Week 1

School started on Wednesday, September 8th and it has already been a crazy, crazy week! There were some events that happened this week (before school even started!) that has created a lot of distraction for all of the staff. Technically, I don't think I am allowed to share what is going on yet...but I will definitely update when the cost is clear.

If you put that aside, my first week has been better than I expected. I have 28 4th graders in my class. And yes, everyone was right who told me fourth graders are just big first graders, they really aren't that scary. My class reminds me a little of my fourth grade year (only I hope to be a more exciting teacher). We are boy heavy, and there are a number of students that have behavior problems, that is to be expected now days. I also have a handful of girls (and a couple boys) who are pleasers, and want to do extra work or read me everything they write. So far it has been pretty fun. I only teach for about 2.5 hours a day so it has also been fairly easy. Even if I have behavior problems I know I can walk away from it at 12. I have a feeling it will get more stressful as the year goes on because I do not have the flexibility of finishing a project up after lunch or keeping kids in from recess. I teach math and writing everyday for the most part and that means lots of assessing and lots of grading, but I am hoping to make it a fun positive year for all of them. My biggest struggle right now is what to do about spelling when they are writing. I think I will need to give a lesson on using dictionaries and I have some kids who I am pretty sure won't even be able to do that... Right now I have a pile of math assessments (with no key) that I need to grade. I hope week 2 goes as smoothly!