Oops..

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!!