like all I have done is complain, however, I am actually loving it. I love having a career and being all 'grown up' and responsible, I love that huge amount of money that magically showed up in my bank account and I LOVE the kids. Yes, it is hard and I am struggling to maintain control, but I am having a great time. The tears, the frustration, the headaches and the heartache is all totally worth it. These kids are tough, but they are sweet and I love being able to get to know them. I love being their teacher. I just hope I can be a better teacher. I want them to know that I am on their side and that I care about them.
Successes!
-We have hit our goal of 98% attendance!
-We have began our language arts centers.
-We were able to take most of our end of week assessments.
-My kids have perfected our tricky hallway procedure.
-They know how to do their bell work and move their attendance clips each morning.
I will continue to post successes because a good reflection states what I did right. I need to be able to praise m myself for my hard work while constantly refining to make things even better. I would also like to use this blog to ask for advice. Several people have messaged me with tips for my classroom. I appreciate this and am open to any suggestions anyone can offer. Feel free to also post any comments either on the blog, my FB wall or the comment bar on my blog links. I would like others to benefit from each other's advice. I am so happy to have so many people following my blog. Tell your friends!
I have some great support. I will be getting some help in my classroom refining procedures, planning lessons and rearranging the classroom to the very best learning environment. I welcome this help. We are working on getting desks. Currently my kids sit at trapezoid tables. I hope that having desks will help with the classroom management. Next week is going to be much better. We are treating it almost as if we were starting over. I just hope that I can continue teach as much curriculum as possible.
This morning my older brother came over to give me a priesthood blessing. It is wonderful to have the Spirit with me to support me through these trials. I know this will help this as I continue on next week.
Thanks for reading, thanks for supporting me! I can do this!!!! :)
Successes!
-We have hit our goal of 98% attendance!
-We have began our language arts centers.
-We were able to take most of our end of week assessments.
-My kids have perfected our tricky hallway procedure.
-They know how to do their bell work and move their attendance clips each morning.
I will continue to post successes because a good reflection states what I did right. I need to be able to praise m myself for my hard work while constantly refining to make things even better. I would also like to use this blog to ask for advice. Several people have messaged me with tips for my classroom. I appreciate this and am open to any suggestions anyone can offer. Feel free to also post any comments either on the blog, my FB wall or the comment bar on my blog links. I would like others to benefit from each other's advice. I am so happy to have so many people following my blog. Tell your friends!
I have some great support. I will be getting some help in my classroom refining procedures, planning lessons and rearranging the classroom to the very best learning environment. I welcome this help. We are working on getting desks. Currently my kids sit at trapezoid tables. I hope that having desks will help with the classroom management. Next week is going to be much better. We are treating it almost as if we were starting over. I just hope that I can continue teach as much curriculum as possible.
This morning my older brother came over to give me a priesthood blessing. It is wonderful to have the Spirit with me to support me through these trials. I know this will help this as I continue on next week.
Thanks for reading, thanks for supporting me! I can do this!!!! :)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Practicing.
I finally broke down today to a few people and cried.. and cried. It felt VERY good to get things out. I needed to hear things that I was doing wrong. I also needed assurance that I am trying and that I am doing things right. I know that it is my first week of school, however, I feel so discouraged because I wish I was better. I feel like I have no control of this class. I am trying everything possible that I can think of to keep up with them. And then the problem comes that I get angry, then I raise my voice. I get mad. And that- is totally unacceptable. I need to find a way to keep my cool and stay calm. Always. Always. Alway. Stay positive.
Getting spiritual here. I have always felt that my 'calling' in life is to teach. It's the only thing that I have ever wanted to do with my life. I have been promised that I will be an example to the children. I am not trying to sound prideful, I am just trying to explain one reason I feel so frustrated. I feel like.. if this is what I am supposed to be doing, then why am I so bad at it right now?
I went to my Institute class tonight and really felt spirit. I came to a resolution that these kids need me. I need to love them unconditionally. In this life, we are practicing to become the very best that we can possibly be. This life is not a test, it's practice. I am practicing patience. I am practicing to be a better teacher, a good parent to my future children, and a good friend to everyone around me. And nobody is a master at something in the very beginning. It always takes practice.
