Monday, January 28, 2013

3 weeks down

We've all settled in to the routines now and for the most part my studens are still fairly well behaved! This class is very different from last year's class, I find teaching them a lot less stressful, which is nice.:) They are generally a quiet bunch (when they're working) which is somewhat surprising to me as they are mostly boys. Having Jess in my class as a T.A has really helped too as I don't feel so stretched and she's always willing to pitch in. I'm also less likely to get angry with the students if another adult is around. I've been trying to have a lot of fun with my students this year because I read somewhere that something you learned while having fun is more likely to stick with you. So today when trying to teach them 'right and left' I got the "brilliant" idea to do the Hokey Pokey with them. (you know "you put your left hand in... etc.) We all had a blast dancing and singing and I think some of them actually learned which hand was which! :) Now if I could only get them interested in learning to read... I have 4 students in particular that really just don't seem to care. I even stooped so low as to bribe them with candy last week... it still didn't work. I guess I'll think of something eventually... I hope!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Merry Christmas!

just found this saved as a draft... oops! Christmas this year is a bit weird as this is the first time in my life that I won't be celebrating with my family. I've sort of gotten over the sad part, but I'm having trouble with realizing that Christmas is REALLY here. I have my tree up and house decorated, I've been listening to Christmas music, wrapping gifts, and doing Christmas baking. I've been to several Christmas parties and Carol sings but it still doesn't feel like Christmas is happening tomorrow! Normally by this time I'd be as excited as a little kid, but this year I'm having difficulty getting excited. I AM looking forward to the fun things I have planned with my friends for tomorrow; mainly a progressive breakfast & gift giving! Sounds pretty yummy and fun!

One week in...

Just thought I'd add a quick update while I'm actually able to get online. Since school has started back there were some changes made to out internet and for some reason I now have trouble connecting or if i do get on it boots me off after a few minutes. We've now completed one week of classes and my class is beginning to settle into the classroom routine and rules, not that they always remember, but they're still making an effort. Unfortuntately I've had to discipline some of them already. I'm hoping that they'll learn quickly and I won't have to do it again any time soon! On the "home front" I have a sneaking suspicion my cat got herself pregnant last time she escaped.... great. Now what do I do? to make matters worse there is actually a vet on station and i was hoping to get her fixed for free while he's here but that probably won't be happening now as he's not here for too long. :S oops! just realized the time. have to go get readyfor a staff meeting...

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

As of today our holidays are over and the students decend on us again. For once, I think I'm actually ready for them :) I had a nice holiday, very casual; hanging around my house, reading, baking and various other fun activities. Christmas Eve the staff remaining on station had a lovely Christmas dinner with turkey, ham and all the fixings! Delicious! Christmas day I spent with the other single ladies and we had fun going from house to house eating and openging presents (a "progressive brunch"). We had various carol sings and games nights as well. New Years Eve we had a bonfire and singing, fireworks, food and some of us stayed up past midnight watching a movie. The past week I've spent in and out of my classroom prepping for the new school year. My classroom is finally ready (although it needs some sweeping etc in the morn) and i acutally have the first week of classes planned! i have never been so organized in my teaching career before! :D I found out last night that one of my new students may not be coming because she is a picky eater and her parents don't think she'll be able to adapt. HA! most of the kids that come are "picky eaters" but they find out quickly that picky eaters are hungry kids with sore bottoms... so they go home not quite so picky. :) Well, tomorrow is the first day of a new school year. So exciting as there are SO many possibilities! Can't wait to meet all my munchkin's!