I told you all a little while back that the second grade was going to put on a talent show as a tie-in to our last language arts theme of the year, which was named, "Talent Show." We scheduled it during the last week of school for a few reasons: the grade level would be finished with the theme, the students would have sufficient time to practice, and we wouldn't get in trouble for taking away from "instructional time." (Our principal frowns on anything that takes away from classroom instruction; if we schedule a speaker or something, it must have a direct connection to the curriculum. Not that we would just waste time, but it's better to be on the safe side.) Moving on...
Permission slips were sent home during the second week of May; those who wished to participate had to send their forms back two weeks before the show date to give me time to double-check song lyrics (ALWAYS do this!), arrange performances, reserve the space, and make arrangements with the custodian for mikes, lights, etc. Even with the deadlines, there were some changes as late as the day before (lost slips so notes were sent in, people dropping out or changing what they were doing, etc. It was a little crazy for a minute there, but we got it all together.).
Talent show morning began as a scorcher. The show was scheduled to begin at 9:30 and last until 10:45-11:00. It was a humid 84 degrees at 8:45 when the children came in. Let's just say that once all six classes, teachers, and various family members were in the cafeteria/multipurpose room at showtime, the place was toasty, even with the doors open!
Any students who were performing came up the to cafeteria first so we could arrange them in the order they were going to be on stage. (Their classes came up later.) Then we could have one act on stage while another was getting ready and the third was "on deck." This way we could keep the flow going with a minimum of interruption. Once the children were finished, they came back and sat in their seat; we returned them back to their classes afterward.
We broke the show into three sections to allow for changes. (Some acts had mats or needed to have the area cleared, props put up, etc.) This also allowed our hosts (students from the classes) to have a break. In all we had about 30 performances, so the hosts introduced about 10, as well as our "laugh breaks." Laugh breaks are segments where two or three students tell jokes to the audience; our version of a commercial break.
Once we got started, things went along pretty smoothly. We had one student forget her dance routine in the middle of the song, but she came back later and started over. She rocked it! We also had quite a few singers (with music and a capella, solo and in small groups), some dancers, a few gymnasts, a pogo stick act, hula hoops, piano recitals, baton twirling, a comedy skit, a guitar act, sports demonstrations, cup stacking, and several students who created artwork for display (portraits and sculptures).
Overall, the show lasted just over an hour and a half, and we were able to get out of the cafeteria in time for kindergarten to get in and sing their farewell song for their parents. (It was a little hairy there for a minute; I wasn't sure we were going to make it!)
The children enjoyed the show and were able to show off all of their talents. I would say that if you plan to do this with your class or grade level, allow plenty of time for organizing and a few extra minutes in the show schedule to allow for little mishaps (because they will happen!).
In years past, we also provided refreshments after the show, but we didn't this year because it would have been cruel to keep the parents in that heat much longer! But if the idea floats your boat and the weather (or air conditioning) works for you, then go for it!
Showing posts with label One of Those Days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One of Those Days. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 83: An Adventure
Today was an adventure. Which is to say, it was one of those days.
My morning began with a raging migraine that nearly caused me to call off. (I used to get migraines for a while and even had a prescription to treat them for a while, but they had gotten better over the years so I haven't needed it for a long time. That's not to say, however, I'm not hit hard by one from time to time--like this morning.) I took a quick rest while my son ate breakfast and went in anyway. I took my Extra Strength Excedrin as soon as I got in the building, and the pain was dulled for most of the day. I kept the nausea under control by snacking when I could.
We were inside again today, with snow on the playground, bitter temperatures, and more snow forecasted--up to six more inches. Needless to say, it was noisy in the room today during recess time.
The students did work well today, with only two kiddos needing to move their clips for shouting out or talking when they weren't supposed to be. I usually don't have more than one move.
One of my kiddos had an accident and the custodian had to be buzzed twice before he got to my room to sanitize. (I think he was salting the walks at that time.) Meanwhile my students had to move their seats so no one would step in it before it was cleaned up. Of course, this is the time that most of the students reached the part on the math page that requires a ruler. And where are the rulers kept? Near the desk of the student that had the accident. So then I have students trying to get their rulers without stepping in the puddle. I finally handed to rulers to someone to pass out--after I put a trashcan in front of the mess so no one would step in it. The good thing is that the students didn't make a big deal out of it. I simply said "It happens" when I found out and went along with what we were doing. I figured the student was embarrassed enough without everyone making a huge deal.
My husband sent me a text to say that he was home early because he isn't feeling well--low-grade fever, stomach ache, and the blahs. I'm hoping he didn't catch what one of our students over the weekend had. That little one was sent to the health ward with a fever of 103 degrees on Saturday afternoon after waking with a fever that went down and then rose dramatically right before lunch. My son is also complaining of not feeling well, but he has no symptoms as of yet. I'm praying that he doesn't develop any.
