One week down!

Well, I survived. The first week went much more smoothly than I could have imagined. And thanks to an early Labor Day, I have a three-day weekend to recover! The hardest part has been being on my feet for about eleven hours each day. My cutesy sandals aren't doing the job.

I am happy to report that, during the first week, I didn't have any children try to escape, had very few tears (none on my part!), and only one transportation booboo! I had lots of hugs and one kiddo even told me I was his "favorite, cool teacher." I'll take it. I do think I have caught some cooties during the first week - a sore throat, earache, etc have kicked in over the past 24 hours. Hopefully it will be short-lived. As I'm realizing, it's much better to suck it up than to be out and write sub plans. Speaking of sub plans, I have a total of SIX absences from now until December due to various training sessions. Yikes. The thought of being out of the classroom that many days is terrifying, but we'll make do.

To recap our first week, we practiced and practiced (and then practiced some more) our daily routines. It's very different in kindergarten, as our kiddos have to learn everything involved with a school day, i.e. unpacking, holding doors, walking in a line, etc. We're getting there! We even received our first compliment (and brownie point) during a fire drill on Friday for doing such a good job!

Other highlights from the week included our school tour. We read "The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School" by Laura Murray and went looking for clues so the kiddos could see various parts of the school and meet some of the faculty/staff. They loved it and could barely hold their excitement when they saw a clue posted. We also read Audrey Penn's "The Kissing Hand," "A Pocket Full of Kisses," and "A Kiss Goodbye" throughout the week. At lunch on Friday, I had one little guy sitting with his head drooped. I went over to check on him and he told me how much he was missing his mom. He formed a "kissing hand" of his own and told me he was sending it to his mom. I may have gotten little teary on that one! Later in the week, we all made kissing hands of our own by tracing our hands and I recorded what each of the kids most wanted to learn this year in school. Some of my favorite responses were "SpongeBob Square Pants," "kitties," and "how to cut paper." I think I can handle that. I'll post a picture next week of their display. It's pretty cute.

The best learning came during our math time this week. Today, students learn about and see numbers differently than when I was in school. I introduced ten-frames and at only five years old, these kids are seeing groups of ten in many different ways. It was INCREDIBLE. Before addition and subtraction have formally been introduced, they are able to see patterns and groups and make statements like: "I know that's eight dots because I see five on the top and three more" or "I know that's nine dots because if there were one more that would make ten." I'm so excited to see them explore these relationships more as the year progresses.

I know it's only been one week, but I am so happy. I have a great group of kids and I am right where I belong. We're beginning writing next week. I think I might need my rest. 

Moments of Goodness

I've been practically living at school this past week and I still feel like there's so much more to be done. I guess a classroom is like a house - it's never really done. Besides planning, I have been so pumped full of math and literacy assessment training this week, in addition to a lengthy list of codes, user names, and pin numbers that my head is swimming. I made the mistake of neglecting my poor mailbox for several days; it was so full that it was pushing up the box above mine. Let's not even talk about my email inbox. I've been attempting to stay semi-organized through this whole process, but it's a struggle at this point. Lists are EVEY WHERE! Literally. I have to-do lists in my car, in my bag, on my desk, in my planner - you name it. I'm sure I'll drop the ball on something. It's bound to happen, but life will go on.

Open House was last night and it was a whirlwind! I hadn't accounted for all the siblings, grandparents, and other family members that would come with students. Kindergarten is a big year! It was a full house with all but two families showing up to visit. I had four bags of cookies for refreshments and they hardly lasted until 6pm. I think I was asleep last night before 9pm. The kids are precious and I am anxious to see all the personalities in one classroom next week. There were only a few tears shed last night - one little boy didn't want to leave school. (Must admit, that made me feel pretty good!) I think we'll probably have some more tears next week. I'm sure the kids will be fine, I'm just worried about the mommas! :)

I have been so excited to share all my classroom photos. I snapped these last night before Open House. Excuse the white bars over the kids' names - and the unfinished number line!

Bulletin board outside door

When you first walk in the room...

Assistant's table, cubbies, and birdie display clips

 

My desk and the "cool down" table

Transportation Clip Chart

Lunch pockets to be added!

The kiddos "blacken" a tooth when lost - stole this from my OSTE! :)

Birdie Helpers!

