The Lowdown

I'm back...sorry about the delay in writing, but the first three weeks of school have been a whirlwind!  It all started before the kids even came back...

We had our annual staff retreat, which was super fun, but started some controversy over grade levels and who would be teaching what and in what room.  Needless to say, this made for a very long 2 weeks leading up to school!  Emotions were high and tears were just a part of the everyday routine for some.

Class lists weren't finalized until the last moment with grade level changes still happening right up until meet the teacher day the Friday before school.  This made it difficult to get the tedious tasks of name tags and such done, knowing that they would be changed just as you were putting on the finishing touches.

Once school did start, it was an adjustment period.  I am teaching 1st/2nd and have 18 second graders and 8 firsts graders.  Not bad right, except for the fact that I must have the hardest group of first graders in the whole gleam! 

Here's the low down on my first graders...
One student who speaks, but you can't understand a word he is saying.  One student who can't seem to keep his hands to himself (but he is super sweet!).  One who thinks he is too cool for school (yes! A 1st grader!).  One who sucks her thumb and can't seem to focus on ANYTHING.  One who is so smart, she doesn't know how to cope, so she throws tantrums.  One who refuses to wear his glasses and has befriended the one kid in class that he shouldn't have. And one who cries when he can't get his work done in the time allotted.

So, even though I mostly have a class of 2nd graders, the 1st graders are taking up all of my time and energy thus far to try and keep them away from each other and on task.  Many of the 1st graders probably shouldn't even be in the same classroom!  Now you can see why I haven't posted yet! 

Until I have a moment to breathe and post again...

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

You remember that Staples commercial from a while back where the dad was singing and dancing down the aisles of back to school supplies and the kids were not so excited?!?  Yeah...I'm that guy when I spot School Supplies in the stores...I'm a dork...I know!  There is nothing like buying new supplies for new little hands and a new year.  I love it :)  Anyways...here is the commercial...

Staples Back To School

Believe it or not this is my last weekend of freedom until at least October.  That is when school will get a much needed 1 week break!  I really can't believe how fast this summer as gone and that I'll be back to the grind in less then 48 hours!

The past week has been a busy one.  Lots of time spent in my room getting ready and lots of hours not slept thinking about everything that had to and still needs to get done before 7:45 AM on Monday.  I really couldn't have done it without my mom!  She really is the one responsible for getting my room organized and in tip-top shape.  I've never been one to enjoy the tedious tasks such as pencil sharpening and folder stuffing.  I'm much better at seeing the bigger picture.  My mom spend countless hours this week filing, sorting, cleaning, sharpening, filling, stapling, cutting, and so much more.  THANK YOU!!!

Most of Thursday was spent in meetings about the upcoming year, but Friday I could finally sit down with my GLEAM (Grade Level tEAM) and plan.  We also got to meet some of the new kids coming into my room.  I will have 17 2nd graders and 9 1st graders.  Most of the 2nd graders I know from last year, but my 1st still seem to small.  Seeing them reminded me that I really did achieve my goal last year of creating independent learners.  Back to the drawing board I guess!  At least this year I know it is possible.

I'm excited to start the year.  Nervous, as I always am at the start of a new year, but excited.  It's a little daunting thinking about having to rebuild the community that was so strong by the end of the year last year.

Until I'm not too tired to blog again...