Fresh Start 2012

January 17, 2012
I decided to start an online log of the daily happenings in my life as an educator.  I have other blogs elsewhere, but wanted to start off fresh during this first month of 2012.

In the past, my blogs were always about frivolous things...like my love life or troubles with school.  Now, it seems more important to take note of what happens since time just goes by so fast.  I've always felt that it's important to write down my thoughts and concerns, but haven't really made time for it since my boyfriend (now husband) got more serious.  I should have realized that it was even more important to write everything down...well I guess now is a better time to start than never. 

Didn't mean to get to deep there...anyway...

Since today was the first day back after a 3-day weekend, I assumed the students would be tired and focused on doing their work.  Today was also the last day of our parent-teacher conferences (second round).  Got through the morning okay.  Everyone was able to focus and finish their journal prompts.  I forgot to take note of their Kidbiz articles.  I need to remember to do that tomorrow.  Ended up doing a correction party for Math class today for the majority of the students who finished their work.  I'm debating whether to continue tomorrow or actually move on to the next lesson.  I'm probably going to do metric mass...grams, kilograms, etc.  I'm wondering how they will do with that.  Then I'll finish off the unit with time.  I have to remember to find something to give them an assessment.  Maybe doing something online.  I'll have to remember to check the server out to see what kind of questions are available for them.  LH never seems to have his Math books.  I guess it's good he's not in my homeroom..partner needs to deal with him.  You know, in the beginning of the year, I always dreaded having Math since I've taught the high group for so long, but teaching this group is not that bad.  I think having to teach them has really helped me hone my skills and make me a better teacher having to come up with different strategies.  I'm kind of learning along with them.

During Language, I had the students do their vocabulary for the textbook and their WW assignment.  I also had the kids posing for still shots for the LN activity coming up next week.  I was happy to get the display boards done today.  One less thing for me to worry about.  I was also able to record some of the kids for the IMovie as well.  I hope that the movie is still saved on the computer.  I had tried doing a history lesson on the IMovie program last week, but it seems to have disappeared.  I don't know what happened.  I wonder if the file was just too big...I have to figure it out or just start from scratch. 

One of my students, GB, has been really out of it for the last couple weeks.  I ended up having to move her next to my desk so she wouldn't get distracted and talk to her neighbors.  I wonder how long I should keep her there?  I also hope that helps solve my problem and that she gets her work done sitting by herself. 

I also booked our grade-level field trip to the capitol this afternoon.  I hope the coordinator can fit the days I want in.  I need to check my email tomorrow.