My favorite part of the room

Another bulletin board outside the room

I also have to share some of the "goodness" I was able to soak in today. Each year, our school district does a Back to School Celebration for the entire faculty and staff in the county. Rewind back in May, Robert's nephew, Christopher, was part of a local talent show act that made its way to YouTube. The kids have become so famous, they were asked to perform today at the rally! They had two "shows" today, due to our county's size, and were the highlight of the event. They received a well-deserved standing ovation and I have to say, Christopher stole the show. It was awesome! I was so proud of him.

On the way back to school, our busload of teachers stopped a local breakfast chain. We were all wearing our school shirts and a very sweet lady paid for our entire group. I was blown away at how much people love teachers. As I was wrapping up everything at school this afternoon, another sweet pea took time away from his busy schedule to come put his handyman skills to work installing classroom curtain rods. Despite the chaos, these moments make it all worth it.

End of Summer

Where has the summer gone?! As excited as I am to meet my new kindergartners, I need just one more week - one more week to process things, do last-minute organizing, or at least just to breathe. I envisioned weeks of preparation in my new room, but workshops, training, and orientation have filled my days instead. Don't get me wrong, hearing those horror stories of new teachers just now getting into their classrooms makes me thankful for the limited time I have had.

Speaking of new teachers, my school has at least six new AND first year teachers this year. It's reassuring to have people experiencing all the same emotions along with me. I truly could not be more fortunate as far as colleagues go. From my interview and earliest experiences with the school, it was the people who set it apart from the other schools I was considering. I have never felt more welcomed. And, I have to mention that my kindergarten team ROCKS. I love them already. I'm so happy I went with my "gut" on this one.
 
After countless of hours of blood, sweat, and tears, my classroom is taking shape (sneak peek preview below). Mom took the day off today and helped me tremendously! My goal is to have it complete in two more days. Photos to follow.

 

Looking forward to the approaching 2013-2014 school year, here's what I'm most excited about (I'm thinking "sleep" will be number one on the list by October):

1. Daily 5 - The kindergarten team had plans to implement this structure of literacy instruction this year and I jumped on the bandwagon. If you teach elementary school and haven't heard of "The Sisters," that must be some rock you've been living under. :) Do yourself a favor and read the book!

2. Technology - Our classroom is equipped with iPads, computers, a SMART board, and document camera. I'm a bit of a techy geek when it comes to electronics and gadgets, so this is very exciting. The kids will benefit tremendously from all of this technology at their disposal! Now, if only I could get reception on my phone in the classroom...

3. will.i.am - What classroom couldn't use a little will.i.am?! I've been searching for a song to play each morning to signal my kids to transition to the meeting area, and I found this gem. Now, just envision me and twenty kids signing and dancing to this every morning.  Enjoy!

 

4. Kiddos - I'm pretty sure this goes without saying, but I cannot wait to meet those precious new kindergartners. After putting their names on (literally) everything in the classroom, it will be great to finally put names with faces. It only depresses me a little that they were BORN in 2008.

Next Monday marks my "official" start date, with all the teachers coming back to school. Open House is also next week and I already have the jitters. School starts two weeks from today: August 26. The countdown is on.

Room 207

I was beginning to think this day would never come - and just when I least expected it, the good energy and prayers that were being sent out finally kicked into overdrive. The job offers and additional interviews started coming in about a week ago and I had a decision to make. I was so caught up in actually finding a job (ANY job), I hadn't entertained the idea of choosing one school over another. After several days of soul-searching and calling on mentors, old teachers, and my support system for advice, I chose the school that I loved immediately. Maybe, it really chose me. :)

When I visited the school today to see my classroom, it was overwhelming. Not overwhelming due to the lack of organization and bare walls (I can fix that!), but overwhelming in that I'm starting to see my dream take shape. I have waited so long for a classroom of my very own - and did I mention how much I LOVE this one?! Hard work really does pay off. 

Next step: decorating!

The cove outside Miss King's room!

I am overjoyed with these windows. Hallelujah!

Searching for Patience

The past couple of weeks have been trying. In all honesty, not having a solid plan for the fall has left me anxious and a bit blue. I want to be in the school where I will do the most good. I've prayed for God to "use me" to make a difference. That's all I've wanted all along. I can't not mention the incredible amount of support I've received during the ups and downs of job hunting, interviewing, and the emotional waiting game. My mom and boyfriend, Robert, as well as my colleagues and friends have been wonderful. I continue to be in awe of their own patience and perseverance. I was thinking to myself today, next year when I am faced with obstacles I can't yet fathom, I'll think back to these days and remember how badly I wanted this. It will surely put things in perspective.
 
