Well, it appears that we have successfully made it through round 1 of our state testing. We have spent the last three mornings testing reading and math. WOW did those kiddos amaze me. If you have never watched students who have been told for weeks that "you know this!" "you will do GREAT!" "you are all smart cookies" take these state tests, you need to. These kids worked so hard on these tests. I couldn't be more proud. It was interesting this year because the state threw out a new mandate saying the regular teacher can not administer the test to their own students. So partner teacher and I had to switch rooms for all three mornings. Now, partner teacher and I have very similar tastes in organization....that being that we sort of have to be organized in order to survive. We were not thrilled about the idea of not having "our" stuff for the mornings. So I packed my largest bag and he packed up a box and switch rooms we did. It was the sweetest feeling to again back my bag this morning and return to my room. AH! His room is fantastic, but it's not "my room", it's not "my bucket of pens", etc. Those of you who share our borderline OCD organizational skills will fully understand.
But our kids, man oh man, did they work hard! We had the most beautiful weather for March for our area!! 65+ degrees each afternoon and we took them out to play. I am proud (and fully thrilled!) to say that I have a slightly sun burned face....glorious, yes?! In MARCH?!!!!! I'm tickled pink.
I put my 18 munchkins on their bus tonight and breathed a sweet sigh of relief. We all made it....including me :) Tomorrow is an in-service day for us....while most people seem to prefer to skip these days, I am rather enjoying them.
So, until next week....Happy teaching!
3.15.2012
3.04.2012
if i could....
I would bring my husband, his co-workers, and some members of my family to my classroom. I would sit them in the back (preferably behind a one way mirror) and tell them to watch. I'd give them cookies and coffee or soda if they prefer; and I'd let them have chairs. The comfortable kind, not the straight back conference kind. This group of people seem to not understand what it takes to be a great teacher. Sure, you can go in right before the kids and you can follow them out the door. You can write simple lesson plans and never make a visual aid or review game and still be considered a teacher....maybe even a good teacher. That isn't enough for me. I don't want to be "a teacher" or "a good teacher". I want to be "a great teacher". A teacher like "Freedom Writers" who meets her students where their at and forces them to reach their potential. I usually don't feel like I'm "a great teacher", but I want to continue to strive towards that. The problem I'm finding is the group of people closest to me seem to not understand this difference. Teaching is teaching to them. I shouldn't be exhausted after a week. I shouldn't be grumpy or crying because work should stay at work; not come home through the front door with me.
I'm here to say they are terribly wrong. Work should not stay at work. I should be exhausted every day and every week. I should feel like crying, when things go really well and when they fail miserably. Daresay I should be praying for my group of students every day and I should be kneeling before the throne of grace asking for strength and love to give to them each day. This is my passion, it's what I was created to do. I know deep down these students were given to me, even for a short time, for a reason. There is something God wants me to show them. I stopped focusing on that about 3 weeks back. I feel as though all I do is fail. I guess it could be a "lack of experience" or "first year teacher syndrome". Maybe it's more because I stopped asking for grace and strength to honor Him in my classroom and with my students. I am overwhelmed, I feel inexperienced, I do not have much confidence in my ability right now. I plan and plan and plan; I try to create the most useful and memorable visuals to help my students grow...most days they leave, I come back to my room and I stare at the walls wondering if I taught them anything.
So anyways, I want this group to come and watch. Watch the lack of coffee I drink (only right away, once we get going, the cup sits in the back), the amount of energy I expel (in keeping their attention, in presenting a lesson, in showing them I care about them), the amount of interruptions I try to deal with quickly (the young girl who is crying, the two boys who constantly bicker), and the amount of time it takes to prepare even a twenty minute review lesson. I want them to watch...and see...and know that it's not as easy as walking in at 8am and leaving at 3pm. I want them to see how these students look at me when they are sad, confused, overwhelmed, feeling neglected, or lonely. I want them to see how I need to be just as excited as the student who did something well and just as somber as the lonely body starring back at me is.
I think I'm starting to forget why I chose education. Seeing as no one reads my blog (at least not yet...) I think this is going to be my "reminder" post. This is written for me...
