First "Week" of School

School officially started on August 25. It's a day I've been looking forward to since the MAT program started last fall. The first day of school was a bit sweeter due to the fact that Praxis scores came in the day before. And I passed! Of course that was a huge weight off. I don't think it's hit me yet that I could potentially have a teaching job in January. Whoa!

Wednesday was a day of rules and procedures. Obviously structure is essential for kids, no matter what their age. My teacher had a long list of things to go over on the first day. Needless to say, some things took longer than others. We didn't get through everything, but the first week is all about creating a safe place to learn, so we knew we could use Thursday and Friday to finish up as well. We practiced walking in a quiet, straight line, we took a classroom and school tour, and had some fun at recess. There were other activities in that list, but I honestly can't even remember what else we did (sad).

I felt a bit like a deer in headlights on Wednesday. I don't think it truly hit me that school was starting and I was going to be with these kids for the remainder of the fall semester. That's a lot to take in, but something I'm so excited about! And the more I think about, the more real it's becoming. Let the planning begin...

Thursday was a continuation of Wednesday. We reviewed our classroom rules and procedures, but also began teaching. Students worked on reading inventories and selected a book to begin reading. My teacher is having students read 40 books per school year, instead of reading a certain amount of minutes per night. The list is also separated into genres, to ensure that students are choosing a variety of books. I love the idea and think it's a great way to encourage students to read books that truly interest them. And they get to read 10 books of their choice. What's not to love about that?

We also worked on labeling supplies, which surprisingly, took a long time even when working with older students. I was shocked! Again, the first few days are all about setting guidelines and creating procedures for students to use throughout the school year when working on assignments, reading, etc. They have to know what the teacher's expectations are, in order to succeed. The students in my class are great - they are fast learners, which is a plus. Having a combination class is a huge bonus for the fourth graders in the class. They can look up to the fifth graders for guidance and support. I love that!

Friday was my favorite day of the week. Not just because it was Friday, but because we really got into true instruction. Because I'm working in a 4/5 combination class, students switch classrooms for math. The teacher I'm working with doesn't teach math, so I also move with the kids. It was great to meet a classroom full of new students (although I need to quickly learn 20 more names). I'm getting a rare opportunity to work with a variety of students that I usually wouldn't get due to the combination class. I'm looking forward to the challenges the math class will present, but I know it's going to be a great learning experience. We also worked on fluency during language arts - students worked with partners, filling out a fluency checklist. This was to help them understand the most appropriate and comfortable way for them to read a book. I also began doing a read aloud today, which was so much fun! I chose to read 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' We made it through three chapters today. The students were begging me to read more. I love reading to kids, no matter what the age. This is a great way for me to begin making connections with them. I want them to know that I'm excited about learning with them this semester!

I'm glad the first week is already under my belt. It's been a little chaotic, but I know that's due to the fact that it was just the first week. I feel like I'm in my element when I'm in the classroom and I've already learned a lot about myself. I love interacting with the students, but I'm also excited about the fact that I get to learn and work with a veteran teacher (I'm really working with three different teachers). The entire staff at the school is fantastic! I have a lot of work to do as far as planning goes, but the hardest part is over; the meeting the students and wondering if they like me part.

I've put my classroom management skills to the test, but I'm also constantly thinking of ways I could do something differently or improve something. I have a list of ideas going, which I will continue to add to throughout the semester. I can't even explain how excited I am about this part of the program. I'm giddy every time I think about it. I hope the rest of the MAT girls have had a great first week of school as well! I look forward to hearing stories. I know this is going to be a bumpy ride, but the first week has been a truly rewarding experience. I'm looking forward to the semester long ride!