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How was everyone’s first week back to school? Did you survive or are you reading this with a glass of wine in hand? If it’s the latter, I don’t blame you. Coming off an amazing summer, it’s hard to get back to the 8 – 5 pm routine. (Yes, teachers don’t just do 9-3:30pm as some stereotypes suggest). There’s getting to work early, getting to know the kids (memorizing their student number is my challenge), planning, daily checking that work is done, and the regular set-up and clean-up.
I actually had a pleasant first week. My kids were quiet for the first few days (did I just jinx it) and I am hoping it will continue for the rest of the year. They are mindful of the red-yellow-green light I use for noise and keep each other quiet once they see they’ve hit the yellow zone. (I told them they don’t want to see what happens in red.) Shocking, as my students last year usually had two noise levels: zombie silent or NBA finals loud. On Friday morning after math though they started to crank their way up to food court level and I needed to remind them to be quiet and respectful of everyone’s learning environment. It worked on a few, but not all, so the same speech will be repeated come Monday.
The classroom is pretty much the same as my helpers (now in Grade 7) have pointed out. I’ve made little tweaks here and there, but for the most part, it’s a repeat of last year. The new students have mentioned how they like the organization of the classroom and the inspirational quotes all around. They like the Daily Special which is their schedule for the day. They are happy with the Student Tools section so they can borrow a ruler or pencil crayons whenever they need. They love the Starbucks cups washroom passes. Sadly, a couple of students have already filled in a Homework Log which shows me that I need to help them work on responsibility. My class was the first to hand in all their emergency forms yesterday which was amazing!
We have Curriculum Night next week so I can meet the fine parents of this group. I’m sure the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve got a bit of each this year as with every class. Some are extremely hard workers and hard on themselves. Some are silly and carefree. Some need that extra attention and love. I’m really happy with this group so far and I can’t wait to share the rest of the year with them. Some mentioned in their journals that they were nervous about this year until they met me…eeek, that’s a lot of pressure. 🙂 Hope I can live up to their high standards and make it a great year for all.
Wishing everyone a terrific first weekend after back to school. Go shopping, grab a bite, or simply put up your feet. You did it! Goooooo teachers!
The Markham Fairgrounds have all things happening in fall it seems! First, the upcoming fair and now, a more recent tradition called Kidapalooza brought to you by Ell Events Inc. This is a great opportunity for you to celebrate family as it takes place over the Thanksgiving Day weekend. I will post a full review once I visit the event myself, but I am definitely looking forward to it. Kid-centric and with an expansion to the outdoors, I can’t wait to see all that Kidapalooza has to offer.
Hip Teacher Mama 