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.