Changes for Me
- Seven classes a day + advisory: For the first time in my entire teaching career, I only plan for two classes. Sweet! These will...eventually...be the best I have ever taught!
- I have larger classes this year...but such good kids! Should say here...kids are kids. I have taught many...and when they walk in (no matter where I am)...they appear the same...males/females...short/tall...too skinny/healthy!...of different races...different faces...loud/quiet. Always the mix...which makes them kids. :)
- I am assisting the Key Club sponsor. I have much to learn, as this is a new club for me. I do miss Beta...and I might...maybe?...ask to "assist" the Beta sponsor...maybe? Giving this one some time...thinking...
- Leaders in and out of my class...listening, sharing, laughing...several times already.
On the second day of school the assistant principal and the resource officer arrived at my door and said I had a phone call in the office.
Never a good sign. Yet such a sign of tremendous support.
My daughter had called to inform me that she and a brother-in-law had found Granny Barbara's soul absent from her body. A double whammy there: accepting the loss of my mother-in-law and wanting to reach out to The Girl who had too many images swirling in her mind.
Thus, on the second day of school, I left my new babies in very capable hands to head to the family home and face the beginning of a new normal.
I would miss another day for her service, resulting in my feeling like I was behind at school...especially in learning names for all these new faces. Getting there! Much compassion shared by all.
Day Eight Goals Achieved (Somewhat)
- Learning certain kids' names on day one. Yes, you know/have those kids!
- Learning who could sit together all year and remain on task...and those who should have already been moved! Bless them...they just have so much to say! Especially off-topic comments! Nothing inappropriate...but bird walkers they can be!
- Norms established...notebook tabs created, Writer Notebook expectations covered and practiced three times, writing sample submitted, writing jargon shared, technology used (Google classroom, Remind, blogs...take two needed, as the site was blocked...but no more!), four vocab practiced (respect, collaborating, analyzing, facilitating, elaborating), lots of smiles given and received. Going to be good!
- Room layout attempted...and Rearrange 2 completed yesterday...now have soooo much more room!
- Sticking with pre-designed lesson plans...modifying and changing some as I go. My mind's full of popcorn right now of ideas and plans and activities...to achieve that end-in-mind goal.
- Students are checking out books! Love it! This I want to continue! Bought two more at the Dollar Tree this week. Good place to find some young adult books...yes, for $1!
- I have a great Advisory Group...am planning to take my first pan of Gillmore Brownies to them on Monday. They seem excited about this. Of course!
- Found this note in my teacher mailbox...made my heart happy.
Hope your year more than meets your positive expectations! Good luck...and blessings!
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