Meghan Elizabeth,
You mustn't forget why you chose to be a teacher. Remember in first grade....looking to Mrs. Hagerty? She started your little dream; be like her. Remember in fifth grade....looking at Mr. Wilson for his "moment of silence" with his head bowed every day; be like him. Remember your first grade field experience....how excited you were to finally be in a classroom; don't lose that excitement. Remember your third grade and seventh grade experience co-ops; don't become them! Remember the day you walked into the high school emotional support class and you met the group of young men you were going to get to work; don't EVER give up on ANY student....Patrick, DJ, Zack, Kay....they worked, and they worked for YOU, because you CARED....and you showed them you cared; don't stop caring Meg. Then there was sixth grade...the group of street wise kids, the burned-out teachers, the lounge filled with "I'm glad I'm not trying to find a job..." conversations; don't listen to them....don't dwell on that. God is bigger than any economic issue; He'll give you the classroom when He is ready to have you there. Then the subbing began!! Five weeks with 5th & 6th graders....wasn't it blissful? It was an experience that taught you how to start the school year; save that binder! Day to day went okay; good with bad, but lots of new ideas...you wrote them down :) Finally, January rolled around and you were handed a key; that unlocked room three zero. Room three zero was filled with eighteen 5th graders. They are yours for the rest of the year. Meghan Elizabeth LOVE them! Teach them, care for them, but carry their burdens and excitements. It was worked well every time before. They need you to be passionate. They need you to be thankful for the time you've been given; not moping because next year is unknown. God could have placed you anywhere, or nowhere at all. Instead, He put you here...in room three zero to grow in your teaching abilities and to care for His eighteen children. It never was about the money, it still isn't, and don't you ever let it be. It always was, always is, and always will be about the kiddos :) It doesn't matter what people walking past may think of your crazy song and dance. The children coming into the room are your top priority. Nothing else matters more. Trust Him to provide the strength, grace, and love for each day. Give them your best and never less than your all. When the day is through, tears may fall...and thank God for them; for it shows the passion you have and the attachment you have made. He gave you a heart to overflow for these children. He created you to teach.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Now I shall end. We start our last five day week before state tests tomorrow :)
Happy Sunday!
I'm here to say they are terribly wrong. Work should not stay at work. I should be exhausted every day and every week. I should feel like crying, when things go really well and when they fail miserably. Daresay I should be praying for my group of students every day and I should be kneeling before the throne of grace asking for strength and love to give to them each day. This is my passion, it's what I was created to do. I know deep down these students were given to me, even for a short time, for a reason. There is something God wants me to show them. I stopped focusing on that about 3 weeks back. I feel as though all I do is fail. I guess it could be a "lack of experience" or "first year teacher syndrome". Maybe it's more because I stopped asking for grace and strength to honor Him in my classroom and with my students. I am overwhelmed, I feel inexperienced, I do not have much confidence in my ability right now. I plan and plan and plan; I try to create the most useful and memorable visuals to help my students grow...most days they leave, I come back to my room and I stare at the walls wondering if I taught them anything.
So anyways, I want this group to come and watch. Watch the lack of coffee I drink (only right away, once we get going, the cup sits in the back), the amount of energy I expel (in keeping their attention, in presenting a lesson, in showing them I care about them), the amount of interruptions I try to deal with quickly (the young girl who is crying, the two boys who constantly bicker), and the amount of time it takes to prepare even a twenty minute review lesson. I want them to watch...and see...and know that it's not as easy as walking in at 8am and leaving at 3pm. I want them to see how these students look at me when they are sad, confused, overwhelmed, feeling neglected, or lonely. I want them to see how I need to be just as excited as the student who did something well and just as somber as the lonely body starring back at me is.
I think I'm starting to forget why I chose education. Seeing as no one reads my blog (at least not yet...) I think this is going to be my "reminder" post. This is written for me...
