We started our third week in school today. Flying by! I could get upset that this is the first time I am writing on this blog since the year began but that's not what this is about. This is about me finding out what I believe as a teacher. So let's make it about that.
Last week I had an epic fail with my math lesson on Thursday (and every other day before that, if I'm being honest). Of course, on Thursday, Brian came in my room to 'check-in.' Not good times to watch, I'm sure. This merely lit the much needed fire for me to jump in and find a new way. The program has us working a lot with worksheets (I think mostly in the beginning...I'm hoping). That felt Yuck to me and I'm sure that's what was coming out in my teaching. Hence, the epic fail.
So here's what I did: Got my Debbie Diller Math Work Stations book out and started reading. I read through what Math Work Stations were and I brought those thoughts to my Lesson for today. What a difference! It felt so much better and I think the kids were having fun. I had to do some AimsWeb testing today so I didn't get to finish the lesson. This is a good thing, though, because I'll be able to see how much of the info from today made it into their brains.
What I learned today about what I believe: I believe I am always working on ways to make things better. If it doesn't feel right for me it probably doesn't feel right for them either. I set the tone. I am not a worksheet girl. That's been pounded into my head nicely and I tried to take the "easy way out" and not plan ahead for math. Not so easy. No teaching.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
School starts when!?!
I went to grab some breakfast this morning (and check to see if the owners' kid was in my class) at a local bistro and was reminded of the newness of teaching in a small town. I was correct that I would have the child of a delightful couple in my class this upcoming school year. What I did not know was that both of their daughters would be in my class. Cool for all of us! The papa casually asked "So, when does school start?" Funny how odd this question sounded to me but was perfectly legitimate for him. Doesn't everyone know EVERYTHING has to be done by August 17th...or else. I was thankful to have my perspective put in check.
So what have I been doing? Nothing. Everything. I've been setting up my classroom library and thinking about how I want to introduce this special area to my students. (Pictures to come as soon as I figure out how to do that) I bought a really cool chair for when I sit with my children at the whole group meeting area. I've put up my Word Wall and a section for my Small Group Kiddo's work. I've spent thousands of dollars (ok, like one but it's sounds cool to say thousands!) on things we'll need this year. I've spent some time in the cums of a few of my students, learning about mom and dad and what school's been like so far for them. I have started my plans for the first week of school, detailing how we will spend our first minutes, hours, and days together.
So what have I learned about myself as a teacher? I have learned I am very intentional. The only things on my wall right now are things I KNOW I will use and exactly how I will use them. Each item I have purchased has a specific purpose for this classroom and I can name that purpose easily if asked. I want to know my kiddos. I think about them in every step I take because without them, I wouldn't want to be here. I want to know more about teaching. I have done this for several years now but already in the last couple of weeks I have scarfed down pages and pages of info to help me plan and decide what to do in my classroom with my crew. It may take a bit longer but I don't want to do it if I can't do it right.
It's 7:28pm and I am sitting in my classroom, walls bear, piles stacked, and the hum of the florescent lights as my soundtrack. This is livin'! Time to go back to work. Let's see how to get these Morning Meetings started!
So what have I been doing? Nothing. Everything. I've been setting up my classroom library and thinking about how I want to introduce this special area to my students. (Pictures to come as soon as I figure out how to do that) I bought a really cool chair for when I sit with my children at the whole group meeting area. I've put up my Word Wall and a section for my Small Group Kiddo's work. I've spent thousands of dollars (ok, like one but it's sounds cool to say thousands!) on things we'll need this year. I've spent some time in the cums of a few of my students, learning about mom and dad and what school's been like so far for them. I have started my plans for the first week of school, detailing how we will spend our first minutes, hours, and days together.
So what have I learned about myself as a teacher? I have learned I am very intentional. The only things on my wall right now are things I KNOW I will use and exactly how I will use them. Each item I have purchased has a specific purpose for this classroom and I can name that purpose easily if asked. I want to know my kiddos. I think about them in every step I take because without them, I wouldn't want to be here. I want to know more about teaching. I have done this for several years now but already in the last couple of weeks I have scarfed down pages and pages of info to help me plan and decide what to do in my classroom with my crew. It may take a bit longer but I don't want to do it if I can't do it right.
It's 7:28pm and I am sitting in my classroom, walls bear, piles stacked, and the hum of the florescent lights as my soundtrack. This is livin'! Time to go back to work. Let's see how to get these Morning Meetings started!
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