A good friend that I made this summer was very excited for me to begin teaching. He told me there are only two careers that will exist in the afterlife. Teaching and Farming. Now he never explained to me the importance of farming, but I will always remember the part about teaching. The world needs good teachers. Our God needs good teachers. And what I learn here in this life is what I will take me when I leave it.
I will love these children. I will do my absolute best to build them up, to support them, be there for them. I will help them learn and grow. They will leave my class better that they came in, because I will work my butt off this year. I will vow to be happy and positive. I will continually find ways to improve my teaching and my classroom management. I will not yell at my students.
I will just keep practicing. :)
Getting spiritual here. I have always felt that my 'calling' in life is to teach. It's the only thing that I have ever wanted to do with my life. I have been promised that I will be an example to the children. I am not trying to sound prideful, I am just trying to explain one reason I feel so frustrated. I feel like.. if this is what I am supposed to be doing, then why am I so bad at it right now?
I went to my Institute class tonight and really felt spirit. I came to a resolution that these kids need me. I need to love them unconditionally. In this life, we are practicing to become the very best that we can possibly be. This life is not a test, it's practice. I am practicing patience. I am practicing to be a better teacher, a good parent to my future children, and a good friend to everyone around me. And nobody is a master at something in the very beginning. It always takes practice.
A good friend that I made this summer was very excited for me to begin teaching. He told me there are only two careers that will exist in the afterlife. Teaching and Farming. Now he never explained to me the importance of farming, but I will always remember the part about teaching. The world needs good teachers. Our God needs good teachers. And what I learn here in this life is what I will take me when I leave it.
I will love these children. I will do my absolute best to build them up, to support them, be there for them. I will help them learn and grow. They will leave my class better that they came in, because I will work my butt off this year. I will vow to be happy and positive. I will continually find ways to improve my teaching and my classroom management. I will not yell at my students.
I will just keep practicing. :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Pencils
Day 3- check!
The kids are slowly getting better... slowly... slowly. They did a great job during rotations today. While they were rotations I was told by my I.C (Instructional Coach) to walk about the school and observe some awesome teachers. I saw some things that I need to do. Mostly just better procedures. I thought I had procedures. We talk about how to do everything, every time we do it. But I didn't think of having a pencil procedure chart or making large posters to explain how to work during every part of the day. I have lots of work to do. :)
Pencils. The kids are obsessed with the new steel pencil sharpeners I bought at Utah-Idaho Supply with my precious P.O order. However, they have severe troubles sharpening their pencils. As we cleaned the floor today, we found about twenty pieces of pencil lead. I am going to sharpen all the pencils every morning- and then have an assigned student to do if needed during the day. The kids simply need to walk back and grab a new pencil and replace their old pencil. I will keep a nifty steel pencil sharpener on my person at all times in case the kids badly need a pencil sharpened during the many times I don't want them running about the room sharpening pencils.. over and over.. and over... again. I am pretty sure that they break them on purpose. Poor Ticongeroga pencils... :(
I have been making it to the school between six and six thirty every morning and then staying untill five thirty. I am working nearly 12 hour days and it is beginning to wear me down. I wake up about four and can't sleep, so I just get up and get to work. And staying up until twelve thirty doesn't help much either.. thanks friends. Thank you crazy family who is driving me crazy. :)
I am still flying by the seat of my pants. I feel guilty because our schedule this week has been so out of order. It's been so much about rules, procedures, practice.. practice.. practice. I feel like next week is going to so much better.
I'm taking an Ambien and going to sleep. :)
The kids are slowly getting better... slowly... slowly. They did a great job during rotations today. While they were rotations I was told by my I.C (Instructional Coach) to walk about the school and observe some awesome teachers. I saw some things that I need to do. Mostly just better procedures. I thought I had procedures. We talk about how to do everything, every time we do it. But I didn't think of having a pencil procedure chart or making large posters to explain how to work during every part of the day. I have lots of work to do. :)
Pencils. The kids are obsessed with the new steel pencil sharpeners I bought at Utah-Idaho Supply with my precious P.O order. However, they have severe troubles sharpening their pencils. As we cleaned the floor today, we found about twenty pieces of pencil lead. I am going to sharpen all the pencils every morning- and then have an assigned student to do if needed during the day. The kids simply need to walk back and grab a new pencil and replace their old pencil. I will keep a nifty steel pencil sharpener on my person at all times in case the kids badly need a pencil sharpened during the many times I don't want them running about the room sharpening pencils.. over and over.. and over... again. I am pretty sure that they break them on purpose. Poor Ticongeroga pencils... :(
I have been making it to the school between six and six thirty every morning and then staying untill five thirty. I am working nearly 12 hour days and it is beginning to wear me down. I wake up about four and can't sleep, so I just get up and get to work. And staying up until twelve thirty doesn't help much either.. thanks friends. Thank you crazy family who is driving me crazy. :)
I am still flying by the seat of my pants. I feel guilty because our schedule this week has been so out of order. It's been so much about rules, procedures, practice.. practice.. practice. I feel like next week is going to so much better.
