Five for Friday

OH EM GEE!! That about sums up my first week of teaching!! Anyway, I'm linking up with Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching for...
Back in June, my coworker and I applied for a grant from the foundation associated with our district. My coworker (I'll call her Jessica- J/K- that's her real name) teaches 5th grade science, and I teach 4th grade science. We were seriously lacking science materials that the students need in order to be successful in demonstrating scientific skills. We included items in our grant such as triple beam balances, hot plates, glass beakers... It's really hard to teach kiddos how to read a triple beam balance by just watching a video. They need hands-on experience, and NOW they can get that! Because... TODAY we found out that we were awarded the grant! We are so ecstatic!!! WOOT WOOT!!! They messed up, and I will be getting my check soon! HE HE
My ONLY child started middle school this week, too!!! WAAAAAA!!!! I can't tell you how sad this makes me! He has gone to the same school that I have taught at since he was 3 years old!!! Now, he is riding the bus and having to be responsible for pretty much everything! I'm so used to just talking to his teachers when he forgets his homework or is having a problem with something. It's been a huge transition for all of us!! Here's my 'BABY'!
I started my 16th year of teaching this past Monday!! Seriously... what happened, y'all? I am exhausted! It was a pretty productive week! I just hate the 1st week... with going over the rules, collecting supplies, and what not. I want things to get to 'normal,' less talking and coaching and more DOING! I can't be the only one that feels like that, can I? Anyway, here's one of many pictures of my room (a peek into my classroom is coming up). I changed my classroom A LOT, and I'm super excited to show y'all!
Our district was fortunate enough to bring the wonderful George Couros to speak as the keynote during our technology convention. He is amazing and hilarious! Well, that convention was a couple of weeks ago. The point of all of this (I feel like I'm droning on :)) is that he wrote a book called The Innovator's Mindset. It's about teaching students to have a growth mindset while incorporating technology. I just started the book, and it is phenomenal! Y'all should check it out!
It's the little things in life... The fourth grade teachers go out to eat on Fridays for lunch. Yes, we only have 30 minutes, but it's so nice to look forward to... even if we're shoving the food in our mouth as we pick the kiddos up from the cafeteria! This summer, a wonderful pizza place, called Dion's opened right down the street from our school. Tomorrow will be our 1st 'Lunch Friday' of the school year, and that's where we're going!! We can call in our orders and go through the drive thru to pick up our food! We're SUPER excited!!! Like I said... IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS! 
Have a great weekend, friends!!

2 comments

  1. You are not alone! I forget every year is like a clean slate and how much time and patience goes in to making sure students know what is expected of them. It can be exhausting!

    Erin
    Chevron and Crayons

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    Replies
    1. Erin - Yes, the beginning of the year is super exhausting! The 2nd week was lots better! But, we still have a lot of work to do! Have a great school year!

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