Meghan Elizabeth,
You mustn't forget why you chose to be a teacher. Remember in first grade....looking to Mrs. Hagerty? She started your little dream; be like her. Remember in fifth grade....looking at Mr. Wilson for his "moment of silence" with his head bowed every day; be like him. Remember your first grade field experience....how excited you were to finally be in a classroom; don't lose that excitement. Remember your third grade and seventh grade experience co-ops; don't become them! Remember the day you walked into the high school emotional support class and you met the group of young men you were going to get to work; don't EVER give up on ANY student....Patrick, DJ, Zack, Kay....they worked, and they worked for YOU, because you CARED....and you showed them you cared; don't stop caring Meg. Then there was sixth grade...the group of street wise kids, the burned-out teachers, the lounge filled with "I'm glad I'm not trying to find a job..." conversations; don't listen to them....don't dwell on that. God is bigger than any economic issue; He'll give you the classroom when He is ready to have you there. Then the subbing began!! Five weeks with 5th & 6th graders....wasn't it blissful? It was an experience that taught you how to start the school year; save that binder! Day to day went okay; good with bad, but lots of new ideas...you wrote them down :) Finally, January rolled around and you were handed a key; that unlocked room three zero. Room three zero was filled with eighteen 5th graders. They are yours for the rest of the year. Meghan Elizabeth LOVE them! Teach them, care for them, but carry their burdens and excitements. It was worked well every time before. They need you to be passionate. They need you to be thankful for the time you've been given; not moping because next year is unknown. God could have placed you anywhere, or nowhere at all. Instead, He put you here...in room three zero to grow in your teaching abilities and to care for His eighteen children. It never was about the money, it still isn't, and don't you ever let it be. It always was, always is, and always will be about the kiddos :) It doesn't matter what people walking past may think of your crazy song and dance. The children coming into the room are your top priority. Nothing else matters more. Trust Him to provide the strength, grace, and love for each day. Give them your best and never less than your all. When the day is through, tears may fall...and thank God for them; for it shows the passion you have and the attachment you have made. He gave you a heart to overflow for these children. He created you to teach.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Now I shall end. We start our last five day week before state tests tomorrow :)
Happy Sunday!
3.03.2012
new arrangement...
When I came into this fifth grade class in January, the students were in four groups of four or five students. We stayed this way for a few weeks, and then we moved into a "U" shape. With the help of the previously mentioned partner teacher, we found an abandoned rug and a squiggly "U" shaped table to put into the middle of our "U". This became the area I used for my morning reading skills group! About 2 weeks into the "U" shaped arrangement, I was over it! I didn't have the mobility that I enjoy having within my classroom. I rode it out for another 2ish weeks, then said enough! We had hit the half way point of our third marking period so I changed :) I put my students into groups of 3, situating them in a triangular shape. This allows me to have six small groups and the ability to move around between all of them freely. I can get from the front to the back quickly and fairly easily (not including the binder that is bound to be in the middle of the floor!). I am liking our triangles much better than our large "U". The students seem to be enjoying it as well; though I am having to reprimand more for chatting than in the "U", but having instant small groups makes it worth it for me!
For all the people that don't ever look at my blog anyways, haha, here's a photo :)
For all the people that don't ever look at my blog anyways, haha, here's a photo :)
anchor charts: geometry 1
We spent just over one week on geometry; these are the anchor charts I created for this unit of study!
anchor charts: customary and metric measurement
We began our measurement unit about 3 weeks ago. We combined both customary and metric systems in order to prepare our students for these state tests :) I created a few anchor charts which are still hanging on our classroom windows. They seemed to help the students, though memorizing the conversions is always a tough spot!
it's been a long time...
Every week seems to pass just a bit faster than the one prior. I don't quite understand how that happens or why it feels that way. I teach my students there are 24 hours in everyday, and 7 days in every week....but most of the time I do not feel as though I have had all those hours!
Going into fifth grade I thought I had a fair amount of experiences. Not a lot, no; but enough to get me going? I thought so. Each faster passing week is showing me the gaps I have yet to seal in my learning. I guess maybe they will never be fully sealed, for what would I have left to learn then? Goodness though, these gaps feel huge. When I think I've finally handled the two bickering boys, they start up again. When I think I've encouraged the sweet girl with very little self esteem, we have a break down. When I think I've finally planned a successful week, something comes up, our schedule changes and I end the week still not finished with all I had hoped.