In the midst of this I had to leave early to get to a doctor's appointment so I had to split my kids for the last 15 minutes of the day and rush to the office. I made it with three minutes to spare. Then when I got back in the car I realized I'm down to an eighth of a tank of gas and one of my tires must be low because I got a warning light. This means that when I take my daughter to dance tonight, I need to stop and take care of those things. In the snow.
I just want a nap.
My morning began with a raging migraine that nearly caused me to call off. (I used to get migraines for a while and even had a prescription to treat them for a while, but they had gotten better over the years so I haven't needed it for a long time. That's not to say, however, I'm not hit hard by one from time to time--like this morning.) I took a quick rest while my son ate breakfast and went in anyway. I took my Extra Strength Excedrin as soon as I got in the building, and the pain was dulled for most of the day. I kept the nausea under control by snacking when I could.
We were inside again today, with snow on the playground, bitter temperatures, and more snow forecasted--up to six more inches. Needless to say, it was noisy in the room today during recess time.
The students did work well today, with only two kiddos needing to move their clips for shouting out or talking when they weren't supposed to be. I usually don't have more than one move.
One of my kiddos had an accident and the custodian had to be buzzed twice before he got to my room to sanitize. (I think he was salting the walks at that time.) Meanwhile my students had to move their seats so no one would step in it before it was cleaned up. Of course, this is the time that most of the students reached the part on the math page that requires a ruler. And where are the rulers kept? Near the desk of the student that had the accident. So then I have students trying to get their rulers without stepping in the puddle. I finally handed to rulers to someone to pass out--after I put a trashcan in front of the mess so no one would step in it. The good thing is that the students didn't make a big deal out of it. I simply said "It happens" when I found out and went along with what we were doing. I figured the student was embarrassed enough without everyone making a huge deal.
My husband sent me a text to say that he was home early because he isn't feeling well--low-grade fever, stomach ache, and the blahs. I'm hoping he didn't catch what one of our students over the weekend had. That little one was sent to the health ward with a fever of 103 degrees on Saturday afternoon after waking with a fever that went down and then rose dramatically right before lunch. My son is also complaining of not feeling well, but he has no symptoms as of yet. I'm praying that he doesn't develop any.
In the midst of this I had to leave early to get to a doctor's appointment so I had to split my kids for the last 15 minutes of the day and rush to the office. I made it with three minutes to spare. Then when I got back in the car I realized I'm down to an eighth of a tank of gas and one of my tires must be low because I got a warning light. This means that when I take my daughter to dance tonight, I need to stop and take care of those things. In the snow.
I just want a nap.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 82: Old Man Winter
Today was so COLD! We didn't have outdoor recess, which meant I was in with the children for both recesses today. I had duty for the first recess, but not the second. I was there anyway, because our recess aides were short staffed and had to split times between two classrooms. I also had computer today. (We don't have a computer teacher, so on computer days, the homeroom teachers are the computer teachers.) My only break was the time I had to eat lunch. Needless to say, I had a massive headache by the end of the day. I'm still waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in.
On a high note, I had my meeting with my principal regarding my formal observation. He was impressed with my student's behavior and engagement in the lesson, my classroom organization, and delivery of the material to be taught. Overall, I had very high marks. The only place he had a recommendation was to have more writing during the lesson instead of doing a workbook sheet, but we were doing a review lesson to prepare for our comprehension quiz. My children usually write quite a bit during the day, between daily journal, reading response, and throughout each subject, even math. We are in the middle of a project for our current story; I will post that information this week so you can use it if you wish.
Tonight my daughter has a concert, so we have to venture back out into the cold. Brrr. Send warm thoughts our way!
On a high note, I had my meeting with my principal regarding my formal observation. He was impressed with my student's behavior and engagement in the lesson, my classroom organization, and delivery of the material to be taught. Overall, I had very high marks. The only place he had a recommendation was to have more writing during the lesson instead of doing a workbook sheet, but we were doing a review lesson to prepare for our comprehension quiz. My children usually write quite a bit during the day, between daily journal, reading response, and throughout each subject, even math. We are in the middle of a project for our current story; I will post that information this week so you can use it if you wish.
Tonight my daughter has a concert, so we have to venture back out into the cold. Brrr. Send warm thoughts our way!
Day 81: First Snow
Friday, January 7, was Day 81. It was also the hallmark of things to come this season.
