Teacher check in!

[junebugjam]

Me! No kids yet but Ive been in my room most of the week setting up. Pumping now but so much to do!

I teach 3rd grade. I'm nervous about juggling school and home this year. I have to work really hard on being organized so it doesn't get overwhelming. Love my school. Wish the day started earlier but otherwise all is good.

[FlutterOfYoshis]

I don't know if I count anymore. I'm teaching seasonally as musical director with a local high school drama club. I'll see the parents at our annual drama club parent meeting, the kids at auditions for the fall play (if I can figure out a plan for my EBF baby who refuses a bottle), and then both at auditions and rehearsals come December for the Spring Musical. I work with a great staff who allows for this special setup we have.

I admire so many of you who are going back. I couldn't find a full time job here before BFP, so this seasonal situation is what works now for us.

[emilyz320]

Great idea @holachica!

I teach 3rd grade with all ELL students. We started this past Monday, the kids start this Monday. I am feeling great. A little nervous about balancing having a baby and teaching, since my job is so demanding. Plus dh got a new job so I am responsible for all daycare drop offs and pick ups. But school-wise I am ready and confident, plans are written and classroom is done. I love my school, my principal and my team. The kids are tough but it's all I know. My schedule is ok I just wish the day ended a little sooner. we don't get out until 3:30.

[emilyz320]

junebugjam go third grade!

[krispy83]

We started classes a couple of weeks ago, on 8/12. Back to school night (aka every teacher's LEAST favorite day) was yesterday.

I went to part time in 2012 after DS was born. I teach 7th grade world history and 8th grade American history. I'm in a school with a block schedule, so that means that I teach every other day. It can be a tough schedule for finding childcare (I can't put the kids in MWF or TTh because my schedule changes every week) but other than that, it's really nice.

I had a very hard time coming back this year though. Much harder than after DS was born or any other year. I love what I do, I just want to be home with my babies! Plus, being off since the end of January made it tough to get back into the rhythm. Now that I'm a few weeks in, it's getting a bit easier to find my groove.

[wimcgrath]

Great idea-there are a lot of us on here!
I'm very spoiled because our students don't start until after Labor Day, which means my work week starts on Monday the 31st. Those first few weeks are always really exhausting and I know it will be even more tiring with a baby at home.
I teach first grade and I'm heading into my fifth year of teaching (have to renew my license this year!) I think I've gotten a lot more efficient and use my time more wisely now so I'm not as concerned about the home/ work balance, more the feeling that I'm "missing out" of things with my daughter while I'm with other people's kids.
I love my school and coworkers. It's my fourth year at the school and it's a much nicer atmosphere than where I spent my first year teaching. Our team got juggled around a little bit this year, so I am trying to adjust and break some new people in.

[junebugjam]

wimcgrath I taught first before I moved to third last year. I miss those littles sometimes, but first grade is EXHAUSTING. I did feel more "with it" in first, but I taught it longer, so I'm hoping I'll get there (soon) with third grade too.

Any elementary teachers use readers workshop model? I've dabbled but my district is going full workshop teaching this year and I'm nervous about the change. I think it will be great, just an adjustment.

Hope you all have a great year! I would love to see classroom pictures if anyone has them. Cute Pinterest classrooms, anyone?

[wimcgrath]

junebugjam it is exhausting but you see so much growth so also quite rewarding. We just got another class added-- thank goodness because it was just me and 30 6-year-olds... Crazy!
For Language Arts, we do the Daily 5 model and I feel pretty successful in getting to guided reading groups.

[emilyz320]

junebugjam we do readers workshop. I love it! Feel free to ask any questions, this is my third year doing it. I will definitely take some pics and post them on Monday.

[danitaec]

We've been in classes for two weeks now. I teach elementary music so I have every kid in the building 1-2 times a week, k-5. I like everything about my schedule except I don't think I'm given adequate time to pump, but apparently in Georgia if you're not an hourly employee you don't have to be given time if it "disrupts daily operations" or somesuch crap.

And also, my general state of mind is exhausted overwhelmedness... Up for the day at 4:30 is no bueno.

[lotsofdotts]

This was our first week back with kids. I'm exhausted! I teach high school English. This semester I have all juniors. Yay for American lit!

[emilyz320]

Some classroom pics!

[junebugjam]

emilyz320 I have that believe banner too! Love it!

[emilyz320]

Does anyone have any experience with students with odd? I just talked to a parent and one of my students has been diagnosed with it, and is already acting defiantly in the classroom. Tips??

[wimcgrath]

Sept 1, 2015 20:48:33 GMT -5 @holachica said:

Sept 1, 2015 16:03:57 GMT -5 emilyz320 said:

Does anyone have any experience with students with odd? I just talked to a parent and one of my students has been diagnosed with it, and is already acting defiantly in the classroom. Tips??

Yes, though it was 7 years ago.

I do remember that I really tried to re-phrase things so they don't really sounds like sharp commands, like instead of "open your books" say "we are opening our books." I'd also give time warnings so he wouldn't feel caught off guard by a change in activity.

I agree that phrasing can help a lot! Also, choices. Just limit the choices to two things and make it between two things you want him to do. It gives the illusion that he has control but also gets him to take ownership over his choices/ work. (Is it bad that I'm assuming it's a boy?! How stereotypical of me... I love teaching boys, though!)

[hollydfromtn]

Sept 1, 2015 21:23:22 GMT -5 wimcgrath said:

Sept 1, 2015 20:48:33 GMT -5 @holachica said:

Yes, though it was 7 years ago.

I do remember that I really tried to re-phrase things so they don't really sounds like sharp commands, like instead of "open your books" say "we are opening our books." I'd also give time warnings so he wouldn't feel caught off guard by a change in activity.

I agree that phrasing can help a lot! Also, choices. Just limit the choices to two things and make it between two things you want him to do. It gives the illusion that he has control but also gets him to take ownership over his choices/ work. (Is it bad that I'm assuming it's a boy?! How stereotypical of me... I love teaching boys, though!)

I don't have any classroom experience with this, but I worked in an afterschool program and dealt with quite a few. I second giving choices and it's important that they should both be positive choices. I had one staff member that didn't understand that they should be positive choices and not ultimatums. They need to have the illusion of having some control. I would still be prepared for a fight some days regardless of what you have in place to help, especially if there is something off in their home life. Probably the biggest thing I had to teach my staff was not to take it personal. The child is not out to get you nor do they hate you, but you will have days you feel like that. Just breathe.

[emilyz320]

Thanks ladies! I started to lose my temper a little yesterday, I haven't had a seriously defiant child in a while. Not that I did or said anything yesterday that bad just didn't keep my cool as well as I usually do. I will definitely use the positive choices and positive framing. I talked to her (it's actually a girl!) mom yesterday too and she gave me some good information about her daughter.