The first half of the school year is coming to an end!

Wow!  The time has passed so quickly.  It seems as though it was yesterday when I can into my class for the first time.  I was extremely nervous.  I even thought how in the world will I ever learn these kids' names.  Today I feel more confident and less nervous.  However I feel that my kids aren't getting the best learning experience because it is my first year.  I've had walk throughs and observations, and nothing negative has been mentioned about my teaching.  I just want my students to understand the concepts that they need to learn.  I've been told I'm doing well, but I guess that I'm my worst critic.  Hopefully I can feel more self-assured as I gain experience.

Is semester tests a good idea?

I can remember being in school and having the option of taking a semester test.  I was usually exempt from having to take these tests because I made the honor roll.  But today I was in a meeting and the principal said that he wanted to do away with semester tests.  I wondered if semester tests are a good idea.  I believe that they are good for testing what the student has learned all year long.  But I wonder if it is a waste of time and energy.  I would like to find out what an alternative for the semester test would be.

Back from Break!

Monday was a crazy day!  My students came back wired!  They talked and played and talked some more.  I talked to other teachers and they said that their students were the same way.  That made me feel a little better.  Today went a lot better than Monday.   Thank goodness!

Preparing for a sub

I have discovered that it is a lot of work to prepare for a substitute teacher.  I spent time today getting things ready for my class.  I really hate not being there.  But I realized that it is harder to prepare for a sub, than to prepare for myself.  Oh well, a teacher's work is never done.

Conclusion of Thanksgiving Break

My week of Thanksgiving break has zoomed by fast!  It is now time for me to prepare for next week.  A group of teachers from my school, including me, will be visiting Magnolia's middle school.  We will be observing their math department.  I will see how it goes.....

Thanksgiving Break

My school is off all week for Thanksgiving break.  Yahoo!!!  Well this gives me extra time to sleep in, so I thought.  I woke up early Monday morning ready to go to school!  I have to admit I miss my students just a little, even the ones I have to give d-hall!

A "Hoarse" of a Different Color

Last week I experienced something different with my class.  For two days, I lost my voice.  Despite the fact that I was too hoarse to talk, I went to school anyway.  I didn't know how my class would behave.  I assumed that they would be bouncing off the walls.  Well, you know what they say about those who assume.  I went into class and much to my surprise, they behaved better than they ever have.  I guess they felt pity for my lost voice.  That was one side of them that I have never seen.  And that was definitely a "hoarse" of a different color!

Weekend work

I have noticed that I find myself working throughout my whole weekend.  I'm sure every teacher in America would agree.  Teaching is hard work.  Most people would never think that our work load is so heavy.  But despite that fact, I still enjoy it.  You must have a love for what you do.  And I'm loving it!

Will I ever catch up?

This week has been a catch up week.  I missed one day last week for a PD.  I feel like I missed a whole week.  I wonder sometimes will I ever catch up?  But on the plus side I have made it through my first nine weeks.  That is so exciting!  I'm sure that other first year teachers will agree.

My experience with learning centers

I am not to familiar with learning centers, but my school wants to do them.  With my smaller classes, I was felt okay about the centers.  My larger classes with 28 students in each are harder to manage in learning centers.  I don't have much room for small groups with the bigger classes.  I sure hope I can work it out.