Unlike some of you who have already gotten a measurable amount of snow this winter season, our first snow fell Thursday night into the wee hours of Friday morning. I had seen the forecast and wasn't sure we were going to get much of anything, as we sit in a valley and most storms pass us by. Not so on this occasion. Enter a 5:15 a.m. call from the school district's automated call system announcing a 2-hour delay for that morning. Picture me blissfully snuggling under the covers to sleep in just a bit. Picture my husband, who didn't have a delay, silently grumbling under his breath because the phone call woke him up fifteen minutes earlier than his alarm.
I enjoyed a leisure morning at home with my children before going out to school and getting prepared for the morning. And oh, what a morning (and subsequent afternoon)!
You know how little children get when it's almost Christmas? And how they get when it's almost their birthday? AND how they get when it's almost the last day of school? Take those three and wrap them up and you have what my kiddos were like when they entered the door Friday morning. I also like how children think you are unaware of what has happened in the world the last time you saw them. "Mrs. _____, it snowed!" Yes, yes, I know. (chuckle)
We did our best to get through everything. Only Social Studies had to be moved to Monday. Somehow we made progress, all while I tried to keep their minds focused on their work instead of snowballs and sleds.
The snow has started fading away, but there is still a bit of ice and the temperature is downright cruel. We are forecasted to get up to another four inches between tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning.
Oh, the joy of winter!
Unlike some of you who have already gotten a measurable amount of snow this winter season, our first snow fell Thursday night into the wee hours of Friday morning. I had seen the forecast and wasn't sure we were going to get much of anything, as we sit in a valley and most storms pass us by. Not so on this occasion. Enter a 5:15 a.m. call from the school district's automated call system announcing a 2-hour delay for that morning. Picture me blissfully snuggling under the covers to sleep in just a bit. Picture my husband, who didn't have a delay, silently grumbling under his breath because the phone call woke him up fifteen minutes earlier than his alarm.
I enjoyed a leisure morning at home with my children before going out to school and getting prepared for the morning. And oh, what a morning (and subsequent afternoon)!
You know how little children get when it's almost Christmas? And how they get when it's almost their birthday? AND how they get when it's almost the last day of school? Take those three and wrap them up and you have what my kiddos were like when they entered the door Friday morning. I also like how children think you are unaware of what has happened in the world the last time you saw them. "Mrs. _____, it snowed!" Yes, yes, I know. (chuckle)
We did our best to get through everything. Only Social Studies had to be moved to Monday. Somehow we made progress, all while I tried to keep their minds focused on their work instead of snowballs and sleds.
The snow has started fading away, but there is still a bit of ice and the temperature is downright cruel. We are forecasted to get up to another four inches between tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning.
Oh, the joy of winter!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Day 76: We're Finally Here!
Today was the last day before break. Nothing like taking it to the last possible minute!
We finished up our Grinch writing projects, complete with cover letters. (With the craziness of the day, I forgot to take a pic of the display!) They turned out pretty cute.
Before the party this afternoon, we finished the projects, cleaned out desks (very important before any break!), did a snowman glyph I found on ABC Teach, and completed Daily Edit. We also opened presents. I opened theirs to me and they opened the ones I gave them. (Hint: Never underestimate coloring/activity books featuring popular children's characters. You would have thought I gave them gold. It was really great to see the looks on their faces.)
Somewhere sprinkled in there was lunch, recess, special, and packing up before the party. (It's too hard to do at the end of the day as they are winding down and cleaning up from the party.) Once 2:45 came, it was party time!
The students made reindeer food, played a game called Pass the Present, played another game where they had to fill a stocking with candy using only spoons, ate, and listened to Christmas music. When dismissal came, they were ready to go and enjoy their break. And frankly, so was I!
The day is over, Winter Break has begun, and I am resting up for the next 10 days.
Enjoy your holidays! Have fun with your family and friends, eat a lot of wonderful food, stay warm and cozy with people who love you, and enjoy your time away from the classroom. In other words, R-E-L-A-X!!
See you in the New Year!
We finished up our Grinch writing projects, complete with cover letters. (With the craziness of the day, I forgot to take a pic of the display!) They turned out pretty cute.
Before the party this afternoon, we finished the projects, cleaned out desks (very important before any break!), did a snowman glyph I found on ABC Teach, and completed Daily Edit. We also opened presents. I opened theirs to me and they opened the ones I gave them. (Hint: Never underestimate coloring/activity books featuring popular children's characters. You would have thought I gave them gold. It was really great to see the looks on their faces.)
Somewhere sprinkled in there was lunch, recess, special, and packing up before the party. (It's too hard to do at the end of the day as they are winding down and cleaning up from the party.) Once 2:45 came, it was party time!
The students made reindeer food, played a game called Pass the Present, played another game where they had to fill a stocking with candy using only spoons, ate, and listened to Christmas music. When dismissal came, they were ready to go and enjoy their break. And frankly, so was I!
The day is over, Winter Break has begun, and I am resting up for the next 10 days.
