...here they come! Tomorrow is it. It's the day that I've been planning for all summer, meet the teacher day! My room is just about ready. I have all of my fun boards put up, name tags are made, welcome letter is typed, cubbies filled. Now for the fun part. I have to clean...ugh! That is never fun, I have had at least one project going on at each of my 8 tables over the past two weeks, and now I have to figure out what to do with all the "pieces." Stuff them in closets? OK!
I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow. We have a district wide meeting from 8-12, then about 45 minutes to get my room ready for visitors. At 1pm, we will all be introduced to the families, then head back to our rooms and wait for the parents and students to come and meet me. At 3, we have a staff meeting and then maybe I'll be able to go home and relax for a little while. We'll see! I'm tired just thinking about it...
So I'm headed to bed for now...today was a long day, with another long day ahead of me.
Ready or not...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Countdown...
Let the countdown begin! One week and counting until the students arrive at my door ready to go. Only 4 days left until teachers are back in action. Thursday will be full of meetings, staff photos and time in our classroom. Friday we will get to meet some of our class face to face. That is honestly my favorite day of the year. The kids come in, nervous, ready to see the room and meet me. I get a chance to connect with parents and students. First impressions are lasting ones and without the pressure of the first day we can all be ourselves. It also gives the kids a chance to see the room and explore before the school year begins.
I went out today to pick up some school supplies. It is honestly my favorite time of year to shop! I love seeing the bins full of crayons, markers, erasers, pens, pencils, glue, etc. Along with the backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks and folders. All the fun things that make going back to school tolerable for kids. I will send home a list of "suggested" materials on Friday, in hopes that everyone will be prepared on day 1. We'll see what happens.
We got our schedule today. I feel better now that I now what my day is going to look like. I will have to sit down with my GLEAM (Grade Level tEAM) this week and confirm, but just knowing how the timing will lay out has helped me prepare, even if it's all in my head.
So here we are, 4 days left of summer vacation. All of next week will be spent in my room, hanging bulletin boards, making name tags and planning first week activities. I'm excited! Are you?
I went out today to pick up some school supplies. It is honestly my favorite time of year to shop! I love seeing the bins full of crayons, markers, erasers, pens, pencils, glue, etc. Along with the backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks and folders. All the fun things that make going back to school tolerable for kids. I will send home a list of "suggested" materials on Friday, in hopes that everyone will be prepared on day 1. We'll see what happens.
We got our schedule today. I feel better now that I now what my day is going to look like. I will have to sit down with my GLEAM (Grade Level tEAM) this week and confirm, but just knowing how the timing will lay out has helped me prepare, even if it's all in my head.
So here we are, 4 days left of summer vacation. All of next week will be spent in my room, hanging bulletin boards, making name tags and planning first week activities. I'm excited! Are you?
Monday, July 27, 2009
How do I find the time?
What a week! My mom and I spent most of last week in my non-air conditioned classroom preparing for this year. We have cut, velcroed, taped, moved, packed, unpacked, copied and SWEAT! Man is it hot in my room! Even when standing right in front of my standing fan, it's HOT, but it's been worth every drop of sweat.
My room is coming together fabulously (thanks Mom!). Having completely moved rooms from one side of campus to the other, it has been a challenge to get the room ready. As of today, most of the big things, like furniture are where I want them to be, now its time for the small stuff. I have so many ideas for bulletin boards, that I don't even know where to begin! Once I get my class list, I'll have even more to do...name tags, mailboxes, class lists, etc.
Where will I ever find the time? That's the thing, it always gets done. I always manage to get everything done and I don't always know how it happens. I love what I do, and that's why I cut, velcro, tape, move, pack, unpack, copy and sweat.
Til next time...
My room is coming together fabulously (thanks Mom!). Having completely moved rooms from one side of campus to the other, it has been a challenge to get the room ready. As of today, most of the big things, like furniture are where I want them to be, now its time for the small stuff. I have so many ideas for bulletin boards, that I don't even know where to begin! Once I get my class list, I'll have even more to do...name tags, mailboxes, class lists, etc.
