Blog Voice

Good Morning!

It was a wonderful Memorial Day (Long,Short) weekend. Kyle plays music, and this new restaurant in town asked him to play. Let's just say that It DID NOT WORK OUT! The atmosphere was not ideal for country music, AT ALL! Luckily, I just went with it.

Anyway, I am working on finding my "blog voice". This is the voice that one writes in that shows personality. It is more difficult than I thought it would be because I am so concentrated on my spelling and grammar. I am researching other blogs, and am finding that if I'm not perfect, then neither should my blog.

So here's to finding my "blog voice"! CHEERS!

Grading Frenzy!

        Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been extremely busy with school, extra curriculars, and not to mention a pretty bad sunburn. Life at school has been hectic. I have been trying to get things started, not really, for next school year. It has been weird to begin planning, from scratch, for a new year. I am nervous! Are the kids going to like it? Are they going to learn? What will their growth be? All of those answers matter to me, and not to mention I want to impress my principal (We are getting a NEW one next school year).
          Grading has been a bit of a taunting task, as students are used to being able to turn in late work with no penalty, and the old teacher's organized mess of grades are everywhere! I am also trying to prepare students for their final. However, with time quickly slipping it has been really hard.
            Positive News! I am remembering names and faces! I know that students are really appreciative that I am finally able to match names to faces. Also, teachers on my team are finally becoming good resources for me when I need help. Having that support, I have learned, has been a huge uplift and release off my shoulders.
            Two more weeks of school.
             Not counting. Promise.

XOXO

From The Desk of...

       Hey All! I just wanted to let you know that you are able to follow me. Instead of having to go to the website all the time, there is a "Follow" button at the bottom of the page. It will take you to another web page. At the top, highlighted in yellow, there is a button that says "subscribe". Whenever I update you about life in the classroom, it will send you an email with my latest post. I hope you are enjoying my journey so far!

Good Day!

All By Myself!

     Today, I left for school with ONLY a rubbermaid bin of things that would keep me organized for the rest of the year. It was a little awkward lugging that thing with me coming into school. What were the teachers that have been here all year going to think? The teacher that I took over didn't seem to care if her space was organized, but I know that students value that trait, so I figured I would start the habit from the beginning. The only thing I am missing is a desk organizer. Tape, stapler, and clips are all over the place in the ONE drawer I do have.
      My email and connections to the grade servers are up and running. Teachers are still looking at me like, "Who is this?!" I keep introducing myself when I come across one of those lookers.
     This morning, I began class with warm-up and attendance. Suddenly a visitor comes in. ON MY FIRST DAY OF TEACHING... A representative from the district came into my classroom to observe. REALLY? No pressure or anything. That got my heart rate up, but my students were amazing and went with it. I am extremely happy with how accepting they are. They helped me set up my smart board (Computerized White Board).

      Below are some pictures. I plan on rearranging the desks. Im just not sure how, yet.

I like to split up my board, so that students have a clear idea of what is going on in the classroom.

I hope you are all doing well! Please comment on any ways you would arrange desks in a small classroom.

The Day Before the Big Day!

      A month ago, I never thought I would have the "first-day of my career jitters" so soon! I thought I was going to have to wait through a long summer to start my dream career. However my school, a Charter School, called me two weeks ago to become a Long Term Substitute for the teacher that is leaving. (I actually got two offers in one day to be a LTS, God was listening to my prayers!

      I am starting this blog for family and friends (and anyone else, of course) to read about my journey as a first year teacher and beyond. I live in Jacksonville, FL, and well, my family is spread out across the U.S. This is my chance to show what my classroom looks like as well as the realities of the Education aspect of U.S. society.

      I will be teaching 9th grade Modern World History oxymoron. I was quite relieved, as this is one of my strengths. I am a strong believer that a teacher must be a life-long learner. I vow that I will continue to learn and research in order to keep the subject interesting for my students. I plan to do this by using technology to my advantage as well as a hands-on creative approach.

      I hope you find this blog interesting, and please feel free to comment and/or give suggestions. (Disclaimer) Teachers get really busy with planning, so if I misspell something or miss a comma please forgive me.
Until Later, XOXO JK