Our state testing begins in two weeks. I think I just want those to be done with. I don't fully know what to expect as I have not gone through them on this side before. I took them as a student, but even then the tests were not "THE TESTS" that they have become today. Or at least it wasn't verbally emphasized as much!
I really like the school I'm at right now. I have a great team teacher. We seem to mesh well in planning and teaching our students. I'm spoiled :) The thought of not knowing what next year will bring is adding a rather large damper to my subbing gig. I try to push it out of my mind. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough worries of it's own." "I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future." I, in my little bit of faith and the desire to control this area so badly, want to throw myself on the floor and throw a tantrum until someone promises me that I'll have a classroom somewhere next year. Even then, I want to stay at this school. I'm selfish. It's a problem. One that is eating me to pieces right now.
The posts following after this will have photos of what's been happening in our fifth grade room. Most will be anchor charts; I've really started to enjoy having these! The students take better notes when I'm making the charts and I like having them on the wall. The partner teacher did request that I stop climbing up on desks to hang them until he arrived in the room next door. "We don't need Mrs.B juice on the floor". Personally I think I'm a pro at climbing on desks to hang items on walls/the ceiling. Have you seen my solar system?! Alas, I shall abide by his request. I wouldn't want my students to find a "Flat Stanley" on the floor when they arrived, now would I?
Happy Teaching :)
Going into fifth grade I thought I had a fair amount of experiences. Not a lot, no; but enough to get me going? I thought so. Each faster passing week is showing me the gaps I have yet to seal in my learning. I guess maybe they will never be fully sealed, for what would I have left to learn then? Goodness though, these gaps feel huge. When I think I've finally handled the two bickering boys, they start up again. When I think I've encouraged the sweet girl with very little self esteem, we have a break down. When I think I've finally planned a successful week, something comes up, our schedule changes and I end the week still not finished with all I had hoped.
Our state testing begins in two weeks. I think I just want those to be done with. I don't fully know what to expect as I have not gone through them on this side before. I took them as a student, but even then the tests were not "THE TESTS" that they have become today. Or at least it wasn't verbally emphasized as much!
I really like the school I'm at right now. I have a great team teacher. We seem to mesh well in planning and teaching our students. I'm spoiled :) The thought of not knowing what next year will bring is adding a rather large damper to my subbing gig. I try to push it out of my mind. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough worries of it's own." "I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future." I, in my little bit of faith and the desire to control this area so badly, want to throw myself on the floor and throw a tantrum until someone promises me that I'll have a classroom somewhere next year. Even then, I want to stay at this school. I'm selfish. It's a problem. One that is eating me to pieces right now.
The posts following after this will have photos of what's been happening in our fifth grade room. Most will be anchor charts; I've really started to enjoy having these! The students take better notes when I'm making the charts and I like having them on the wall. The partner teacher did request that I stop climbing up on desks to hang them until he arrived in the room next door. "We don't need Mrs.B juice on the floor". Personally I think I'm a pro at climbing on desks to hang items on walls/the ceiling. Have you seen my solar system?! Alas, I shall abide by his request. I wouldn't want my students to find a "Flat Stanley" on the floor when they arrived, now would I?
Happy Teaching :)
2.04.2012
it's been a while...
Wow! Full time teaching makes the weeks go by quickly! We have been through multiple four day weeks and finally a full five day week last week! I am fully exhausted!
Our State Tests begin the middle of March and I didn't realize the pressure that is on our erh my shoulders for these tests until last week. "Make sure you cover this" "Review that" "Oh you'll probably want to review this too" Goodness!! I'm not sure I have enough time. I feel like what I do most days is shove information down the kids' throats and pray them remember it!
I've been picking the brain of one of the sixth grade teachers. She is a "green light classroom" teacher. It's a different style of teaching and learning which focuses on the brain. It's amazing the results she gets from her students. I'm slowly trying to change into this style of teaching because I see the benefits of it. Yes, it takes about twice the planning time for me to do an excellent job of it. But even the few things I have tried with my students, I can see how they are retaining those things!