Where will I ever find the time? That's the thing, it always gets done. I always manage to get everything done and I don't always know how it happens. I love what I do, and that's why I cut, velcro, tape, move, pack, unpack, copy and sweat.
Til next time...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Call Me Crazy
Most are calling me crazy at this point. We have 3 weeks until school starts back and I can't wait! I am so excited! Not only will this be a new class, but a new room, new grade level, new GLEAM mates, new curriculum, new, new and more new! But I am certainly up for it.
I have been planning in my head since the day I found out I was switching grade levels. Now that opening day is fast approaching I can't believe it is actually happening. My biggest problem is have too many ideas running in my head all at once. Too many magazines and resources. I need to start just taking this one step at a time.
Not only am I trying to plan for the beginning of a new school year. I am getting things organized for our annual staff retreat. I LOVE being in charge, and those of you that know me, know this about me. I thrive off of keeping myself busy and being able to get things done. I always say that I would rather do something myself, so that I know it's being done how I envisioned then let others do it. My mom says that I need to learn to delegate, I'm promising myself to work on that this year! It will be hard though. I like the appreciation.
I'm heading back to my classroom tomorrow, so I'll be back to let you know how that goes! Until then...
I have been planning in my head since the day I found out I was switching grade levels. Now that opening day is fast approaching I can't believe it is actually happening. My biggest problem is have too many ideas running in my head all at once. Too many magazines and resources. I need to start just taking this one step at a time.
Not only am I trying to plan for the beginning of a new school year. I am getting things organized for our annual staff retreat. I LOVE being in charge, and those of you that know me, know this about me. I thrive off of keeping myself busy and being able to get things done. I always say that I would rather do something myself, so that I know it's being done how I envisioned then let others do it. My mom says that I need to learn to delegate, I'm promising myself to work on that this year! It will be hard though. I like the appreciation.
I'm heading back to my classroom tomorrow, so I'll be back to let you know how that goes! Until then...
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Teaching's Not Cheap
Everyone who is a teacher, was a teacher or knows a teacher, is well aware that teaching is not CHEAP! I should know. Each year I spend well over $500 to get my classroom set up and then even more throughout the year for snacks, projects, books, gifts for the kids, supplies, etc. Although our school gives us a $300 reimbursement, it just barely covers the amount the typical teacher spends.
My husband always comments that his teachers never bought him things, but times have changed. In order for me to teach to the best of my ability, I need certain items for my classroom and that includes resource books, project supplies, etc. Unless you are or have been a teacher, it's impossible to understand!
Parent donations are always greatly appreciated, but sometimes, there are things that just have to be bought. The best thing that parents can donate are basic school supplies: crayons, markers, paper, pencils, expo markers, etc. Snacks are great too! It's never fun to have to answer "sorry, there isn't any snack" when I kiddo says "I'm Hungry."
As expensive it is to be a teacher and as little as we get paid, I wouldn't trade my job for any other. I love what I do, I love the kids, and I even love the crazy days. If you know a teacher, DONATE supplies! You know you want to ;)
My husband always comments that his teachers never bought him things, but times have changed. In order for me to teach to the best of my ability, I need certain items for my classroom and that includes resource books, project supplies, etc. Unless you are or have been a teacher, it's impossible to understand!
Parent donations are always greatly appreciated, but sometimes, there are things that just have to be bought. The best thing that parents can donate are basic school supplies: crayons, markers, paper, pencils, expo markers, etc. Snacks are great too! It's never fun to have to answer "sorry, there isn't any snack" when I kiddo says "I'm Hungry."
As expensive it is to be a teacher and as little as we get paid, I wouldn't trade my job for any other. I love what I do, I love the kids, and I even love the crazy days. If you know a teacher, DONATE supplies! You know you want to ;)
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