I go back to school next week. I can't believe it. Friends, don't get me wrong, I love teaching. But, that transition back to school is tough. Waking up, getting back into routine, busy all the time...it is a big change from those "lazy" days of summer.
If you have seen "Inside Out" you know my sadness and fear were taking over. Well, that train of though needs to come to a screeching halt! I needed to bring back my Joy. She needs to be in control. Does anyone else feel the same way?
That being said, my new goal has been to focus on the positives of going back to school and I hope you can join me in that endeavor.
1.
Go Noodle: I can't wait to teach a new group about Pop See Ko and find out what this group's favorite song will be. Will they love the ninja training or want to get loose? Dancing and singing with my kiddos is probably one of the best parts of my day. Thank you GoNoodle and Koo Koo Kangaroo!
2.
The energy of a new group of kids: It is contagious and exciting!
3.
School supplies. I love new school supplies, color coding, and pretty planners. Wasn't that your first clue that you wanted to be a teacher? :)
4.
Introducing a new group of kids to Pete the Cat or Splat the Cat or Mercy Watson or the Pigeon books: Each class is different, but one thing they always have in common is that they find a series of books to love. Two years ago my class LOVED Pete the Cat. They could recite them all from memory... even my most struggling readers. I had one student write his own "Pete the Cat" book. Last year, my class LOVED Splat and once we read the Pigeon books starting putting "talking bubbles" in all of their writing.
5.
Implementing my new summer learning: This summer I participated in the Teaching with Intention Book Study hosted by Greg of the Kindergarten Smorgasboard. I also read "The Morning Meeting Book" from Responsive Classroom and am still working on "Teach Like a Pirate." I have lots of fun new ideas that I am excited to try. I really look forward to adding more games into my classroom, focusing on comprehension, and adding more fun science projects throughout the year.
Why are you excited to go back to school?
