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.
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.
