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!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
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!!!! :)
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