Enjoy your holidays! Have fun with your family and friends, eat a lot of wonderful food, stay warm and cozy with people who love you, and enjoy your time away from the classroom. In other words, R-E-L-A-X!!
See you in the New Year!
Day 75: TWO Assemblies?!?!
Okay. Day 75 was one day before our last day before break. (Did you follow that?) This day was full of silliness and craziness, due mainly to the fact that we had two, count 'em, TWO assemblies in one day. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon.
The first assembly was our annual holiday sing along. Since my school is so large, we have to break the assembly over two time periods. Second grade (my grade) went along with kindergarten and fourth grade. It was a pretty interesting experience to hear 250-plus students belting out Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs without anyone getting carried away. (With the exception of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Something about that song sets little ones off. Same with "Jingle Bells.")
Our second assembly was supposed to be a multicultural assembly, like a "holidays around the world" sort of deal. The presenter tried to explain the holidays of Hanukkah, Navidad/Christmas, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. He had a little skit that used student helpers, some music, and then a slideshow presentation showing each of the holidays and how they are celebrated. For the most part, he was on, but some of his facts weren't correct. It was funny, because my students, who either celebrate most of these holidays or were listening when we discussed them in class this week and last week during social studies, came to me afterward and told me he was wrong. I'll not go into the details, but I think he needs to do a little more research for some of the material he shared.
The time in between the assemblies (which took about an hour and 15 minutes out of the day) only added to the silliness of the past few days because the children really had a hard time focusing.
Day 76 is the last day before break. Deep breaths, people, deep breaths.
The first assembly was our annual holiday sing along. Since my school is so large, we have to break the assembly over two time periods. Second grade (my grade) went along with kindergarten and fourth grade. It was a pretty interesting experience to hear 250-plus students belting out Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs without anyone getting carried away. (With the exception of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Something about that song sets little ones off. Same with "Jingle Bells.")
Our second assembly was supposed to be a multicultural assembly, like a "holidays around the world" sort of deal. The presenter tried to explain the holidays of Hanukkah, Navidad/Christmas, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. He had a little skit that used student helpers, some music, and then a slideshow presentation showing each of the holidays and how they are celebrated. For the most part, he was on, but some of his facts weren't correct. It was funny, because my students, who either celebrate most of these holidays or were listening when we discussed them in class this week and last week during social studies, came to me afterward and told me he was wrong. I'll not go into the details, but I think he needs to do a little more research for some of the material he shared.
The time in between the assemblies (which took about an hour and 15 minutes out of the day) only added to the silliness of the past few days because the children really had a hard time focusing.
Day 76 is the last day before break. Deep breaths, people, deep breaths.
Day 74: Three Days to Go (Counting Today!)
Day 74 (Tuesday, December 21) was more like a normal day. Or as normal as it can be when you are in school those last few days before Christmas. We began our Grinch writing pieces after reading the story aloud. The students have come up with some really interesting letters. Once the letters are written, the students colored in a cover sheet with the Grinch looking his grinchiest. (FYI: If you plan to do this in the future, most of the coloring pages online have the Jim Carey version of the Grinch, so you may need to search a while if you want the original. I am somewhat of a purist, so I searched. Unfortunately, the site I got my sheet from is no longer permitted to offer and Dr. Seuss characters due to copyright/licensing issues. Or, if you have an artistic side, you may want to give drawing him a go.)
My students also wrapped up their science quiz on weather and played some math games, in addition to the usual stuff for the day (journal, daily edit, independent reading time, riddle of the day, etc.) I was pretty impressed with their focus.
Day 75 was a different story. Read on!
My students also wrapped up their science quiz on weather and played some math games, in addition to the usual stuff for the day (journal, daily edit, independent reading time, riddle of the day, etc.) I was pretty impressed with their focus.
Day 75 was a different story. Read on!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day 73: Holidays and Craziness
I realized that Day 72's post was a little off my usual, but I wanted you to get a feel for where I'm coming from as of late. The church stuff is over, and now I am looking ahead to the school stuff. Let me tell you (or maybe I don't have to tell you) that the last few days before Christmas/Winter/Holiday Break (whatever your school calls it) is the hardest week ever! (Actually, scratch that. The last week before summer is the worst, but this is VERY close--by thousandths!)
I have children who are eagerly counting the days (at home AND at school!). No one is focused or wanting to work. So what do I do? Here is my game plan for the week:
**The students have journal and Daily Edit every day. That goes without saying.
Today we finished up writing projects from last week. We finished weather posters for science. We reviewed for the math test they are having tomorrow. (I like to have all units finished up before break so I can start fresh after the break.) Somewhere in there we had silent reading time, reading skills groups, our riddle of the day ("How many animals can you think of that have only three letters in their names?" I must say, they did well on this one!), special, and a discussion and minbook project about Kwanzaa.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week: We will...
