Time for rest

I've been meaning to write on this blog, however, teaching has taken over every aspect of my life the last couple of months.  These days off have been wonderful.  I would love to write about the last couple of months, but that would take quite a bit of time-especially for those who read it.  Instead, I would like to say that I'm slowly growing more confident in my teaching abilities, even though there have been many uncertainties along the way.  Recently my school hired a Title I lead teacher that has become a tremendous support as well as my mentor.  Most 1st year teachers are given their mentors the first month of school, however, I was not given mine until at least November.  I meet with her every Friday and talk about whatever is on my mind-it has helped tremendously.  Right now I'm concentrating on my teacher evaluation process (I'm going to write a post about this later) and helping my students learn each day.  Being that I'm in an upper grade, standardized state testing is crucial so unfortunately I know that I will be concentrating on that come January.  That topic will also be a forth coming post.  My New Year's resolution (one of them) is to write on my blog weekly-I hope I can keep this resolution!

Almost 25 days later....

Phew!  The last several weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions.  There has been anxiety, stress, exhaustion, happiness....the list could go on.  The first day of school (and the first week) were terrific.  I can confidently say that I laid out my rules, procedures, and expectations from the first minute my students walked into my classroom.  I have tried my very best to remain consistent so I do not end up with a discipline problem.  4th graders love to talk and talk back so it has been different from my experience in 2nd grade.

At my school we are switching blocks for different subjects areas, which has thrown the kids off completely.  I think after we all get into a routine it will become a wonderful experience for all of us (hopefully).  In the beginning of the year we had to wait for formal assessments to group our students so the students switched to a different teacher each day.  I did not like that!  I don't think the students did either.  After we begged the principal she decided to group them by ability group and teacher recommendation.  So, the literacy groups I have right now I have only had for 1 solid week.  I feel like I still need to build a foundation and relationship with them before we can start learning like my homeroom class has.

I hope to write more in here after the wedding.  With beginning of year procedures and wedding planning I feel very overwhelmed.  Until next time, have a great weekend!

Resources for Newbies

4th grade teacher's website This site is an excellent tool to help you set up your class, along with many other great resources.


Another 4th grade class' website


Harry Wong  is the author of The First Days of School.  A book that should be used by beginner and veteran teachers. 


Classroom Management   This website has a ton of resources not only on classroom management but classroom layout, centers, planning, etc. 

Professional Development

Last week I partook in a 4 day professional development at my school; with topics ranging in Literacy, Math, SIOP, Writing across the Curriculum, curriculum mapping, unpacking the standards, etc.  It was an excellent opportunity for me to meet my 4th grade team, tour the school, meet other staff, and figure out how this particular school runs.  I've been in many schools throughout my college career and every single one operates differently.  We were given many different resources to help us plan lessons for our students and really look at our standards/objectives instead of solely focusing on the "cutesy" activities.  After the 1st day I really felt like I was going to be working with a noteworthy team.  Every single one of the teachers helped me understand what was going on and took the time to explain how something works or where I should find something.  It also helped that there is another first year teacher along side me.  We actually had a couple college classes together.  After listening, learning, and brainstorming for four days I was able to work on my classroom.  Given the fact that I really only had about 3 hours to work on it, I didn't get much done.  I was able to move all my materials in and arrange the furniture how I like it but I have not decorated the class nor put my books up.  I'm going to post my "before" pictures of my class and in a week or so I'll post my "after" pictures.  I need so much for my classroom, I really wish there was a "Teacher sponsor program."

Back of the classroom

The window view.  This is where the computers will go and the TV in the corner.  

The front corner of the classroom.  

The students' cubbies.  To the left is where you exit the classroom.  

PS- I'm reading a superior book right now: The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch.  I highly recommend it and would really like to talk about this book with someone.

The beginning

In approximately 9 days I will begin my journey as a 4th grade teacher.  I feel that it has taken me so long to get here that it feels like a dream.  Especially right now, amidst the horrendous state budget cuts and job slashing that has infected all job sectors.  I feel lucky that I was granted a job, however, I shouldn't feel that way.  I earned this degree along with two certifications (K-6 and ESL) and feel that I should have a career. Although ultimately the system we live under does not agree.  I am aware that there will be many times in my future career that I disagree with the system, however, I am going to fight for what is right for teachers and for my students.  To quote Frederick Douglass, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."