read it!

http://www.newteachercenter.org/article2.php

Can you please find my mind for me? I've lost it.

Today was the first full day of school, and I survived, though I'm not sure I'm still in one piece. After spending the first hour plus trying to wrangle in the wild animals while checking paperwork, I wanted to go home. Too bad it was only 10 o'clock. I was then supposed to issue lockers. Too bad nobody gave me the combinations. I'm supposed to take computerized attendance every period. Too bad I can't get on my computer. This list could go on...well, forever.

If I'm trying to look on the bright side of things: we did a really cool project helping them practice the scientific method, and I learned most of the kids' names. Also, the other teachers warned me about one specific kid, and I was able to reel him in pretty quickly. We'll see how long that lasts....

I hope that everyone else's years start off a little bit smoother! If you're ever just about to cry because it's so overwhelming--give me a call. I'm there, too.

a little inspiration :)

Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it. -- Harold Hulbert

All children can and will learn, although not on the same day or in the same way.

Training

School starts in less than 2 weeks! I started setting up my classroom last week and have been working on it this week as well. Two of the other fifth grade teachers met me on Tuesday afternoon to walk me through some of the curriculum. Wednesday and Thursday were all day new teacher training district-wide. In a district of 20 elementary/jr high schools, there are only 8 new teachers for grades 3-6! It is ridiculous~! I am overwhelmed with all the 'stuff' that needs to be done.. I haven't even started lesson planning. Yikes. There are 2 other first year teachers at my school (1st grade) and I'm glad to have that support network for sure. How is everyone else holding up?

The Important Book

This summer, the director of my preschool (not the one I attended...the one I taught at) told us about a great book. It's called The Important Book written by Margaret Wise Brown. It talks about somewhat random things (i.e. a shoe or the rain) and explains all of the things it does--but then the ONE REASON it's really important. Our director suggested making your own book with this. You can learn about the kids (from what they write about), encourage them to think in a new way (name JUST ONE reason it's most important), and keep the finished product to show (bind it into a book). Then, you can talk about what's really going to be important in your classroom--lead a class discussion about this (and even make a "class page" to go at the end).

I think I'm going to try to use this as a first day activity for them to work on while I give out textbooks, etc. Do y'all think the 6th graders will think this writing and drawing is too juvenile?

Yay!

So, I'm happy to report that I am officially employed. I will be working at a school called Bronson Elementary in 5th grade. I think I'll be the reading teacher, but I'm not sure haha. I'll know more after Friday (orientation) and all next week is prep, with kids coming the 18th. When does everyone else start?

First Day

I know the first day is fast approaching and I am so excited to hear all of yalls stories! Can we just videotape everything and send it around? Great. Tell me how yall are doing!