*Have skills groups, daily edit, journal, riddle of the day, and special each day.
*Do a Grinch writing project (I read the story and the students write a response letter to the Grinch. They have to pretend they are one of the Whos in Whoville while they are writing the letter. Some of them tell the Grinch how awful he is, some tell him they hope he will keep his change of heart, and some of them tell him they hope he learns the true meaning of Christmas. It's always interesting to see what they write; I can't wait to read them this year!)
*Read some holiday stories.
*Learn about Las Posadas and Three Kings Day. We will also read The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola.
*Take a math test and a science test.
*Have two assemblies--in one day--on Wednesday. (Why?)
*Have our holiday party on Thursday.
It doesn't sound like much, but it is. Those of you who work with little ones know what I mean! Just getting them focused to get the teaching done can be tricky at times.
One day down. Three to go before break.
Bring them on!
I have children who are eagerly counting the days (at home AND at school!). No one is focused or wanting to work. So what do I do? Here is my game plan for the week:
**The students have journal and Daily Edit every day. That goes without saying.
Today we finished up writing projects from last week. We finished weather posters for science. We reviewed for the math test they are having tomorrow. (I like to have all units finished up before break so I can start fresh after the break.) Somewhere in there we had silent reading time, reading skills groups, our riddle of the day ("How many animals can you think of that have only three letters in their names?" I must say, they did well on this one!), special, and a discussion and minbook project about Kwanzaa.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week: We will...
*Have skills groups, daily edit, journal, riddle of the day, and special each day.
*Do a Grinch writing project (I read the story and the students write a response letter to the Grinch. They have to pretend they are one of the Whos in Whoville while they are writing the letter. Some of them tell the Grinch how awful he is, some tell him they hope he will keep his change of heart, and some of them tell him they hope he learns the true meaning of Christmas. It's always interesting to see what they write; I can't wait to read them this year!)
*Read some holiday stories.
*Learn about Las Posadas and Three Kings Day. We will also read The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola.
*Take a math test and a science test.
*Have two assemblies--in one day--on Wednesday. (Why?)
*Have our holiday party on Thursday.
It doesn't sound like much, but it is. Those of you who work with little ones know what I mean! Just getting them focused to get the teaching done can be tricky at times.
One day down. Three to go before break.
Bring them on!
Day 72 (and the weekend): Nap, Anyone?
Okay, so Friday, December 17 (Day 72) was a little better than the previous day. I wasn't nodding off or near falling asleep in class. I was still tired, though. And although I intended to get to bed early, that didn't happen. In fact, it didn't happen all weekend.
What is it about the holidays that drives us all a little wacky and pushes us to our limits? Let me explain. Friday I taught all day. Then I ran a few errands. Then I called my mom with her Christmas gift. (We surprised her with a Christmas trip out to visit us; she lives several long hours away, in another state.). Then I took my daughter to practice for the Christmas program we had at church last night. Then it was showers and off to bed for all of us because we had an early morning on Saturday.
Saturday morning were off to the farmer's market to get my shopping done for this week. Then I dropped my daughter to another practice for the Christmas program, got some shopping done while she was there, picked her up, went home, and got ready for a holiday dinner. After the dinner I baked some cookies for after the Christmas program. Then I went to bed. (My earliest time was 10 this whole weekend.)
Sunday we were up and out to church; I had to be there by 9:30 to drop off the cookies I baked the night before. Then we had service until noon. After that I brought my son home so we could get lunch and take naps (YES!) before we had to be back at 4:00. The program began at 5:00 and lasted an hour. Then we had fellowship for about another hour. Then we got home and got ready for the week.
Nap, anyone?
What is it about the holidays that drives us all a little wacky and pushes us to our limits? Let me explain. Friday I taught all day. Then I ran a few errands. Then I called my mom with her Christmas gift. (We surprised her with a Christmas trip out to visit us; she lives several long hours away, in another state.). Then I took my daughter to practice for the Christmas program we had at church last night. Then it was showers and off to bed for all of us because we had an early morning on Saturday.
Saturday morning were off to the farmer's market to get my shopping done for this week. Then I dropped my daughter to another practice for the Christmas program, got some shopping done while she was there, picked her up, went home, and got ready for a holiday dinner. After the dinner I baked some cookies for after the Christmas program. Then I went to bed. (My earliest time was 10 this whole weekend.)
Sunday we were up and out to church; I had to be there by 9:30 to drop off the cookies I baked the night before. Then we had service until noon. After that I brought my son home so we could get lunch and take naps (YES!) before we had to be back at 4:00. The program began at 5:00 and lasted an hour. Then we had fellowship for about another hour. Then we got home and got ready for the week.
