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!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I'm no fun, even in my sleep
Last night I dreamt that I was putting my classroom standards and learning objectives in kid-friendly language with my class.
Can't I have more exciting dreams like the one where you're teaching and you realize you forgot to get dressed?
In other news that is only exciting for education nerds, I get to see Ron Clark speak in a mere 4 days from now!!! That's right, I'm counting down the days!
Can't I have more exciting dreams like the one where you're teaching and you realize you forgot to get dressed?
In other news that is only exciting for education nerds, I get to see Ron Clark speak in a mere 4 days from now!!! That's right, I'm counting down the days!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Training, Day Two
Today I learned about data mining and professional learning communities. I'm glad that my orientation is covering useful stuff that I actually need to know rather than just basic don't-touch-other-people's-blood type information. Still, it felt like I sat in my metal folding chair for a year by the time the day was over. I also found that many people have not been as lucky at getting a job with this district as quickly as I did. Lots of people took other jobs while waiting to be hired here or they subbed with the district until they could get hired as teachers. I feel lucky and wonder why I got picked up so easily.
One thing I really liked hearing was that the district believes that if a student does an assignment and receives a bad grade, that grade should be recorded and kept unless the student puts in time and effort and redoes the assignment to show mastery. They believe that the highest grade should be taken and not just averaged in. I like this way of thinking and agree that having this policy in my classroom would make students more inclined to keep trying and keep working until they master an objective, rather than feel like the best they could get anyway would be a C. Before today, I probably would not have thought about having this policy but I'm glad to be able to have it as part of my classroom now. I also love that I don't *have* to have this policy in my classroom and that I have the freedom to choose it.
Another thing I took away from my training today is the importance of putting the standards and objectives in kid-friendly language. I am going to try to always introduce a topic by giving my students the objectives and having them rewrite it as a group into something that holds meaning for them. I will then keep their reworded version on the wall for the duration of our time working with that standard. Once again, I love that they shared this good idea with the results of its effectiveness without saying it was a mandatory thing.
In other news, I found out that the district has decided not to offer a sooner paycheck for incoming teachers even though they said they would. I had a slight freak-out today where I emailed anyone I thought might be able to assist me because I was counting on that check in my budget. I'm still mad that something was offered and not made good on, but I do feel more rational than I felt earlier this evening. I will tactfully complain tomorrow and prepare myself for the fact that I will not get a paycheck until a month from now.
One thing I really liked hearing was that the district believes that if a student does an assignment and receives a bad grade, that grade should be recorded and kept unless the student puts in time and effort and redoes the assignment to show mastery. They believe that the highest grade should be taken and not just averaged in. I like this way of thinking and agree that having this policy in my classroom would make students more inclined to keep trying and keep working until they master an objective, rather than feel like the best they could get anyway would be a C. Before today, I probably would not have thought about having this policy but I'm glad to be able to have it as part of my classroom now. I also love that I don't *have* to have this policy in my classroom and that I have the freedom to choose it.
Another thing I took away from my training today is the importance of putting the standards and objectives in kid-friendly language. I am going to try to always introduce a topic by giving my students the objectives and having them rewrite it as a group into something that holds meaning for them. I will then keep their reworded version on the wall for the duration of our time working with that standard. Once again, I love that they shared this good idea with the results of its effectiveness without saying it was a mandatory thing.
In other news, I found out that the district has decided not to offer a sooner paycheck for incoming teachers even though they said they would. I had a slight freak-out today where I emailed anyone I thought might be able to assist me because I was counting on that check in my budget. I'm still mad that something was offered and not made good on, but I do feel more rational than I felt earlier this evening. I will tactfully complain tomorrow and prepare myself for the fact that I will not get a paycheck until a month from now.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Quick update
I worked hard in my classroom Thursday. I got many bulletin boards covered and bordered and got my welcome message posted on the door. I also found out that I'm on the discipline committee and had my first meeting.
Friday night I went to one of the other fourth grade teacher's house for her daughter's birthday. We had a good time, even though we didn't know anyone when we arrived. Everyone made us feel comfortable and welcomed.
Today I went to my first day of new teacher orientation. Harry Wong would be proud. Six days of orientation! Hopefully I'll feel like I know what I'm doing by the end of the week. To make it better, I found out that I will be paid a stipend for the orientation time! Sitting through sexual harassment training is so much more bearable knowing I'm being paid to be there! I also found out that I will be reimbursed for my out-of-state certification costs. It's wonderful finding out there is money coming for things I would have done regardless!
Pictures of El Paso, Juarez, and my classroom are coming soon.
Friday night I went to one of the other fourth grade teacher's house for her daughter's birthday. We had a good time, even though we didn't know anyone when we arrived. Everyone made us feel comfortable and welcomed.
Today I went to my first day of new teacher orientation. Harry Wong would be proud. Six days of orientation! Hopefully I'll feel like I know what I'm doing by the end of the week. To make it better, I found out that I will be paid a stipend for the orientation time! Sitting through sexual harassment training is so much more bearable knowing I'm being paid to be there! I also found out that I will be reimbursed for my out-of-state certification costs. It's wonderful finding out there is money coming for things I would have done regardless!
Pictures of El Paso, Juarez, and my classroom are coming soon.
Monday, August 6, 2007
I Got In
I went into my new classroom for the first time today. I found out that they are tearing up the office and putting it back together and in the meantime, the school's secretary and computer clerk are operating out of my classroom. They apologized for being in my room but I told them as long as I didn't bother them, they wouldn't bother me.
