Classroom Manangement

Harry Wong wasn't kidding. This soooo important. We are now in the middle of the 2nd Quarter in Ms. Menendez's 1st grade class. Progress reports went out on Friday. I have started giving table points. My principle suggested this after my formal evaluation. And it worked like a miracle the first two weeks. It's starting to die down. I don't know if that the prizes aren't worthwhile, I'm not being consistant with it, or if they just need something new. But it doesn't have the same effect it used to. haha

But all is well in 1st grade. I'm starting to feel like I have 3 good days and only 2 bad days. Working on getting it to 5 good days. But I'm feeling more and more successful.

The other day, my parents were showering me with praise. Saying how proud they were of me being persistant and never being late, even tho it's a 50 min drive. It made me happy. I think I might stay in 1st grade next year, if they offer it to me. I figure at least I have more experiance now. And I know how I should do things then next go around.

Overwhelming!

Wow! We are already in September!! Can you believe it! I've had absolutely no time to blog about how it's going. It's been crazy! There's a lot of adjusting for both them and me. First couple of weeks were rough. But last week I realized the most amazing thing. You do the best you can, and what you don't get done, can be handled later. Sure that means you are further behind but it means that you don't think you are going nuts every day.

Mostly, this month has been about a.) teaching the kids "Do not touch Ms. M!" and b.) learning how much I hate the pencil sharpener!!! Today I sharpened like 20 pencils for class and then one pencil for every student for intervention. I'm hoping that will work tomorrow!

My group is a great group. Very active and talkative!! I think I have mostly textile and kinesthetic learners because the whole class just can't seem to sit still!!

It's getting better. Today was a good day. I need to be consistent about the money in the classroom and the behavior stars. Good behavior: Students are rewarded with Menendez Bucks and Behavior stars: Like changing their card, only it's on the board on green yellow and red butcher paper.

A New Community

Over the last three days, I've been inducted into the Nogales Community. And I must say it's a very close community. Today we had our "Pep rally" for our Welcome Back Celebration. This included giving out Teacher of the Year awards and employ recognition for years of service. It was amazing to see the crowd cheer for their fellow employees that had made such an amazing accomplishment.

I'm very happy that I chose the Nogales School District. It makes the drive down worth while! :)

Class is coming along great. I've almost gotten 1/4 done! haha I still have a week so I'm good! haha Well tomorrow is Friday so I actually don't. I have to have it done by Monday because that's Meet the Teacher night. And school starts on Tuesday! It's very exciting!

I am really looking forward to this year.

The Magic Number

Harry Wong talks about how when your students come into your classroom you should give them a special number. This number corresponds to the number that child is in your grade book. In primary, however, this number is called the Magic Number. I really like this because then the students will be in ABC order. So I'm going to use these numbers for lining up. So there will never be a problem with cutting. And then if they behave exceptionally well then that can be an option for a reward.

I was in my class yesterday and I had an amazing idea of where else to use that Magic Number. I had bought a calender from Michael's and it had green and blue numbers for the months. I hadn't noticed the blue so I used the green on my calender. I had the blue ones on the table and I realized: Instead of putting the student's names on labels above the backpack hooks, like the previous teacher, I could put the numbers. So every child will always have the same place to place their bag. And I don't have to change the labels every year. I felt happy!! haha

Just thought I'd share that!

Welcome to adulthood!

You spend so much time saying "When I grow up, I want to be a...." I would fill the blank in with Teacher. This summer I accepted a job at an adorable little school in Nogales, AZ. After applying, I realized: I grew up! But I'm not ready!!!! How could that principal hire me!?! She should have been able to see right through my amazing answers at the interview! She should have been able to hear in my voice that I wanted a intermediate class not Primary!! But God seems to know how to shake up your world!

So she did hired me. And I accepted. I am now feeling better then the original reaction. I have spent the last week getting my classroom ready. And next week, I start my training. Aug 10th is doomsday. :) The day I find out if I'm ready or not.

I read in one of the many books that I've been devouring that it's good to start a journal or blog for reflective purposes. To improve on the craft. So that is the purpose of this blog. Also to share if the tips and tricks, I've stolen will work. Stay tuned!

Enjoy!

Ms. M