Nap, anyone?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day 71: Yawn
Right after I tell you all to take a day once in a while, I must admit that I should have followed my own advice today. Today was one of those days where I was just TIRED. I don't know if it was the weather (It's very cold where I am; we have been hovering between 7 and 19 degrees real feel.) or holiday madness (shopping, church program practices, baking, etc.) or hormones (enough said), but I was wiped out by 2:30 this afternoon. I actually had to fight myself to stay awake to finish writing workshop! (Hint: This is a good time to do a quick stretch as a class. It woke them AND me up!)
I'll be glad for the weekend, so I can sleep in just a little! (Or go to bed a little earlier!)
I'll be glad for the weekend, so I can sleep in just a little! (Or go to bed a little earlier!)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Day 65: It's a Blur
**Sorry for the late posts! My computer decided to freeze up me last night, so I had to finish today!**
You ever have one of those days where dismissal rolls around and you wonder what in the world you did all day? You know what I mean: You're brain is tired, your body is tired, and you can't seem to recall everything that happened.
Today was one of those days.
The day began with a visit from the Desk Fairy. Then we went over our plan for the day. After that we raced through language arts until we were called for an assembly at 10:15. (The fourth- and fifth-grade choirs, band, and orchestra were doing their dress rehearsal for the Winter Concert.) Then we flowed right into first recess (15 minutes), independent reading time (You may call it SSR, DEAR time, or Stop, Drop, and Read time.), and lunch. After lunch we had our read aloud before we went to special.
While the children were in special (my one break for today), I checked on a student who is going on an educational trip tomorrow. (He told me he was going and his mom wanted his work for tomorrow, but I had no documentation he was going anywhere. Found the documentation and had to gather his work.) After that I set up my activity bins for math. (We are in our geometry unit and were doing an activity with pattern blocks.) Then I typed up new plans for the sub that was coming to cover my class while I attended an IEP meeting. (The activity I originally planned involved cutting and pasting. Not something I want to give a sub who's never been in my room before. Those of you who teach young children know what I'm talking about!) Oh, and somewhere in between there I snuck off to use the bathroom and tried to get the computer to print out the plans for the sub. (Our system has been acting crazy since we had an outage last week. No connection for most of the day. 'Twas NOT FUN!)
After I picked up the students from special we reviewed our Daily Edits, read about the next night of Hanukkah in Social Studies, did a project, and began our math review before the sub came in to cover my class for my meeting. I went to the meeting, which lasted just over an hour, then came back to my room in the midst of indoor recess. (Temperatures outside with the "Real Feel" factored in were in the mid-teens. Brrr!) Indoor recess ended about 10 minutes after I came in the door. Then it was time to copy homework and reminders, clean out mailboxes, get packed up, and wait for dismissal.
When my last students left, I sat at my desk and wondered where in the world the day went. It truly was a whirlwind of a day!
You ever have one of those days where dismissal rolls around and you wonder what in the world you did all day? You know what I mean: You're brain is tired, your body is tired, and you can't seem to recall everything that happened.
Today was one of those days.
The day began with a visit from the Desk Fairy. Then we went over our plan for the day. After that we raced through language arts until we were called for an assembly at 10:15. (The fourth- and fifth-grade choirs, band, and orchestra were doing their dress rehearsal for the Winter Concert.) Then we flowed right into first recess (15 minutes), independent reading time (You may call it SSR, DEAR time, or Stop, Drop, and Read time.), and lunch. After lunch we had our read aloud before we went to special.
While the children were in special (my one break for today), I checked on a student who is going on an educational trip tomorrow. (He told me he was going and his mom wanted his work for tomorrow, but I had no documentation he was going anywhere. Found the documentation and had to gather his work.) After that I set up my activity bins for math. (We are in our geometry unit and were doing an activity with pattern blocks.) Then I typed up new plans for the sub that was coming to cover my class while I attended an IEP meeting. (The activity I originally planned involved cutting and pasting. Not something I want to give a sub who's never been in my room before. Those of you who teach young children know what I'm talking about!) Oh, and somewhere in between there I snuck off to use the bathroom and tried to get the computer to print out the plans for the sub. (Our system has been acting crazy since we had an outage last week. No connection for most of the day. 'Twas NOT FUN!)
After I picked up the students from special we reviewed our Daily Edits, read about the next night of Hanukkah in Social Studies, did a project, and began our math review before the sub came in to cover my class for my meeting. I went to the meeting, which lasted just over an hour, then came back to my room in the midst of indoor recess. (Temperatures outside with the "Real Feel" factored in were in the mid-teens. Brrr!) Indoor recess ended about 10 minutes after I came in the door. Then it was time to copy homework and reminders, clean out mailboxes, get packed up, and wait for dismissal.
