The Top 6 Things I've Learned From My 6th First Week of School

Hi there! 

I did it! 

I made it through Friday.

As I thought about my topic for today's blog post, I thought it might be fun to share some things that I've learned this week--my first full week of school. This is my sixth year teaching, so I'm going with "The Top 6 Things I've Learned During My First Week of School."

#6

People that are not closely related to teachers do not understand what the first week of school is like for a teacher.

Enough said.

#5

Painting for an art lesson just before my classroom is to be invaded for 1st graders and Kindergarteners for social studies will not work.

Yesterday, I did art with my 2nd graders and we painted self portraits. My room was an absolute mess…and I knew the Kindergarteners especially would not be able to leave the paint, brushes, paintings, etc. alone.

So we had recess instead. 

Don't judge!

#4

Speaking of Kindergarteners…

I am still not--nor will I ever be-- a Kindergarten teacher!

*And I'm thankful I only have them for 20 minutes a day!

That's all I have to say about that.

#3

I still don't like other adults watching me teach!

Our new superintendent came in my room a lot (well, it may have only been three times, but it felt like a lot) on Wednesday, and he actually came in and sat down and made himself comfortable and observed me and my challenging class.

First, he watched our morning meeting.

I was so nervous, I was shaking.

And I was thankful my special helper does most of the talking during morning meeting.

He did leave me a nice note.

Then he came back as I taught an impromptu lesson on even and odd during which I was calling (okay, yelling) for kids to come to the carpet one at at time asking (okay, yelling) questions like…

"How many kids are on the carpet now?"

"Can we make a pair?"

"Even or odd?"

"Oh no! We can't have an odd man (or woman) out! Get up here Sister Sue (that's a pretend name)! Sallie Ann (pretend again) needs a partner!"

I yell a lot during these exciting, impromptu lessons because the kids like it.

I'm not sure if the superintendent knew it was impromptu or not.

I'm also not sure what he thought of my lesson because I did not get another note. Ha! ;-)

#2

If you are willing to let loose, scream and get excited when telling a story, you can capture even the most difficult audience.

We learned about "seed stories"--small moment stories--and I always tell a story about when my son made me ride a huge barn swing at an amusement park.

I'll keep it short for you.

I'm not a huge fan of heights…okay I am afraid. Very afraid.

The lady who buckled me in thought it was necessary to say, "It's my first day. I hope I'm doing this right."

At some point during the ride, I'm pretty sure I was screaming, "I'm going to die!"

My son was saying, "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry I made you ride."

Of course, I survived.

My class especially loved me shouting, "I'm going to die!"

It was so fun to look around and see them all engaged. 

Challenging class, remember?

I think I'm going to have to get excited and yell a lot this year.

#1

I am not "Super Woman."

I am a fairly organized person.

Rushing out for volleyball practice after school is killing me!

This is what my desk area looked like this morning when I arrived.

It makes me crazy.

It makes me feel like a failure.

I should have a system…a routine.

I should be able to get this figured out.

I shouldn't have to work 4-5 hours on Saturdays to catch up or get ahead.

Then I remind myself…

This is only day 7.

And I am not Super Woman.

But I am super tired.

Good night!