I was able to bring all the boxes of school stuff into my classroom, although the teacher moving out of the room still has some stuff to move and since I'm temporarily sharing my room, it's a little hard to figure out where I'm going to put anything yet. I was able to pull my car up right to the outside door of my classroom, which was really nice. I took some things out of boxes, put my in/out boxes on my desk, and mostly just stood around staring at the room trying to figure out where to begin.
I probably won't move any furniture to where I want it to go until I have the room to myself. I'm hoping to go back in tomorrow and sketch out where I want stuff to go. I still can't decide how I want to arrange the students' desks. A horseshoe, long tables, and groups of 3-4 desks together all sound equally good. I have a fear that I will have to physically place the desks in each arrangement to really decide what I want. Tomorrow I'll also take my stapler with me and start hanging up colored paper over the bulletin boards. I need to get some sticky-tack and yarn so I can hang up some of my posters.
I will also be hitting the dollar store this week looking for some plastic bins to organize teaching materials and stuff. I'm really trying not to spend a ton of money on my new classroom but there are certain things that will improve the quality of my life that are hard to resist, like this chair, even though I'm way too broke. Maybe next month I'll have to break down and buy it. I also need a comfy office chair. My chair right now is a blue, plastic student chair with casters. It doesn't exactly look inviting.
I also need to start a home-away-from-home drawer in my room where I can keep an extra supply of pantyhose, deodorant (for those mornings when I only remember to apply deodorant to one side, it's happened before), a sweater, breath mints, and a healthy supply of chocolate.
As I was getting ready to leave the school, I ran into another 4th grade teacher. She is amazingly helpful and has been emailing me back and forth throughout the summer. She gave me a tour of the school and introduced me to some of the other teachers. Everyone was very friendly. I was surprised by how small the school is after walking through the halls. One nice thing about 4th grade is we are the only grade in our hall. We are next to the library and computer lab, which is very convenient, and makes for a peaceful hallway. I also got to see the workroom where all the supplies are stored. Raiding that is on tomorrow's agenda as well!
I was able to bring all the boxes of school stuff into my classroom, although the teacher moving out of the room still has some stuff to move and since I'm temporarily sharing my room, it's a little hard to figure out where I'm going to put anything yet. I was able to pull my car up right to the outside door of my classroom, which was really nice. I took some things out of boxes, put my in/out boxes on my desk, and mostly just stood around staring at the room trying to figure out where to begin.
I probably won't move any furniture to where I want it to go until I have the room to myself. I'm hoping to go back in tomorrow and sketch out where I want stuff to go. I still can't decide how I want to arrange the students' desks. A horseshoe, long tables, and groups of 3-4 desks together all sound equally good. I have a fear that I will have to physically place the desks in each arrangement to really decide what I want. Tomorrow I'll also take my stapler with me and start hanging up colored paper over the bulletin boards. I need to get some sticky-tack and yarn so I can hang up some of my posters.
I will also be hitting the dollar store this week looking for some plastic bins to organize teaching materials and stuff. I'm really trying not to spend a ton of money on my new classroom but there are certain things that will improve the quality of my life that are hard to resist, like this chair, even though I'm way too broke. Maybe next month I'll have to break down and buy it. I also need a comfy office chair. My chair right now is a blue, plastic student chair with casters. It doesn't exactly look inviting.
I also need to start a home-away-from-home drawer in my room where I can keep an extra supply of pantyhose, deodorant (for those mornings when I only remember to apply deodorant to one side, it's happened before), a sweater, breath mints, and a healthy supply of chocolate.
As I was getting ready to leave the school, I ran into another 4th grade teacher. She is amazingly helpful and has been emailing me back and forth throughout the summer. She gave me a tour of the school and introduced me to some of the other teachers. Everyone was very friendly. I was surprised by how small the school is after walking through the halls. One nice thing about 4th grade is we are the only grade in our hall. We are next to the library and computer lab, which is very convenient, and makes for a peaceful hallway. I also got to see the workroom where all the supplies are stored. Raiding that is on tomorrow's agenda as well!
Friday, August 3, 2007
School Pics
I decided to run by my school today. No one was there, so I couldn't go in, but at least I found it and got to walk around and see what it looks like. First, I had to enter the military base.
The school is an older building, surrounded by new family housing that was just built.
When you stand in front of the school, there is a beautiful view of the mountains, which I didn't capture well with my camera.
The playground looks like fun, I've never seen one quite like it. Obviously built for army kids!
Hopefully, I will be able to get in the school sometime soon. I'm driving around with my car loaded down with all my school supplies and classroom library.
The school is an older building, surrounded by new family housing that was just built.
When you stand in front of the school, there is a beautiful view of the mountains, which I didn't capture well with my camera.
The playground looks like fun, I've never seen one quite like it. Obviously built for army kids!
Hopefully, I will be able to get in the school sometime soon. I'm driving around with my car loaded down with all my school supplies and classroom library.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
We Made It!
After 16 hours of driving (we went slow with the moving truck), we made it to El Paso last night. The three of us were exhausted. Today, we got our apartment. Miles went with his Grandma for his first night away from us. We got everything into the apartment, which was a feat since it is on the second floor. We're liking it though. Everyone seems very friendly. And we've either got the world's quietest people living around us or the walls are totally soundproof. I'm out of my mind with hunger and off to find some good Mexican food, which shouldn't be too hard.
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