I read this post last year on Teachers.net and saved it, knowing I would need to read it over and over during my first year of teaching. Knowing that my anxiety is already building up as I start my second week, I read it again tonight. It makes me feel better so I thought I'd share.
Things will calm down as time goes on. I used to feel especially
anxious every Monday morning. The stress can be overwhelming at
times. But honestly, the one thing I am taking with me as I end my
first year of teaching...is that the more you are able to relax and
enjoy the experience instead of feeling like you HAVE to be on top
of your game ALL the time, the better off you will be.
Accept that you will learn more this year than you ever thought
possible. Accept that you will make TONS of mistakes...and everyone
will be okay even though you do. Accept that no one expects you to
be even close to perfect. And if you end your first year knowing
that you are better today than you were in September, you've
succeeded.
Be nervous. It's part of the game. But there will be days when you
have to say to yourself..."I'm doing the best that I can do. It's
time for me to relax and enjoy some of this experience."
Your students are little people with problems and lives of their
own. Treat them with as much compassion as you can. KNOW that you
will NOT LIKE all of them every day. When you break down and yell or
cry occasionally, forgive yourself. You're human too. Teaching is so
hard. No one gets it right all of the time the first go around.
Reflect often. Try EVERYTHING once. Don't be afraid to admit that
something that works for another successful teacher may not work for
you. But also don't be afraid to beg, borrow and steal. And go to
the master veterans for help and for answers. Admit when you've
failed and seek ways to improve with the help of those that have
been through what you will be going through. Don't be afraid to
change rules, routines, and procedures as often as necessary. You
haven't lost the game if you don't get it right the first week of
school. Tweek until you do. Things will start to work.
I didn't get my reading groups the way I liked them until May of
this year. I revamped four times before I got it right! I apologized
to my students every time I decided to try something new with them
and kept trying until I was satisfied.
Your students can be resources. Allow them to help you in the
classroom. They can be your best aides, guides, assistants, and
critiques. They are expert problem-solvers. Stuck for a fun game for
P.E.? Your students will come up with one within 5 minutes. Stuck
for ways to group or pair your kids up for a lesson or activity?
Your students won't be. Stuck for ways to reward your class or
consequences for breaking rules? Your students won't be. Don't feel
like you are a one-man/woman show. Don't feel like giving up control
is wrong. Allow your class to be part of the decision making.
Finally, accept that you are going to feel frustrated and inadequate
a lot. But also know, that the only reason that is true is because
you are striving to be the best teacher you can be. And anyone who
is giving 110% is top-notch, no matter how you slice it. Give
yourself a pat on the back often and don't be afraid to give
yourself breaks. Throw away a stack of papers if you don't have
energy to grade. Go in on the occasional Monday with just your back-
up plans in tow. Wing it once or twice during the week. Take those
personal days and treat yourself to a care-free day of shopping.
Allow yourself the luxury of turning away from your class, face your
white board and silently cuss the world around you. (Hehe, it can be
a great stress reliever.) In other words, be human and live the
experience the way it was meant to be lived.
You'll do great, and you will be a better person in June of 2007.
I had a tough first year, but I don't regret a second and I wouldn't
change a thing. Today was my last day of school, and I'm fried. But
I know I'm going to be 10 x the teacher I was this year come August.
And that's a pretty satisfying feeling.
Cheers,
--hlk
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Obligatory Cute Miles Moments
Cute Miles moment #1-
Miles has been talking a lot about mosquitoes this summer since they were the bane of our existence in Oklahoma. A couple days ago, Matt and Miles were outside and he told Matt he had to go feed the mosquitoes. Matt followed Miles, curious to see what he was talking about and Miles started gently putting rocks in a bush. Somehow, Matt was able to find out that he misunderstood Miles. Miles was saying "mesquites." Apparently mesquite bushes eat rocks. We're not sure where Miles picked up "mesquites," pronounced the Spanish way "mes-qui-te," or why he decided they eat rocks, but we now regularly feed our bushes.