When my last students left, I sat at my desk and wondered where in the world the day went. It truly was a whirlwind of a day!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 16: Wha...?
Okay. I have officially crossed over into the realm of "D'oh!"
Here's the deal. I do Scholastic book orders each month for my class. I collected the orders, submitted the orders online, and waited for the books to come. Well, the books came. As I was passing out the orders today, I realized that I didn't have books for one of the children. Thinking I missed the books on the packing list, I dutifully checked and double-checked the list and the contents of the box. Still no books.
So then I check in my gradebook. (I keep track of who gave me what forms in there so it's all in one place.) Sure enough, there is a checkmark beside this student's name. As I thought about it, I remembered that this particular student was the first person to turn in the book order form for this month.
By now, I'm frustrated. Where on earth is the envelope with the order and payment? I checked my Scholastic file (a large manila envelope). Nothing. Desk drawer where said envelope is kept? Still nothing. Remaining drawers in the desk? You guessed it. Still nothing.
Move from frustration to panic.
Every break I had, and some time after school, I rechecked all of my desk drawers (several times), checked over the files and filing cabinet drawers I have used in the past two weeks, and looked through baskets on the shelf behind my desk. Over and over. NOTHING.
So now I have to contact this student's mother and let her know that I cannot locate the book order and payment she sent in two weeks ago. That she can still put in an order if she would like to do so. (And secretly hope she doesn't think I'm an idiot.)
Not a good start to the school year.
This would not be so frustrating to me if I was paying attention this past Friday when I put in the orders. How I failed to realize that I didn't have this child's book order is beyond me. While my class was in special, I gathered all the envelopes, took out the payments, and paper clipped them together. Then I took the order forms out to put the tallies on the master sheet and put the tallies on the form. By that time it was time to pick up my class from special. While the children were at recess I made the selections online, and recycled the envelopes. I think I recycled this particular order with the other envelopes. (File under: D'oh!)
The other frustrating part is the fact that I am usually very organized. I've had principals and colleagues come to me for items when they haven't been able to find them. I color code everything. I file everything (You saw my before and after pictures in my earlier posts!). I plan all subjects a week in advance. I take the yearly and monthly calendars and write all of the information in my planner as soon as I get it. I obsess over ways to make my classroom and organization more efficient. I even made labels for my personal bookshelf according to reading theme and subject. The student reading center is organized in 12 baskets according to topic; extras are on a shelf waiting to be put into rotation. I know where every item in my classroom is. Every item, EXCEPT this book order!
Pray for me...and my sanity!
Here's the deal. I do Scholastic book orders each month for my class. I collected the orders, submitted the orders online, and waited for the books to come. Well, the books came. As I was passing out the orders today, I realized that I didn't have books for one of the children. Thinking I missed the books on the packing list, I dutifully checked and double-checked the list and the contents of the box. Still no books.
So then I check in my gradebook. (I keep track of who gave me what forms in there so it's all in one place.) Sure enough, there is a checkmark beside this student's name. As I thought about it, I remembered that this particular student was the first person to turn in the book order form for this month.
By now, I'm frustrated. Where on earth is the envelope with the order and payment? I checked my Scholastic file (a large manila envelope). Nothing. Desk drawer where said envelope is kept? Still nothing. Remaining drawers in the desk? You guessed it. Still nothing.
Move from frustration to panic.
Every break I had, and some time after school, I rechecked all of my desk drawers (several times), checked over the files and filing cabinet drawers I have used in the past two weeks, and looked through baskets on the shelf behind my desk. Over and over. NOTHING.
So now I have to contact this student's mother and let her know that I cannot locate the book order and payment she sent in two weeks ago. That she can still put in an order if she would like to do so. (And secretly hope she doesn't think I'm an idiot.)
Not a good start to the school year.
This would not be so frustrating to me if I was paying attention this past Friday when I put in the orders. How I failed to realize that I didn't have this child's book order is beyond me. While my class was in special, I gathered all the envelopes, took out the payments, and paper clipped them together. Then I took the order forms out to put the tallies on the master sheet and put the tallies on the form. By that time it was time to pick up my class from special. While the children were at recess I made the selections online, and recycled the envelopes. I think I recycled this particular order with the other envelopes. (File under: D'oh!)
The other frustrating part is the fact that I am usually very organized. I've had principals and colleagues come to me for items when they haven't been able to find them. I color code everything. I file everything (You saw my before and after pictures in my earlier posts!). I plan all subjects a week in advance. I take the yearly and monthly calendars and write all of the information in my planner as soon as I get it. I obsess over ways to make my classroom and organization more efficient. I even made labels for my personal bookshelf according to reading theme and subject. The student reading center is organized in 12 baskets according to topic; extras are on a shelf waiting to be put into rotation. I know where every item in my classroom is. Every item, EXCEPT this book order!
