Buenas Noticias

I have two good pieces of news to speak of.

1) I recently took a basic CPR/First Aid class and obtained certification in each that will not expire until August 2013. A friend recommended that I go through 123 CPR, a small company that offers classes at a very affordable rate. In all I paid $30 for the class, which is a huge bargain compared to other places. The class was small (4 people) which I always appreciate because I feel more confident asking questions and having more one-on-one support. It was very well-taught and I now feel confident to deal with common emergency situations.

2) I got hired to be a nanny for a baby boy for two days a week. Besides fitting well with my school schedule, this is a great opportunity for me to gain experience in infant care and development. I can't wait to celebrate this child's milestones and watch him grow. :)

Well, the new school year is just around the corner and boy am I impatient for it to start. I will be taking 15 credits of my choosing, so hopefully it will be a relatively enjoyable last semester of my undergrad studies.

We'll see how it goes!

New School Year Blues...

I have been thinking of my former first-graders as they get ready to go back to school next week. Most of them will be in second grade! A lot of teachers will tell you they can never forget their first class of students. Although I was not their main teacher, I met last year's class as they were fresh from kindergarten and stayed with them through the end of first grade. I taught them some things, but mostly they taught me-about classroom management, attention spans, Mexican immigrant culture, and most of all they cemented my conviction that I want to spend my career around kids!

I can't help but feel a little sad thinking of them moving on without me-to second grade, back to Mexico, to other schools/teachers. I will no longer be in their lives, but they will always be a part of mine. Those 20-odd students who showed me the realities of being a teacher in a low-SES school. They will always have a place in my heart, and I hope that each and every one of them succeeds in school and in life, and that they never lose their love for learning.

:')

Hello There

It's been awhile, hasn't it? I've been spending my time relaxing and getting organized after the end of the school year. I've also made some changes which I know will be for the best.

First, I've left the elementary ed. program I was in to pursue a "selected studies" education degree, which basically means that I need to take 15 more credit hours (5 classes) to complete my bachelor's degree. That means I will still be graduating this December (yippee!!)

Second, I've decided to change my focus from elementary to early childhood. I've realized that my strengths in working with children lie in the areas of building social skills and interacting with kids on a more casual level. I also love, love, love small children. Thus, I've adjusted my goals (As we all do from time to time) and have set my sights on a job working with young children in a daycare or preschool setting.

Third, to accomplish #2, I have made up my mind to work towards a master's degree after I graduate with my bachelor's. I found a five-semester, online program through my alma mater, ASU, that will allow me to work while taking classes and earn my MA and a certification to teach in early childhood settings.

So, lots of changes but all in my best interests. I will still be using this blog to document my journey from student to teacher, so stay tuned! :)

A Note

Dear Children,

     I am counting down the days right along with you. I love you dearly but your wild behavior is wearing me out.

Love,
Teacher

Management Lessons

Management is going better this week. I have learned two lessons thus far:

1) Confidence is key. Acting like you know what you are doing and not hesitating in your directions and instruction gives students the impression that you have everything under control. When they trust that you are in control, they will follow your lead!

2) Being prepared aids confidence, and thus management. When you have all materials in place ahead of time-copies, lesson plans, supplies, etc.-you don't have to worry about figuring out last-minute details right before the school day begins or during your precious little prep time.

I'm glad I am learning these Teacher Truths now rather than in my first year!

Also, I am making tissue paper flowers with my kiddos tomorrow:
http://foldingtrees.com/2008/08/flower-week-tissue-paper-carnations/

Last week when we made a Mother's Day craft, they were aaaallllll over the place, so here's hoping they are a little calmer this time.

Resolution?

If I am the problem, I am also the solution. This does not comfort me as much as it annoys the heck out of me.

Here Goes...

My New & Improved Management Plan for the last 3 1/2 weeks of school (during which time I will be completely in charge) shall consist of the following revisions:

a) The Come to Jesus Talk-I will sit with my students at the carpet area and have a frank talk with them about my behavior expectations for them while I am in charge. No more Ms. Pushover Teacher!

b) Every time we walk in line, I will have them each hold a paper with a hallway expectation written on it (part of the schoolwide behavior system). If/when one of them starts messing around, I will simply stop the line and ask the student to read their sign (I may have to help them read it, but that's okay) and then tell me what they were doing wrong. If the behavior continues, I will take away a few minutes of their recess time.

c) I have traded my treasure bag idea for that of a "popcorn party." If my class does what is expected while I am in charge, they will earn a letter. They must earn all the letters in P-O-P-C-O-R-N-P-A-R-T-Y in order to get said party in the last week of school. We'll see how they do with this.

I am hoping that the combination of the above three strategies will be enough to turn my kids' behavior around during these last few weeks of the school year.

(crossing my fingers, hoping and praying)