On Tuesdays we have Team Collaboration time. I come in early (at 8), meet with my team and then use the extra time as prep time.
Well this morning, after our meeting I went to check my mailbox, and was asked (and how can you say no) to cover one of the first grade rooms till lunch time when another sub could come in.
It was fine, and I'm glad I was able to help. Our school does a "walk to read" program that is confusing if you've never done it, so it's nice to be able to go in know what to do. It also helps that the kids know me, know that I am a teacher, and that I know what goes on at school.
This afternoon one of my kiddos got sick, and I didn't even know. I was doing a read-aloud at the carpet when one of my kiddos raised her hand and said "Ms. W, I think he needs your help". EWWWWWWWW!
It's night's like this I wish I could come home and go to bed, but I had a meeting from 5:00-8:00. My bed is calling my name. . . . . .
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Things I love. . . .
I've been complaining a lot lately. So I thought I would make a list of things I love about my job.
1.) I love my kiddos! They are generally really good, and there are days like today when they are total rockstars.
2.) I work with a great team of teachers. I have been blessed to be able to work with 2 amazing teachers, who have a wealth of knowledge and who are willing to share with me.
3.) My school is gorgeous and has some great technology built into the classrooms. I really lucked out when I got hired here.
4.) Sometimes I get little treats during my day like this -
1.) I love my kiddos! They are generally really good, and there are days like today when they are total rockstars.
2.) I work with a great team of teachers. I have been blessed to be able to work with 2 amazing teachers, who have a wealth of knowledge and who are willing to share with me.
3.) My school is gorgeous and has some great technology built into the classrooms. I really lucked out when I got hired here.
4.) Sometimes I get little treats during my day like this -
Sunday, February 22, 2009
What do you do on Saturday night?
This week I planned! The teacher who I share a room with (I'm only half-time) observed me on Wednesday (at the request of my Principal) to see if there was anything I was missing in my instruction and classroom management. We got a chance to debrief on Friday and she gave me a couple of ideas, and some reassurance (which was really needed!). I am armed with ideas, and the encouragement to take charge of my classroom, and not let the parents dictate what happens in my room.
We are going to change some routines around, and learn some non-verbal cues (sign-language) which will help me cut down on having to constantly verbally redirect my kiddos. We are also going to start earning free-time minutes if we can be "expert listeners" on the carpet. I also planned out my whole week of lessons, as well as the next couple of weeks of guided reading groups.
She also brought up the fact that so much of our job is PR with the parents. It's hard because our particular parents need so many "pats on the back". My kiddos come to school with every advantage, and it's frustrating when the parents try and undermine their child's ability to learn.
We are going to change some routines around, and learn some non-verbal cues (sign-language) which will help me cut down on having to constantly verbally redirect my kiddos. We are also going to start earning free-time minutes if we can be "expert listeners" on the carpet. I also planned out my whole week of lessons, as well as the next couple of weeks of guided reading groups.
She also brought up the fact that so much of our job is PR with the parents. It's hard because our particular parents need so many "pats on the back". My kiddos come to school with every advantage, and it's frustrating when the parents try and undermine their child's ability to learn.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Most days. . . .
Most days I love my job. I have been teaching for 100+ days (you know we are all over what day of school it is in Kindergarten). I lucked out this year. Great kids, and great parents who truly care about their kids and what they are learning (most of the time). My school is in an affluent area of town, and I have a couple parents who have nothing better to do than hang out in my classroom.
Now I love parent help, but there is only so much I can have them do. And apparently they really do have too much time on their hands.
On Friday (the 13th), 2 hours before our Valentines party I had a parent call my cell phone. What ensued was a very polite 15 minute rant about what I was doing wrong in my classroom. My expectations are too high, and their little darlings should be allowed to re-enact Star Wars on my carpet everyday. Not going to happen!
Now I love parent help, but there is only so much I can have them do. And apparently they really do have too much time on their hands.
On Friday (the 13th), 2 hours before our Valentines party I had a parent call my cell phone. What ensued was a very polite 15 minute rant about what I was doing wrong in my classroom. My expectations are too high, and their little darlings should be allowed to re-enact Star Wars on my carpet everyday. Not going to happen!
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