Cute Miles moment #2-
Miles and I were lying down getting ready for him to go to sleep. As a last minute ploy to stay awake a couple more minutes, he decided to have a banana. While he ate, we said our prayers and I talked to him about God. "Miles, did you know God made you?" "Yes." "Did you know God made Mama and Daddy too?" "Yes." "And the sun, and the moon, and the stars come from God?" "Yes." "And the trees, and animals, and even that banana you're eating?" "No, Mama! The banana is from the refrigerator!"
Miles has been talking a lot about mosquitoes this summer since they were the bane of our existence in Oklahoma. A couple days ago, Matt and Miles were outside and he told Matt he had to go feed the mosquitoes. Matt followed Miles, curious to see what he was talking about and Miles started gently putting rocks in a bush. Somehow, Matt was able to find out that he misunderstood Miles. Miles was saying "mesquites." Apparently mesquite bushes eat rocks. We're not sure where Miles picked up "mesquites," pronounced the Spanish way "mes-qui-te," or why he decided they eat rocks, but we now regularly feed our bushes.
Cute Miles moment #2-
Miles and I were lying down getting ready for him to go to sleep. As a last minute ploy to stay awake a couple more minutes, he decided to have a banana. While he ate, we said our prayers and I talked to him about God. "Miles, did you know God made you?" "Yes." "Did you know God made Mama and Daddy too?" "Yes." "And the sun, and the moon, and the stars come from God?" "Yes." "And the trees, and animals, and even that banana you're eating?" "No, Mama! The banana is from the refrigerator!"
lesson plans
I worked hard Saturday and today and I think I almost know what I'm doing next week. Soon, my team and I will be able to sit down together and come up with lesson plans but for now I just decided I am not ready to wing it. I need to know what I'm doing in advance. So I made up my plans and filled the other fourth grade teacher's mailbox with plans from this last week out into the official template and plans for this week. I'm feeling like I must be awesome to have this together when no one else does yet. But, considering they have all been teaching for longer than me, they probably just don't need them as badly. I'm going to ignore that fact and pretend like it is just because no one else is as awesome as me (or neurotic).
End of the first week
I'm so glad I have a 3 day weekend. I was exhausted. I don't think I have been this tired since after I gave birth to Miles. While I was in college, I kept thinking about how all this preparation was like being pregnant. It was the time I had to imagine and dream about the future, to read and gather things I would need knowing I would never have a chance again once I got started teaching. Now, after my first week teaching, I think the metaphor is still apt but I wish it wasn't. Preparing my classroom was definitely labor. These first few weeks are going to make me exhausted and sleep deprived. Friday and Saturday, I felt overwhelmed, spread too thin, and frankly postpartum. I cried Saturday because I had caught a head cold, had no lesson plans for next week, felt like a terrible mother and wife who had abandoned her family, and so, so tired.
Life got better after I quit working on lesson plans and picked Miles up from his grandma's house. Today, I spent the whole day with Miles and Matt and just took it easy. I decided I'd work on school stuff for no more than two hours today and I wouldn't worry about it until those two hours started. By the time I was ready to sit down and get to work, I was refreshed enough to rip out a few plans quickly and feel good about them. I'm still tired. I'm still congested, but I'm beginning to feel more sane. Playing with my son is what I really needed.
Life got better after I quit working on lesson plans and picked Miles up from his grandma's house. Today, I spent the whole day with Miles and Matt and just took it easy. I decided I'd work on school stuff for no more than two hours today and I wouldn't worry about it until those two hours started. By the time I was ready to sit down and get to work, I was refreshed enough to rip out a few plans quickly and feel good about them. I'm still tired. I'm still congested, but I'm beginning to feel more sane. Playing with my son is what I really needed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
So tired
End of the second day. I'm pooped. Assigned jobs today, had to send a kid to the principal's office for threatening another child yesterday at lunch. I get air conditioning in my room tomorrow, so I'm excited for that. It's really going well even with those things I listed. I love my kids; I think I'll be able to get them trained the way I want them in just a few weeks. I'm coping out of posting about what we are doing by using what I posted on my class blog. So here it is:
After much anticipation and preparation, the first day of school had finally arrived! I went outside a little before 7:55 and stood next to number 4C on the blacktop and held my section number sign so all the students in our class would know where to go. At 8:00, we entered our room and everyone found their seats and began making name tags and desk plates as they looked around the room that would be their school home for the next 180 days. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet several parents who accompanied their children to class.
