Tuesday, August 14, 2012

multitasker: unpack and prepare

Today was the first day back on contract. This morning we looked at our new math curriculum guide (known as "the map") and did some planning for the first week of school. Yay! Got that checked off my list. This afternoon we looked at our literacy map. I'm quite pleased with both. But having both of those documents in my hands reminded me that my classroom is no longer going to get my attention. Now I've got to sit down and plan for Reading, Writing, English, Spelling, Science, and Social Studies for next week. Luckily our district points us in the right directions. And luckily we did our planning for math this morning. Being a teacher involves a strenuous "before" process where we must plan what we're teaching then prepare the materials before we actually teach. It's all quite enjoyable though. I wouldn't be a teacher if it weren't. ;o)

I did get my classroom unpacked and partially set up. Three cheers for me! Pictures to come soon. I am patiently waiting for my new third grade materials to come in so I can finish my organizing and unpacking. I hope they're sitting in my room tomorrow when I walk in!

I did do a wee little craft for myself-- to get in the school spirit--

It's proudly hanging on my door next to a "Back to School" garden flag I got online earlier this summer. I'm really glad I caught Wal-Mart's back to school sale because I needed 6 boxes of crayons! To the outside world, I'm really embracing the return to school. But behind that door is a lady that's sad to go back! Who wouldn't be? I don't have kids so I get to sleep in everyday and then do whatever the heck I want! Which usually involves making stuff for my classroom and getting this house cleaned and organized. Like I said, whatever the heck I want. I managed to squeeze in a few good books this summer, too. Oh yeah, and a FABULOUS trip to Vegas and California. Let's not forget that. I dare say this might have been my favorite teacher summer yet! I'm sad to see it go!

But honestly I'll be glad to get back into a routine. And getting some exercise. Teaching means I stay on my feet all day and am constantly moving so at least I burn some calories. ;o) (I'm excluding the part of my day where I sit at my desk and grade 336 papers a week--I try to forget that part--)

This must be all for now. I've got a handful of things to get together to work on tomorrow!

Choy blog!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

boxer

No, not the kind that wear boxing gloves and hit folks for a job. I mean the kind that put things in boxes for a living.

There's probably not a job like that. Well, maybe in a moving company. Every year come June, teachers have to pack up. So imagine having to put everything in your office in a box and cover your wall with paper. I'm sure there are many policies and procedures in the schools around the nation, but we get our room all packed up so that it can be professionally cleaned, painted, etc. And also so none of our things collect dust for the months of June and July. Let me pause here to say that there are places in my house that I haven't dusted since we moved three years ago. But my classroom? It'll be spotless! =)

I have been putting off going back to my room. But since I'm switching to 3rd grade (but not moving rooms), I've got a little bit more to do this year to get ready. I'm mostly upset that I won't be able to use my awesome banner that greets my students. I had it made last year at Stumps and it says 4th grade. Shame on me! I should have known better!

I showed up to do Check-In today, so I swung by my room. "Swung?" Is that right? It doesn't feel correct. See? Even educators question things! =) I took a few pics, sighed a deep, heavy, sigh, then promptly got the heck out of there before I hyperventilated! I GUESS I'll go in tomorrow and get started! 



**GASP** Where are my student desks?!?!?!?!!? The custodians told me today that I'm getting a whole new set since we're adding a third grade class (me). Now, most people would be THRILLED with new furniture, but the new desks are enormous and I'm not particularly pleased about it. I wish they had just left the old ones. Maybe I can do some bargaining and get the old ones back in here ;o)






So as you can see, I've got a lot to do. I guess this post would be more appropriate for the end of the school year, as that is when I am the "boxer." Starting tomorrow, I'll be the professional "unpacker." Yep, I'm making things up! Why not?!?

On a different note, I found these at Mardel yesterday.
Perfect for my "Bucket Fillers" board!

It rained today. We have needed rain SO BADLY here in Arkansas. I was up at the school, trying to unpack some things from my car, then went to pick up my friend's mom, so the rain was really irritating me. I didn't let it (the rain) know though. I didn't want it to feel unwelcome. So I thanked it for coming and would it please stop by again soon (but not tomorrow around 9am when I'm going back up to the school to unload some stuff from my car again).

Tonight is the first night this week that I'm not going to be cutting out laminated things or working on some school project. What will I do?!?!?!?! Actually I'll be working on my school webpage. **giggling with delight** I quite enjoy working on webpages.

Until tomorrow! Peace out, bloggy!