Since I'm putting 'doing things for myself' on the back burner for now ... I'm going to participate in "Teacher Week!" Blog Hoppin' is a blog dedicated to great teaching ideas from a variety of teachers. This linky party seemed like all the rage in teacher blog world. It sounded like another bandwagon was calling my name. And you might as well know my stance on bandwagons--so once again... ALL ABOARD!
Tell us a little something about you...
Howdy doody! I'm Beth. I'm a 6th grade teacher in the "exciting" town of Sikeston (yes for the millionth time--the home of Lambert's). I have lived in Missouri all of my memory and I kind of like it. Don't be fooled, I'm not a farmer nor do I know anything about farming. The "howdy doody" was more a fun way to say hello. When I was little, I wanted to work at McDonalds so I could play on the playplace on my breaks. Lucky for me, I can play on some of the recess equipment on my breaks (mainly the swings). I also used to think that when riding in a car, the people on the other side of the road were the 'white people' and we were the 'red people' due to the headlights and break lights. I have since learned differently.
How long have you been teaching?
This is my second year teaching! Last year, I was right where I am this year...figuring out how 6th graders work. Thankfully, I have gotten some 6th-grader things down...as well as a handle on my classroom management (what they say really is true--you just have to get through your first year). It wasn't the easiest year by any means. :) Now, I'm a second year teacher and it's full steam ahead...
What are you looking most forward to this school year?
Everything! I'll be honest, it doesn't take much to excite me. I bought new colorful post-its the other day and I was on cloud nine. Being in a great school district and school has me excited about absolutely everything (and just being blessed enough to have a job overwhelms me). I'm love my school and the people I work so closely with. My school is really focusing on instruction - HOW to teach content BEST. And that is really what I want to use this year for anyway! It's a whole new year...and each day is a new day. I'm pumped about the conversations and learning experiences that we'll have in my classroom!
What do you need to improve?
Everything! I have a long way to go until I reach "master teacher" status (and a degree or two). I've got a lot of work to do and soo much more to learn. This year has been a little easier adjusting to since I do have some experience, but it's still a new adventure everyday! In a way, I love that I don't know much because it gives me more drive to learn more. On the flip side, I can't wait to be the one giving advice to new teachers. For now, all I can say is ... write everything down (copies to be made, grocery lists, tv shows to watch, student quotes and funny stories, dismissal changes, books to read, etc.) It's impossible to remember everything.. sometimes it's impossible to remember anything.
What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?
Post-its! I literally have every size you can imagine. Scratch that, I love all pads of paper regardless of the sticky-factor.
Coca-Cola! (I refer to it as "Coke", but I don't want people getting the wrong idea!) I prefer a large coke from the gas station. It will probably be what kills me...and for now I am okay with that.
BOOKS! I am slowly becoming addicted. My classroom library has grown significantly since last year, thanks in part to very generous donors (smile). And I have finally begun letting my students 'check-out' books from my library. Not gonna lie--this stresses me out at times. I like the way a new book looks, smells, feels. And on my selfish moments (like when I get a book turned back in crumples and torn), I think maybe I shouldn't do the check-out system. But what's the point of buying/earning books if not to stimulate my student's love and enjoyment for reading?
Thanks for reading :)
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