When the bell rang, I began by introducing myself. I think everyone was a bit nervous about being in a new class with a new teacher, so I assured them I’m not as scary as I look. Next, we stood up for the Pledge of Allegiance and watched the morning announcements on the TV. We quickly lined up for PE with Coach Najera.
After PE, we looked at the PowerPoint presentation I made to introduce the students to the rules, procedures, and expectations of our school and classroom. We learned many things including how to walk in the hallways and how we treat each other with respect.
Once we finished our discussion on classroom rules and procedures, it was time to get up and out of our seats. First, I showed everyone the secret handshake of Room 23. We practiced and then shook as many hands as we could. So that we all could get to know each other better, we had a classroom scavenger hunt. Students had to go around the classroom and find other students who were on the “list.” For example, they had to find someone who had been to another country, someone who is left-handed, someone who has a two or more pets and someone who has read the final Harry Potter book. For the next twenty minutes or so, the room was filled with students asking each other questions like “Do you like to read?”, “What month were you born?”, and “Have you visited more than five states?” Michael R. won a small treat for being the first one to complete his list. Go Michael!
When we had finished learning that all the different places we had been and that four are left-handed, I assigned students their classroom numbers and recorded textbook numbers. Next, the students completed a Venn diagram to compare and contrast what they had in common with a person in their group. Before going to lunch, we took a tour of the school and of our classroom. Each student got to go into the classroom library and choose a book or magazine for silent reading. Then it was time for lunch!
After lunch, the students joined me on the rug for a read-aloud. We began reading The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. It was written back in 1944 but is still such a good story! We read the first chapter today and found out that Wanda hasn’t been in school for a few days and no one in her class even noticed until two girls were waiting before class to “have some fun with her.” We predicted that they were going to pick on her. Our next chapter is called The Dresses Game. We will read it tomorrow.
We spent the afternoon organizing our supplies while we chose classroom jobs. We learned about the different jobs and filled out applications for the job they will hold for the next nine weeks. Tomorrow, we get to find out who I hired for the different positions!
The last thing we did was use a KWL chart to learn more about Mrs. Taylor. On the chart, the students listed what they Knew about me already. I was surprised how much they knew about me already! Then they decided what they Wanted to know and we wrote down questions on the chart. Lastly, I answered their questions and showed them a picture of my family and we filled out what we Learned, such as that I am married and have a little boy who is about to turn three.
Then it was time to go! The bell surprised us, as the clock in our room was running slow so we had to hurry to pass out the parent packets. All in all, I think it was a good first day. I heard many students say they made friends in the classroom and enjoyed their time. I learned a lot about each of my new students and am looking forward to seeing each of them tomorrow!
After much anticipation and preparation, the first day of school had finally arrived! I went outside a little before 7:55 and stood next to number 4C on the blacktop and held my section number sign so all the students in our class would know where to go. At 8:00, we entered our room and everyone found their seats and began making name tags and desk plates as they looked around the room that would be their school home for the next 180 days. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet several parents who accompanied their children to class.
When the bell rang, I began by introducing myself. I think everyone was a bit nervous about being in a new class with a new teacher, so I assured them I’m not as scary as I look. Next, we stood up for the Pledge of Allegiance and watched the morning announcements on the TV. We quickly lined up for PE with Coach Najera.
After PE, we looked at the PowerPoint presentation I made to introduce the students to the rules, procedures, and expectations of our school and classroom. We learned many things including how to walk in the hallways and how we treat each other with respect.
Once we finished our discussion on classroom rules and procedures, it was time to get up and out of our seats. First, I showed everyone the secret handshake of Room 23. We practiced and then shook as many hands as we could. So that we all could get to know each other better, we had a classroom scavenger hunt. Students had to go around the classroom and find other students who were on the “list.” For example, they had to find someone who had been to another country, someone who is left-handed, someone who has a two or more pets and someone who has read the final Harry Potter book. For the next twenty minutes or so, the room was filled with students asking each other questions like “Do you like to read?”, “What month were you born?”, and “Have you visited more than five states?” Michael R. won a small treat for being the first one to complete his list. Go Michael!
