So I'm sure that if you've been a long time reader of my blog, you're probably thinking that I've already been working on new supplies, and that I've probably already spent hours in my classroom. I mean, come on, who doesn't love getting back in there and setting up for a new year?!
Yeah, not me. I haven't set foot in our building since the last day of school.
Don't get me wrong, I am excited about a new school year. My mind is trying to forget the troubles from last year and is trying to convince me that this year will be the best yet. And, you know, it might be. But after last year...well...let's just say I'm a little guarded.
I did finally start back-to-school shopping today. FYI-Amazon credit cards are pretty much the best thing ever. You see, my hubby and I use our credit card for pretty much everything, and then we simply pay it off at the end of the month. And you get credit on Amazon. So this girl just got $128 worth of supplies for the school year, and I only paid a whopping $19 out of pocket. Bam.
And then, since I was so financially responsible in getting supplies for free, I got to buy fun stuff with my back-to-school budget. Two new bungee chairs from Target, a new fuzzy body pillow, a bean bag, and a 3-piece zebra print rug set. Hello, comfy reading spots.
I am pretty disappointed about our Open House being the day before school starts. On one hand, I love the idea. I think it's pretty great that we'll have the chance to meet parents before school starts. But, on the other hand, I have a lot to get done in addition to planning for an Open House.
Plus, I had this brilliant idea at the end of the school year. You see, last year's class was...a handful. There was very little that they responded to in terms of rewards or consequences and it made my job super difficult. I even went as far as to tear down my classroom. Twice. They lost all of the fun stuff. Not that it mattered to them.
So my plan for this year was to start with a bare-bones classroom and then let them earn all of the fun extras. The chairs, the pillows, the lamps, etc. You know, thinking that if they had to earn it, maybe they would take more ownership.
But come on. There is no way that I'm going to have parents attending an Open House and not have my room set up. So there goes that brilliant idea. Drat.
I'll keep you posted(ish) on that whole "classroom setup" thing. Fingers crossed.
Other life updates:
-My photography business has really been picking up speed. It has been super exciting this summer, and I feel like I've learned more in the last 2 months than I did in the first 4 years.
-I've discovered maxi dresses. Where have you been all my life?!-The Mr. and I went to Gatlinburg over the 4th of July for vacation. I was an idiot and wore flip flops in the rain. And fell on a sidewalk in front of a bunch of people. And then I fell again about an hour later. Down a flight of stairs. And broke my elbow. And spent most of the 4th of July in the emergency room. Oops.
-In case you missed my last post, I'm teaching 5th grade this year. I was holding out hope that our 6th grade numbers would increase over the summer, but no such luck. On the upside, it looks like I'm going to have a pretty small class.-I found out over the summer that our amazing technology coach managed to pull a few strings for the coming year. My (now former) grade level partner and I will each have a set of 20 1st-generation iPads to use in our classrooms. I must say that I'm pretty excited about that.
-Probably one of the most important moments of the summer was when we found this bad boy. We finally have a trash can that Charlie can't get into. I can't tell you how awesome it is to not have to hide our trash can in the bathroom every time we leave the house. The refrigerator is another story. We're still resorting to a bungee cord and baby gate for that one.And lastly, thank you to all of you who left encouraging comments on my last post. I may not have replied, but know that I truly appreciated the support and words of encouragement. I still stand by the fact that I have learned so much more from the blogging community and my own teaching experience than I ever learned in college. I am amazed at the fact that despite my completely sporadic posts over the course of the last year, that my list of followers has continued to grow.
You guys are awesome.
Don't worry, I went into my classroom after abandoning it after summer school. It was a HOT MESS.. even a bigger mess when I left. I have mucho to do in the next few weeks too. Excited to hear about your journey in 5th!!
ReplyDeleteMy open house is the day before school starts, too. I don't really like it though, because only about half of the families show up. I love your idea of having the class earn the cute stuff. Hopefully you'll have a class full of angels & won't need that kind of reward! =)
ReplyDeleteMeg
Third Grade in the First State
I am jealous you have an open house in your room! We have a parent night but it's in the auditorium, and there's no classroom part to it--I would much rather gush in my room than in front of a projector screen in the auditorium. Hope the beginning of the year goes well for you--I go back Monday! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having the kids earn the extras! Stick to your guns and sell it to your parents. Explain why you've started with a minimalist set up and get them on board. I use a "money" system in my 5th grade class. They keep track of their daily earnings in a check register and at the end of the month they can purchase various privilege tickets, but only AFTER they've paid their rent on their desks. Kids who can't make rent lose their desks and get a box and a clipboard to keep under their chair. My parents were totally tickled with the real world lesson that you rarely get something for nothing!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping you have a fabulous year in 5th grade!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI am also an Amazon points person - we put everything on the card, pay it off every month, then delight in the rewards! I really, really like your idea of starting with little and then adding things as the kids earn them, phooey that you have such an early open house.
ReplyDeleteKeep heart for the new school year! I had a TERRIBLE year last year, so I know how hard it is to put those memories away and not go forth without a bit of trepidation. But, I'm going to put my best forward! In my case I have the good fortune of changing school districts (and even better, it's one I worked at before and loved, so I know what I'm walking into), but I've still had haunting dreams where I'm in my new room and my students from last year show up - eep! Good luck preparing for the new year!
Ughhh I want some bungee chairs for my single cup coffee provider office. They are so stinkin' comfortable! Your students are so lucky.
ReplyDelete