I thought I had photos to add, but I must have been thinking "Oh, I should take a picture of that and post it on my blog" and I haven't taken the pictures! Oh well!
I did create an ActivInspire presentation for Point of View and an accompanying worksheet if anyone is interested, comment with your email and I'll send you a copy!!
Happy Teaching!!
Oh, we adopted a 10 week old puppy two weeks ago :) She's adorable but is not helping with my exhaustion :-D
Our State Tests begin the middle of March and I didn't realize the pressure that is on our erh my shoulders for these tests until last week. "Make sure you cover this" "Review that" "Oh you'll probably want to review this too" Goodness!! I'm not sure I have enough time. I feel like what I do most days is shove information down the kids' throats and pray them remember it!
I've been picking the brain of one of the sixth grade teachers. She is a "green light classroom" teacher. It's a different style of teaching and learning which focuses on the brain. It's amazing the results she gets from her students. I'm slowly trying to change into this style of teaching because I see the benefits of it. Yes, it takes about twice the planning time for me to do an excellent job of it. But even the few things I have tried with my students, I can see how they are retaining those things!
I thought I had photos to add, but I must have been thinking "Oh, I should take a picture of that and post it on my blog" and I haven't taken the pictures! Oh well!
I did create an ActivInspire presentation for Point of View and an accompanying worksheet if anyone is interested, comment with your email and I'll send you a copy!!
Happy Teaching!!
Oh, we adopted a 10 week old puppy two weeks ago :) She's adorable but is not helping with my exhaustion :-D
1.13.2012
five day week...
My first week was four days, the next two weeks are both four days, but this week....this week was FIVE whole days :)
I have our schedule down and have been doing much better this week with timing and executing! My brain is tired tonight, so it's going to be short. We all survived and went home...even with the snow :-D
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!!!
I have our schedule down and have been doing much better this week with timing and executing! My brain is tired tonight, so it's going to be short. We all survived and went home...even with the snow :-D
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!!!
1.06.2012
well, we survived...
We made it! Four days of school and I have not been this exhausted for a long time :) I stayed until 4:45pm planning and copying necessities for next week. I do love this job, I really do. Planning for the week that is coming spurs my excitement! Yes, I was tired at 3pm when I walked my class of students to their buses, but the empty room, organizing all the little things, and making fresh copies certainly sparks my interest in the next week! I have been blessed to have a great experienced teacher who continues to mentor me. I am grateful for his insights and encouragements. He has been a blessing in coaching me how to best acclimate myself to this classroom, to continue to build the team, and discipline the students appropriately. While I'm sure I could write about what we did this week, I am feeling exhausted and will probably go to bed soon, yes it's only 7pm, but I have some photos to share with you :)
Have a happy weekend :) Our first wedding anniversary is on Sunday! Thankfully I will have my school work all done and we can have a great day together. Oh, wait. It's football season... :)
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| The teacher whom I am subbing for had the paper and border up, but nothing was up. We are supposed to post our weekly objectives so they are visible. The other fifth grade teacher helped me with this idea. Using page protectors and printing the objectives each week! My Cricut provided the labels and when I create my objective card format, I'll post that also. |
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| The students found these on their desks when they came on Tuesday. I used Doodlecharms to create the stockings then I taped a pencil to the back :) I thought they were cute! |
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| What you need to know is that "space chair" is AWESOME. The chair is from Ikea and has a sweet story. The cushions were recovered by my AMAZING mama. It has become a favorite spot for the students to read! Thanks Mama |
Have a happy weekend :) Our first wedding anniversary is on Sunday! Thankfully I will have my school work all done and we can have a great day together. Oh, wait. It's football season... :)
1.02.2012
in preparation...
I really enjoy using my cricut! Since I had the winter break to play...I did :) Among various items, I found myself making four folders, which you can see below. Two I made in preparation for students who are absent. The other two I made for myself to stay organized! I didn't think to label which cartridges I used for which folder but I do know I used Locker Talk, Doodlecharms, Plantain School Book, and Walt Disney Font.
Enjoy the photos!! I'm so excited to go to school tomorrow!!!!!
Enjoy the photos!! I'm so excited to go to school tomorrow!!!!!
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