When we had finished learning that all the different places we had been and that four are left-handed, I assigned students their classroom numbers and recorded textbook numbers. Next, the students completed a Venn diagram to compare and contrast what they had in common with a person in their group. Before going to lunch, we took a tour of the school and of our classroom. Each student got to go into the classroom library and choose a book or magazine for silent reading. Then it was time for lunch!
After lunch, the students joined me on the rug for a read-aloud. We began reading The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. It was written back in 1944 but is still such a good story! We read the first chapter today and found out that Wanda hasn’t been in school for a few days and no one in her class even noticed until two girls were waiting before class to “have some fun with her.” We predicted that they were going to pick on her. Our next chapter is called The Dresses Game. We will read it tomorrow.
We spent the afternoon organizing our supplies while we chose classroom jobs. We learned about the different jobs and filled out applications for the job they will hold for the next nine weeks. Tomorrow, we get to find out who I hired for the different positions!
The last thing we did was use a KWL chart to learn more about Mrs. Taylor. On the chart, the students listed what they Knew about me already. I was surprised how much they knew about me already! Then they decided what they Wanted to know and we wrote down questions on the chart. Lastly, I answered their questions and showed them a picture of my family and we filled out what we Learned, such as that I am married and have a little boy who is about to turn three.
Then it was time to go! The bell surprised us, as the clock in our room was running slow so we had to hurry to pass out the parent packets. All in all, I think it was a good first day. I heard many students say they made friends in the classroom and enjoyed their time. I learned a lot about each of my new students and am looking forward to seeing each of them tomorrow!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Last Day of Prep
Keeping up with this blog the way I want to is proving itself to be a little more than I can do right now. So I will ask my readers (the two of you) to be patient with me. Pictures will hopefully be posted this weekend. Posts will be a bit sporadic. Bear with me.
It's been a crazy week! We got a new 4th grade teacher, she really had to hustle to get her room ready! So Thursday our projected numbers dropped down for class size. I felt good knowing I would have 18 students and actually had a place for each of them to sit. We worked hard and got our Parent Handbook finished and copied, our rooms fixed up a bit more, and received our curriculum for the year.
This morning I went to the convocation where all the hundreds of teachers in our district gathered. It was really awesome. It was like a big pep rally. We had two marching bands, a drum line, and all the cheerleaders of the district there. Everyone was proud of their schools and excited to clap and cheer for their school. Ron Clark spoke to us and was nothing short of inspiring. He had us laughing, crying and hanging on his every word. A 4th grade teacher took a picture of him for me. I think I'll print it and put it in my classroom for inspiration.
This afternoon I ran around like crazy trying to get ready for our Parent Orientation. We still didn't know which kids we would have in our classes. The poor ladies in the office were going to have to work late tonight and stay until they could post the lists on the front doors of the school for the parents. All I know so far is that it looks like we probably have around 20 kids each which means once again I do not have enough desks for my kids. I get to figure that one out on Monday morning. The air was not working in my room and it was HOT. I started feeling panicky about how much needed to be done. I got my room cleaned up and then parents started arriving. A few walked down our hall early and I heard kids peek into my veteran team member's classroom and remark that that is where they hoped they would be. I felt frustrated because if I were a kid, that's where I would want to be too. I felt stressed with my much more spartan room.
All the parents met if the cafetorium where the principal spoke to them. It didn't go well. The room was hot, especially with a large crowd. The PA didn't work so she had to use a bullhorn and since she has been losing her voice, the parents couldn't hear. Added to this was the fact that they couldn't be told who their child's teacher would be. I looked at a crowd of irritated parents. They were ours next. We split the 4th grade team into two rooms and gave our short but sweet presentations. I talked to some parents individually and introduced myself to some of the students. Talking with them put me at ease. The parents looked less irritated and some of them even said that they hoped I was going to be their child's teacher. I assured them that no matter who they got, they could know their child was with one of the best. Still, it took the sting out of the room comments from earlier.