Pray for me...and my sanity!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Day 12: Hump Day
You know how, once you start getting into the routine of things, your adrenaline level sort of dips down by the end of the week? Think about it. During the first few weeks of school, you are constantly modeling, reminding, remodeling, and adjusting. It's constant motion. But by the third week of school, things start taking care of themselves, and you are reminding and modeling less. The students are taking care of themselves, which is a good thing.
The only downside is that all the adrenaline you've been running on during the previous school days now decides to take a little vacation, and you actually start looking forward to Wednesday, or Hump Day, because the fatigue starts to settle in and you can't wait for the weekend so you can sleep in! At least, that's how I feel at this present point in time. (It also doesn't help that the weather has gotten a bit chilly and rainy.)
What about you? Have you started looking forward to the middle of the week? Or are you still running on adrenaline?
The only downside is that all the adrenaline you've been running on during the previous school days now decides to take a little vacation, and you actually start looking forward to Wednesday, or Hump Day, because the fatigue starts to settle in and you can't wait for the weekend so you can sleep in! At least, that's how I feel at this present point in time. (It also doesn't help that the weather has gotten a bit chilly and rainy.)
What about you? Have you started looking forward to the middle of the week? Or are you still running on adrenaline?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Day 11: Just One of Those Days
Today was one of those days. Not that everything went horribly wrong, but just enough things happened to make things interesting.
First, I called a student by the wrong name in an e-mail to a parent. Here's the deal: Every year, without fail, I inevitably call two students by the wrong name. It's always students of the same gender that look alike. I had just read an e-mail from each of the parents regarding last night's Back to School Night; the e-mails happened to come in right after each other. One parent asked about sending in birthday treats. I responded about the treats and sent the message. It wasn't until about five minutes later when I realized I had replied to the mom with the wrong name in the e-mail! Not a good impression, I'm sure.
Next, I had recess duty. During my recess, one of the aides broke up a pushing incident between two boys and sent them my way. I talked to both boys and sent them on their way; they had been tussling over a ball. Normally, I would have had them owe time and talked to them after. I didn't on this occasion because one of the students was one of our new intensive learning support students. One of the problems with the new program is the fact that the younger kids don't always understand that the children with special needs, especially those with developmental delays, may not be able to control their impulses or understand the consequences of their actions. One way our grade has tried to counter this in the past is to have one of the local centers come in and do a program to provide general knowledge on the topic of special needs. The program for our grade level is coming next week. Hopefully after that, there won't be as much misunderstanding.
Also during my recess, one of the girls fell on the other end of the playground and her arm landed in an awkward position. Needless to say, there was some screaming (on her part, not mine) until the aides got her in to see the nurse. She was sent home wearing a splint on her arm. Not a good sign there, either.
Following that incident, I had to send a message to a set of parents regarding the behavior of their child. S/he's a bit of a talker and s/he's a wiggle worm. We will be working on that this year! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better one for him/her.
Tomorrow is another day. Can't wait to see what it brings.
First, I called a student by the wrong name in an e-mail to a parent. Here's the deal: Every year, without fail, I inevitably call two students by the wrong name. It's always students of the same gender that look alike. I had just read an e-mail from each of the parents regarding last night's Back to School Night; the e-mails happened to come in right after each other. One parent asked about sending in birthday treats. I responded about the treats and sent the message. It wasn't until about five minutes later when I realized I had replied to the mom with the wrong name in the e-mail! Not a good impression, I'm sure.
Next, I had recess duty. During my recess, one of the aides broke up a pushing incident between two boys and sent them my way. I talked to both boys and sent them on their way; they had been tussling over a ball. Normally, I would have had them owe time and talked to them after. I didn't on this occasion because one of the students was one of our new intensive learning support students. One of the problems with the new program is the fact that the younger kids don't always understand that the children with special needs, especially those with developmental delays, may not be able to control their impulses or understand the consequences of their actions. One way our grade has tried to counter this in the past is to have one of the local centers come in and do a program to provide general knowledge on the topic of special needs. The program for our grade level is coming next week. Hopefully after that, there won't be as much misunderstanding.
Also during my recess, one of the girls fell on the other end of the playground and her arm landed in an awkward position. Needless to say, there was some screaming (on her part, not mine) until the aides got her in to see the nurse. She was sent home wearing a splint on her arm. Not a good sign there, either.
Following that incident, I had to send a message to a set of parents regarding the behavior of their child. S/he's a bit of a talker and s/he's a wiggle worm. We will be working on that this year! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better one for him/her.
Tomorrow is another day. Can't wait to see what it brings.
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