On a lighter note, to rid myself of these "no job" blues, I've attempted to add a little color to the situation by busying myself with laminating, poster-making, and crafting for a classroom that will (hopefully) be mine soon. Enjoy! Oh, and no judging on the (lack of) artistic ability! :)

These birdies are part of my Carson-Dellosa theme. I painted and hot glued clothespins to
 the birds to feature student work.

Give Me Five Poster for Carpet

3-Star Sentence Poster for Writing (Thanks, Pinterest).

Out with the Old

I think teachers may be the only breed who levitate over planners - or it could just be me. A friend of mine gave me my first teacher planner when I went back to school and my obsession with Erin Condren products has only grown. Her line is incredibly colorful, to say the least. My first Erin Condren planner was attached to the hip and held up through graduate school, student teaching, and many sticky hands admiring the cover. I'm retiring it this month, but just don't have the heart to throw it out. I found all sorts of notes, Valentine's cards, and artwork tucked inside from past students. It's like a narrative of that big chapter in my life. Enough of the sentimental planner anecdotes. My brand new, and very clean, 2013-2014 Erin Condren teacher planner came in a couple weeks ago. I'm ridiculously excited (shocker).

My retired planner (left) and my new one (right)

Look at the colorful tabs! Squeee!

Nice, clean lesson planner all ready for the first week of school.

Erin Condren always includes the cutest personalized gift cards inside.

My Growing Classroom Collection

My classroom collection is really starting to grow!

Storage, storage, storage!

Classroom library

Many posters - all of which need to be laminated!

I'm a calendar nerd, and it goes without saying how in love with this I am.

I'm finally putting  my grad school binder in storage. This consisted of just papers and projects (student teaching not included). Whew!

4 inches!

What's Next?

For the past twenty years, school has been the primary focus of my life. As stressful as it was at times, there was always security in knowing what was coming next - next week, next month, next semester, etc. Now, as I sit here "prepared" with my recent Master of Education (K-6) degree, the question I've received hundreds of times from family, friends, and colleagues has been: "What's next?" Unsurprisingly, the next step is more school. However, this go-round will be a be a bit different, as I'll be the one at the front of the classroom.

Miss King (center) with two buddies from program

I'm a soon-to-be elementary school teacher in North Carolina. After just completing several interviews, I think I found "the" school in a rural area about 60 miles west of Raleigh - or, for all you Tar Heel fans, just 25 miles west of Chapel Hill. Go Heels! It is a quaint school with very apparent and abundant best practices. Nothing has been confirmed, but I'm hoping the end of the month will have some good news in store. Naturally, I am extremely anxious about my new role, which has only been intensified through this agonizing waiting period.

On the flip-side, the other part of me feels like a kid on Christmas. With every new book I add to my classroom library or colorful poster I buy, I can hardly wait to find out the grade I'll be teaching, decorate my room, and, of course, meet my awesome students. It's my hope to update this blog as regularly as possible during my first year (and hopefully, beyond) to reflect on my successes, learn from my flops, and maybe share some funny stories along the way.

To end my first entry, here's a list of my favorite quotes from my internship (4th/5th grade combination) and student teaching (kindergarten). I jot them down when they happen, because I know one day, I really will be able to write a book!

Quotes from Student Teaching:

"What have you learned in life?"
"Not to eat tacos before gym class!" - 5th grader

 "That's a pretty vase you added on top of your mantel in your drawing."
"Oh, that's not a vase. That's grandma." - 5th grader

"I know why the trees are shaking Miss. King. They're doing a happy dance and saying 'thank you' for the rain." - Kindergartener

"Who knows what kind of animals we are?"
"Camels!" - Kindergartener (mammals) 

"It was a really sad weekend. My daddy had to go on an airplane because his boss said so. I really miss him...but the good news is, WE GOT TO GO TO SHEETZ!!!!!" - Kindergartener

"Who can tell me name of this informational text feature?"
"An instagram!" - Kindergartener (diagram)

"I'm having a BRAINSTORM!!!" - Kindergartener

And my favorite...

"Miss King, you're a real teacher now!" - Kindergartener