The challenge of next week is huge. We have over twice the amount of kids in the school than they had last year. Only 75 of those kids are returning students. I've got a warm room, a couple too few desks, and while I know what I'm doing the first day, we have to create our lesson plans for the rest of the week still. But I can't wait! I'm totally stressed out and feeling like a big baby for being nervous but I think once I get to start my day Monday with my new kids it will all melt away. I'm just going to roll with it.
It's been a crazy week! We got a new 4th grade teacher, she really had to hustle to get her room ready! So Thursday our projected numbers dropped down for class size. I felt good knowing I would have 18 students and actually had a place for each of them to sit. We worked hard and got our Parent Handbook finished and copied, our rooms fixed up a bit more, and received our curriculum for the year.
This morning I went to the convocation where all the hundreds of teachers in our district gathered. It was really awesome. It was like a big pep rally. We had two marching bands, a drum line, and all the cheerleaders of the district there. Everyone was proud of their schools and excited to clap and cheer for their school. Ron Clark spoke to us and was nothing short of inspiring. He had us laughing, crying and hanging on his every word. A 4th grade teacher took a picture of him for me. I think I'll print it and put it in my classroom for inspiration.
This afternoon I ran around like crazy trying to get ready for our Parent Orientation. We still didn't know which kids we would have in our classes. The poor ladies in the office were going to have to work late tonight and stay until they could post the lists on the front doors of the school for the parents. All I know so far is that it looks like we probably have around 20 kids each which means once again I do not have enough desks for my kids. I get to figure that one out on Monday morning. The air was not working in my room and it was HOT. I started feeling panicky about how much needed to be done. I got my room cleaned up and then parents started arriving. A few walked down our hall early and I heard kids peek into my veteran team member's classroom and remark that that is where they hoped they would be. I felt frustrated because if I were a kid, that's where I would want to be too. I felt stressed with my much more spartan room.
All the parents met if the cafetorium where the principal spoke to them. It didn't go well. The room was hot, especially with a large crowd. The PA didn't work so she had to use a bullhorn and since she has been losing her voice, the parents couldn't hear. Added to this was the fact that they couldn't be told who their child's teacher would be. I looked at a crowd of irritated parents. They were ours next. We split the 4th grade team into two rooms and gave our short but sweet presentations. I talked to some parents individually and introduced myself to some of the students. Talking with them put me at ease. The parents looked less irritated and some of them even said that they hoped I was going to be their child's teacher. I assured them that no matter who they got, they could know their child was with one of the best. Still, it took the sting out of the room comments from earlier.
The challenge of next week is huge. We have over twice the amount of kids in the school than they had last year. Only 75 of those kids are returning students. I've got a warm room, a couple too few desks, and while I know what I'm doing the first day, we have to create our lesson plans for the rest of the week still. But I can't wait! I'm totally stressed out and feeling like a big baby for being nervous but I think once I get to start my day Monday with my new kids it will all melt away. I'm just going to roll with it.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Getting Ready
Tomorrow is my first official day of Teacher Prep. Everything's crazy at school right now. They are used to having only like 14 kids in each 4th grade class and our classes can have as many as 22. Right now, it's looking like we are going to have 23-25 kids each unless we can open up a new 4th grade room. We also know that in October the new family housing addition being built next to the school is going to increase our numbers. I have 16 desks in my room and there are no more desks available in the school. I'm trying to get my hands on some round tables with cubbies. Otherwise, I will have 9 students that I'll just have to start stacking on the shelves or something. My room is getting close to ready but especially because of the desk situation, it's not there yet. I went in to school today in a short sleeve shirt b/c everyone is going casual since we aren't officially back on and it is extremely hot in the building. My principal kinda freaked out over my tattoo. I promised it would never be seen when I am working. I felt stressed out afterwards, like I had ruined the good impression she had of me. A teacher on my team assured me that she would forget about it quickly. So that's fun.
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