End. Year One

There was so many things I wanted to post about this year and so many things I wanted to do in my classroom. However, I think that I was just too busy living my dream that time got away from me.

I learned so much this year. SO much. It's true that your students are your greatest teachers. Here's a small reflection on the knowledge I've acquired over the past 9 months...

-There will NEVER be enough time for everything...but try to get the important things in.
-Fractions are hard.
-I need to emphasize the importance of memorizing times tables.
-Breathe.
-Sometimes decor becomes irrelevant due to learning.
-Getting out of the classroom is imperative.
-Lesson plans, classroom layout, policies, relationships, and students themselves evolve. So deal.
-Take pictures.
-Ask the students what is working...and what's not. They're pretty smart.
-Be prepared for anything.
-Breathe.
-Have fun on field trips.
-Read aloud. A lot.
-They will always fight. Teach them to fight fair.
-Nurture their interpersonal relationships.
-Sometimes that really cool lesson doesn't really help.
-There is nothing a reading anthology can do that a novel can't do better.
-Plan ahead.
-The end of the year is much harder than the beginning.
-Parents can be a true blessing or a heavy burden.
-Most parents are neither.
-The end of the year will come too fast.

These are things that no university could ever teach you. Class of 2011-12.... you will always have a special place in my heart. I love you all!!

xx00xx

My OWN Classroom

FINALLY!! Welcome to Ms. D's classroom :D

So, this is what I have been working toward. This is what I have wanted for five years. This is what I have dreams of. This is MY classroom!!!!!

Do you share my excitement? I know, I know... it IS awesome!!! I have already made so many changes and have made many plans for this new learning space. I will fill you in as the room progresses. Stay tuned for many more photos to come. (and wish me luck)

xxOOxx

One Disadvantage to Catholic Schools

One thing I remember from being in Catholic school was free dress day. Those wondrous and magical days in which we were allowed to shed those HORRIBLE plaid uniforms and show off the clothes we never got to wear. These days were usually reserved as a reward of some kind and they were received as such.

Although I was always suuuper excited to show off my "weekend clothes" to my friends, there was also a sense of anxiety. "WHAT SHOULD I WEAR???!!!" Haha

Uniforms are convenient, easy, and create a sense of equality among students. One thing they do not do is create any kind of fashion sense whatsoever.

This past week, due to the excessive heat, our school has had free dress. During these past three days, I have noticed that there is no saving the majority of my students from the fashion police. Choosing your favorite articles of clothing is fantastic. Pairing stripes with polka-dots...not so much. While it's endearing to see students walking around with orange shorts and pink tops, I don't think they are quite up to par with their public-school counterparts. Albeit, they get to practice dressing themselves everyday, but still...

xxOOxx