I'm taking an Ambien and going to sleep. :)
Monday, August 27, 2012
First Day of School- ah!!!
I talked to a woman this morning who is a retired teacher, and now just volunteers to play the piano and read to kids and stuff. She tried to console me when she saw how nervous I was. This is her 49th 'first'. I can't even imagine right now being that good, that experienced. I feel so overwhelmed by everything right now.
I KNOW that I'm a good teacher. I've had.. some experience. Student teaching at least. Granted, summer camp, piano lessons and hanging out with kids after school doesn't make me a master teacher, I know that I need more classroom experience. However, I've always felt relatively comfortable in the classroom, I feel like the kids like me and that I do a good job. But the first day of school is so hard!! I expected it to be hard, but I guess I sort of hoped that it wouldn't be.
You see, the first day, week... month.. possibly the whole year- is about procedure. Procedures, procedures, procedures. So I taught the procedures. We discussed countless times how to walk down the hall, how to stay quiet and to be respectful. And you would suppose that by the fourth grade kids would know how to behave in a classroom. Apparently not! I spent half the day just trying to get these kids to follow instructions! I pulled out all my old tricks. I used a variety of cues, and we practiced them over and over again. I moved kids, put them in seats, walked about the room, tried to keep things moving quickly. I pulled kids aside during recess to discuss behavior. I waited for kids to be respectful and quiet. I reviewed the rules again and again. The principal came into the room and even had to have a chat with the kids. Boy, that made me feel like crap. I feel like the faculty is looking down on me and thinking that I'm a bad teacher. I think that I just need to accept the challenge and keep going. I'm not super upset.. just frustrated!!
I wish that I could give you a super nice blog about how much I love my students and how wonderful of an experience that I had my first day of school. Many of the students are wonderful, sweet children who cause no problems. But most of the kids are monsters!
So- I can't just complain. I need to find a way to solve the problem.
I will commit to:
Be more organized in my lesson plans and make sure that the day is fast paced and interesting.
Be positive in my conversations with my students and continue to give praise.
Create a classroom atmosphere that allows for better instruction and class participation.
Continue to constantly review rules and procedures.
Don't let the students win. I'm the teacher, I set the rules and stick to them.
Learn the names of my students and get to know there personalities and skill levels.
Tomorrow will be better!
I KNOW that I'm a good teacher. I've had.. some experience. Student teaching at least. Granted, summer camp, piano lessons and hanging out with kids after school doesn't make me a master teacher, I know that I need more classroom experience. However, I've always felt relatively comfortable in the classroom, I feel like the kids like me and that I do a good job. But the first day of school is so hard!! I expected it to be hard, but I guess I sort of hoped that it wouldn't be.
You see, the first day, week... month.. possibly the whole year- is about procedure. Procedures, procedures, procedures. So I taught the procedures. We discussed countless times how to walk down the hall, how to stay quiet and to be respectful. And you would suppose that by the fourth grade kids would know how to behave in a classroom. Apparently not! I spent half the day just trying to get these kids to follow instructions! I pulled out all my old tricks. I used a variety of cues, and we practiced them over and over again. I moved kids, put them in seats, walked about the room, tried to keep things moving quickly. I pulled kids aside during recess to discuss behavior. I waited for kids to be respectful and quiet. I reviewed the rules again and again. The principal came into the room and even had to have a chat with the kids. Boy, that made me feel like crap. I feel like the faculty is looking down on me and thinking that I'm a bad teacher. I think that I just need to accept the challenge and keep going. I'm not super upset.. just frustrated!!
