My Whole Brain Teaching Year Has Begun!

Well, school has begun and I feel like I am finally coming up for air. The first two days have gone well, but – as is usually the case – it has been hectic. Teaching sixth-grade in middle school, the poor darlings don't really know where to go or where they should be. Changing classes is new for them, and in one hour I had 16 people that did not belong in my class! Oy vey! Amazingly, by day two things went a lot more smoothly...and by smoothly, I mean no more than three kiddos in the wrong class per hour. 

I have been so busy with new school procedures, new administrator lists, and just the beginning of the school year that I haven't been planning"W.B.T." I covered the five rules, class/yes, and passing out papers on day one. We also discussed multiple intelligences and filled out an M.I. Survey. I had grandiose plans of getting to so much more. Ha!

 

I popped in for a Twitter #wbtchat last night, and Nancy S. was quick to remind me of a few things that would help me easily get back on track! So, scoreboard was today for day two! It was a huge – and I mean huge success! Also, I reviewed the class yes and rules, and added the teach/okay. They loved it! There was even one student teaching the rules to his shoe!  Hahaha!

I want to mention that I had our ELL teachers translated the 5 WBT rules into Spanish and Marshallese! Has anyone else translated them? Does anyone need them? I'm happy to share!

So...I'm tired. My washer at home broke.  My A/C in my classroom went out. I have lunch duty this first week of school. My voice is weak. My legs are nearly numb. My brain is fried. But, in all honesty, I can say, "I LOVE MY JOB!!!"

Power to the Teachers!

Cathy

Student Walk-Through

I am tired. My feet hurt – I have a blister on my foot from new "big girl" shoes I wore yesterday (and only 6 hours). I've spent late hours both in my classroom and at home reading, preparing, researching. But I am not discouraged.  I am not hesitant. I am not sorry to see the end of summer. On the contrary, I am excited about this school year! 

We are anticipating +\- 180 sixth-graders this year--one of the largest Longfellow Middle School has seen. Yesterday our sixth-graders were invited to LMS  to walk through a mock schedule.  You see, they weren't able to your the building in the spring as fifth-graders because the building was under reconstruction. Sixth-grade teachers were discussing that a turnout of 80 would be great.  Yesterday somewhere around 125 showed up! I think the kids are excited about this school year, too!

Power to the Teachers!

Never Before...

I have taught before, but I think I'd mentioned that in my first blog post.  Never have I reported so early in August.  Now, I'm not one who usually remembers dates, so how do I know?  Today is my birthday…and never have I reported back to school BEFORE my birthday.  I'd always viewed that as a good thing -- but this year is different.  The staff I have met thus far is different.  I am different.  I am so very glad to be working with them, for they bless me beyond belief! We get along, share, encourage, expand, and help each other. We have group jokes from our FIRST DAY together.  It's unreal!

We had just a half day of the district's new teacher workshops/meetings yesterday, so we gathered at Applebee's for lunch.  Much to my surprise, I was sung to AND given such a sweet birthday card and gift card.  Honestly, I was fighting back tears…I was moved!  These people I had JUST MET on Monday…not even three work days ago…had plotted.  :)  After lunch, I reached to pay for the ticket, BUT NO!  They had secretly arranged to split my tab amongst them!  I had my daughter there, too, and they paid for hers!  I was (and still am) touched.

Never before have I felt such an immediate bond with my grade level (plus one!) of teachers.

Never before have I thanked building administrators for hiring the new teachers…ALL of them!

Never before has a group of educators moved me to improve myself and grow professionally.

Never before have I awakened on a Saturday at 6am (on my birthday, no less) and my first thoughts were of school! Honest Engine!!

Never before have I wanted…waited…for the time to pass so I can get into the school building to get back to work.

Yes, I am thrilled to announce I am certain this year will be like never before!

Every Child Deserves a Champion

I love Ted Talks.  I love the enthusiasm and charge they give me. After viewing one or two, I am filled with a "can-do" attitude.  

Ted Talks that Every Educator Should Watch via @gaggle_K12 #GaggleSpeaks

This one, in particular, spoke to me tonight.  I hope to be that champion.  Will you be?  How do you plan to become a champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Teenage/Kidlets

Thank you, Melonheadz, for making such cute teenager people art! I have finally created my blog banner, which I have a also used on my Facebook page. If you ever are in need of illustrations, please check out Melonheadz...you won't be disappointed!

Summer's End

Summer consists of two days for me…today and tomorrow…then I'm a working gal again! New teachers in our district report August 6-8th from 8-3. All teachers report August 11. Students start on August 19th.  While I know I should be cherishing these last few hours of summer, I am instead ready for things to roll! I have been hoping, planning, interviewing, and wanting to be in the classroom for so long--now, I just want to teach!  :)

So, friends and educators, enjoy the waning days of summer! Read a book (or a mere chapter, in my case), soak in a bit of sun, and relax with your loved ones.