{Warning: This blog post might be ridiculously long because I have too much GOOD stuff to share}Yahoo!!! I survived the first week of school, and I can say it was AMAZING!
I had a bunch of mixed feelings about starting this school year. I was super stoked about returning to the school I completed my student teaching at and working for the district I grew up in…But I was nervous how my students were going to be. Like REALLY nervous.
Some of you already know this, but I wasn't giving the "best" situation last year. I decided to take on a challenging task of teaching a fist grade ELD classroom midyear (I mean, how hard could it be…right?!). I was the third teacher for these kids. I had a lot of students with major behavioral problems. When I say "war zone", I'm talking about scissors and chairs being thrown, kids trying to stab one another with pencils, six year olds cussing, and etc.. These kids were mature in the sense of knowing the nasty part of the world. As much as I tried to work my booty off and love the heck out of these kids, I never felt like I succeeded. Having this experience, I was worried I might come across the same thing and realize teaching wasn't for me.
Luckily I have been blessed with a new beginning.
Each year isn't going to be perfect, but I felt more prepared and energized to begin this school year. I knew where I stood as a teacher and the goals I had as an educator.
My classroom dynamic it completely different from what I experienced… and that's a good thing. ( I know it's probably too soon to tell but I'm optimistic about this year… ).
From day one I told my students that I appreciate and care about them. I told them they were already smart, but they are going to make their brains even bigger this year. I reminded them to NEVER to give up. I emphasized that tattles are EW. I made it an importance that we work as a team because we are a family. I explained to them that we all NEED to learn. I told them that I set high expectations for them because I believe in them. I taught them the value of ONLY using kind words and actions to others. We laughed, we danced, and celebrated our first week together.
The amazing part of all this stuff that was sprinkled into their little brains, is that they reflected everything I could ever ask for as teacher. Simple things as reminding their neighbor they need to push in their chairs so others don't trip, or offering to tie someone's shoe when my hands were full…. and even saying "thank you" to the lunch ladies who served them. I'm in love with watching my students run into my classroom every morning with a big smile on their face! I enjoy hearing the "Thank yous", "You're really nice Miss Short", "This is fun", "You're so silly." - I very rarely heard these comments in my last placement. I don't expect my kids to always adore me, but I'm a fan of respect! I am extremely grateful that my students and I respect one another.
Of course I want my students to grow academically, but I also want my students to leave my classroom and reflect kindness. I want their hearts to grow bigger so they can love every ounce of a person and the world. Teachers teach more than academics, people!
Another huge change for me is the support I have from the parents. I have never received so many kind words from parents. The other day an aunt came up to me and said, "Thank you for teaching the young generation. I know it's not an easy thing to do, and you do it for so little money." <-----Wait what?! I was so thrown off by this statement. It's something us teachers want to hear from others, but when you hear it, it's like "WOW, maybe I do have some value and can make a difference!". Or, the comment, "She must really like you, she never opens up to adults that quickly". - I feel honored kids feel safe with me. "Your classroom is beautiful"- I try really hard to make my classroom look inviting, and to hear so many nice comments about it really warms my heart. Everyday I have had items donated to my classroom. Do you know how nice it is not to worry about how am I going to provide for 22 kids?! Goodness I feel so blessed with this situation.
My district supplies textbooks to ALL students, and if you run out they will get you more! You might think, "Well, duh!"… Ha. Arizona schools are hurting. My last school I wasn't as fortunate, and other schools aren't always able to get the resources they need. Being at bigger school district, I feel supported to successfully do my job. This excites me!
My staff.. Holy Moly, Guacamole are they great! Everyone walks around with smiles on their faces and WANTS to help one another out. I love the positive atmosphere. My first grade team is fab! We communicate, share things, and laugh a lot! We enjoy cute things, which is a huge plus ;)
I appreciate all of my friends and family support. Being closer to my school this year, people all over have offered to help me set up, cut out things, donate items, etc. I am beyond grateful for everyone's generosity and encouraging words towards me. It really makes me work harder knowing people all over are cheering my kids and I on. You have NO idea what a difference you make in my life! With the negativity in Arizona's education, it is extremely humbling to know that people outside the field know the importance of education and are willing to help teachers support their students.
My heart is honestly the happiest it has been in FOREVER! Yay for 2015-2016 school year! Best of luck to all of you teacher friends out there. Sending happy thoughts and prayers to you and your kiddos.
Here are some pictures of this year's classroom….don't worry I have next year's theme picked out ;)
"Big Wall of Knowledge" aka Calendar Wall
Meet the Teacher Inofrmation
Desk found for $15, and my dad spray painted!
Chevron stool for the win
This crate reminds me to get writing samples from students
I ran out of wall space so I put butcher paper on the back of a book shelf to place student's jobs on it.
Anchor chart wall. We will display big concepts we are learning that week up on the wall.
File cabin for $5 and painted :)
Centers Extravaganza
Desk fairy notes to motivate kids to keep their desk clean.
Sub emergancy kit…So many weddings this year I'll be gone a couple of times.
Goodbye paper clutter
Love stationary
I'm in love with carpet squares. Keeps my kiddos in their personal space
