Where Did September Go?

I can't believe that it is already October! I feel like I was just setting up my classrooms last week. I am pleasantly surprised how smooth things are going so far teaching two different grade levels in two different rooms. Don't get me wrong, my house is not as clean as I want, I constantly feel that I have papers to grade, activities to create, and parents to call. But I must admit there were a few weeks before school started that I was having some reoccurring nightmares that I just wouldn't be able to handle it. Overall, I would say things are going well!

I teach fourth grade in the morning. I have nine students. Yes, I said nine students.They work hard, enjoy learning, and generally make the morning pretty uneventful. It is nice to give individual help, really dig into topics, and be able to do those projects and crafts that you just wouldn't do with a large group. 

I then have thirty minutes for lunch to transition to third grade ( I have learned not to make eye contact with other teachers, I don't walk through the office, and I keep my lights off if I really want to have the full thirty minutes....just kidding...not really!) Third grade is tons of fun. I have twenty students. I wouldn't say the mornings are boring, but the afternoons have lots of energy, excitement, and just moments when you shake your head. I love it! I have a diverse room of learners with different abilities and personalities. They have to be kept busy or they can find ways to entertain themselves. They are the group that do well in the regular classroom, but get the dreaded post-it note telling you they weren't behaving for the lunchroom, librarian, PE teacher, etc. We definitely have daily conversations about self control. 

My only real fear I am still trying to overcome is the fact that I need to really get these third graders to the level I want them at for fourth grade. Either the old third grade teacher was absolutely amazing, or they will learn a lot during the year. I look at what they are capable of now and worry that they will not be like the many other students that have entered my fourth grade room over the years with a strong foundation of basic skills. I guess this a real hit at home moment of accountability and making sure these kids are ready for the next grade.

I am attaching two pictures of my favorite things so far this year. Excuse the quality of the pictures...I had to get them off of my Instagram account. One is our third grade craft of a hermit crab. We did lots of research and reading before purchasing two hermit crabs for our classroom. Kids were so engaged in asking questions, researching, and making sure they knew everything about hermit crabs. They now anxiously await their turn as zookeeper to take care of feeding and caring for our classroom pets. 

The other picture is of my fourth grade focus wall. I created it this year, and I absolutely love the accountability for me as a teacher and for my students as learners. This outlines what we are learning for the week, important dates and our weekly Famous Hoosier. 

I hope everyone is off to a great start for the 2014-2015 school year!

Time 2 Change

I never thought I would start a blog, and I have now started two blogs in less than four months. My new name and design reflects the adventure I am setting out on for the 2014-2015 school year. I am teaching fourth grade in the morning and third grade in the afternoon. I have been teaching fourth grade for three years at my current school. When I heard that the third grade teacher was retiring, I decided that I wanted to take on this challenge. I work at a Hebrew Day School where students are required to meet all of the state standards in a half day setting. They complete their Judaic studies during the other half of their day. It is really fast paced to get everything accomplished in three hours (notice the reference to my first blog.....fastpaced4thgrade) There are other challenges as well. I have had to learn about a religion that I am not familiar with. Each year I learn a little more about their customs, beliefs, and standards. The hardest part is finding literature that they can read and be exposed to. So, this year I am taking on 2 Grades and 2 Classrooms. The students will not move.... but I will!! Did you just get a sick feeling in your stomach thinking about getting two rooms ready before school starts?  I am getting a little anxious to decorate and organize the two classrooms. We just returned from vacation, so I am heading in early this week to start in on the challenge. Wish me luck! 


I love my new blog design by Lindsey. I highly recommend contacting her at teachinminddesigns.blogspot.com if you are looking to start a blog or make some changes.