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.