I wish that I could give you a super nice blog about how much I love my students and how wonderful of an experience that I had my first day of school. Many of the students are wonderful, sweet children who cause no problems. But most of the kids are monsters!
So- I can't just complain. I need to find a way to solve the problem.
I will commit to:
Be more organized in my lesson plans and make sure that the day is fast paced and interesting.
Be positive in my conversations with my students and continue to give praise.
Create a classroom atmosphere that allows for better instruction and class participation.
Continue to constantly review rules and procedures.
Don't let the students win. I'm the teacher, I set the rules and stick to them.
Learn the names of my students and get to know there personalities and skill levels.
Tomorrow will be better!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Firsts.
To everything in life there is a first. Your first word, your first step, first day of school, first day on the new job. The first time. And no matter how many firsts you have been through, the new first is always the worst. Doing something new can be a most challenging and exhilarating experience. Terrifying, nerve wracking, frustrating, exciting and totally unpredictable.
This is my first year of teaching school. It's the first, but it won't be the last. And because it isn't the last, I know that I can only continue to grow. This blog will document my first year of teaching. The ups, the downs, the new ideas and new knowledge that I gain. This isn't my classroom blog, this isn't for my students or for my parents. It's for me, it's for you. It's for new, terrified teachers everywhere.
I'm teaching fourth grade this year. I never dreamed that I would end up working for this district. I always assumed that I would begin my career somewhere else. However, this is a first. Now that I am part of this district, my alliances have changed. I think that a person needs to feel pride for where they are. I refuse to start out in this district with a pre-constructed bias and a bad attitude. There are changes here, oh yes, big ones. However, I am beginning to realize the power and influence of this district. There are amazing things happening. Programs, goals, data digs. We will make a difference in these children's lives.
First classroom. It's finally set up. Pictures are soon to come. I am trying to go for sort of a camping theme. It won't be extreme, but enough to be fun. I am finishing up tomorrow, continuing to put up all of the required posters, pocket charts, and bulletin board stuff.
First Back to School Night. Sure, only about half of my 26 students showed up, but I loved seeing them and getting to know them and their family's. I can't wait to begin teaching them!
First time in a school like this. My school was built in the 70's in what they call an 'open classroom environment'. The school is shaped as a large dome. We have no actually walls. Rather, large cubicle like dividers separating all of the rooms, no doors. They all form in a large circle with the library in the middle. I love it. It feels so comfortable and friendly.
First day of school is coming up. I'll let you all know how it goes.... yikes!
Wish me luck!!
-MISS TAYLOR
This is my first year of teaching school. It's the first, but it won't be the last. And because it isn't the last, I know that I can only continue to grow. This blog will document my first year of teaching. The ups, the downs, the new ideas and new knowledge that I gain. This isn't my classroom blog, this isn't for my students or for my parents. It's for me, it's for you. It's for new, terrified teachers everywhere.
I'm teaching fourth grade this year. I never dreamed that I would end up working for this district. I always assumed that I would begin my career somewhere else. However, this is a first. Now that I am part of this district, my alliances have changed. I think that a person needs to feel pride for where they are. I refuse to start out in this district with a pre-constructed bias and a bad attitude. There are changes here, oh yes, big ones. However, I am beginning to realize the power and influence of this district. There are amazing things happening. Programs, goals, data digs. We will make a difference in these children's lives.
First classroom. It's finally set up. Pictures are soon to come. I am trying to go for sort of a camping theme. It won't be extreme, but enough to be fun. I am finishing up tomorrow, continuing to put up all of the required posters, pocket charts, and bulletin board stuff.
First Back to School Night. Sure, only about half of my 26 students showed up, but I loved seeing them and getting to know them and their family's. I can't wait to begin teaching them!
First time in a school like this. My school was built in the 70's in what they call an 'open classroom environment'. The school is shaped as a large dome. We have no actually walls. Rather, large cubicle like dividers separating all of the rooms, no doors. They all form in a large circle with the library in the middle. I love it. It feels so comfortable and friendly.
First day of school is coming up. I'll let you all know how it goes.... yikes!
Wish me luck!!
-MISS TAYLOR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)