Diary of a First Year Teacher

June 1st, 2012

I’ve decided that I would like to spend the first day of class of the 2012-2013 school year (with my 6th graders) completing a scavenger hunt of my classroom in addition to some team building exercises. The purpose of this is to familiarize students with my room, different stations, etc.

Has anyone else done this before? Do you have any suggestions or advice?

Classroom Organization

I am excited to announce that I’ll have my very own classroom in August. I shared a room with a colleague this past year and it was challenging. When you don’t have designated areas/stations and can’t leave anything in the room, organizational efforts and classroom policies/procedures suffer. That said, I am embarrassingly excited to organize my own classroom for next year. Our school has “white days”, “blue days”, and “green days”. All that really means is we have a block schedule.

White days = Monday - Six 55 minute class periods
Blue days = Tues/Thurs - Three 90 minute class periods (plus homeroom)
Green days = Wed/Fri - Three 90 minute class periods (plus homeroom)

I went to the Container Store this week and while I think they’re generally overpriced I did find what I believe to be a good deal - $5.99/bin

I bought three bins in blue and three in green. One for each class. I hated collecting student work or having things left on my desk because it only added to the chaos of grading and trying to stay organized. New policy for next year - students shouldn’t ever hand me anything unless otherwise directed. Always place an assignment in the bin.

Speaking of classroom organization - I love this idea!

If a student was absent they know where to get their work, no questions asked. I think I’ll make a habit of writing down when the assignment was given and when it’s due on each paper assignment as well.

I’m three days into summer vacation and this is what I’m doing with my time… can’t say I’m surprised. I kind of love it!

Love this!

ursoteachable:

HAND-SIGNAL-HELP: As teachers we have all had that moment when we think that we are getting through to that one student. We see the hand go up and in our head we say, “YES, yes, I am the world greatest teacher”. Then the reality sets in when the student politely asks, “Can I go to the bathroom?” After being burned a number of times I decided to establish hand signals for the bathroom and water fountain at the beginning of the year. The students know to silently put up a signal. They will receive a head nod in return. No questions asked. They also have learned not to ask if something new is being taught. The smart ones have quickly caught on to asking during transitional times; they usually receive a yes nod. ;-)

May 25th, 2012

Friend Your Students? New York City Schools Say No

The New York City Department of Education issued its first guidelines for how teachers should navigate social media following a rise in the number of complaints involving school employees who inappropriately contact students through Facebook, texting and email.

Terry’s principal, Philip Weinberg, calls the guidelines common sense.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

May 24th, 2012

Cake

Two of my 6th graders brought in delicious cakes for me and my afternoon class today all because I am getting married in July. The students got up in the front of everyone and said, “As you know, Ms. B is getting married this summer. Congratulations Ms. B… wait, you’re not changing your name are you?!” As I looked at my class I was met with smiling faces, cheers, whistles, and applause.

Every frustrating moment, late assignment, blank stare, text under the table, late night, never ending grading, bang-your-head-against-a-wall moment has been worth it.

Have a wonderful summer!

Dear Ms. B

A note from one of my 6th graders on our last day of class today

“Dear Ms. B,

I hate to play favorites, but this class has been one of the best, most exciting courses I took this year. I really enjoyed the debates and unit assessments. My favorite unit assessment was probably the “Roots” one because I got to explore where I came from and my background. I also like that you left comments suggesting ways to improve my writing.

I was so privileged to have you as my geography teacher. I have become more interested in how geography affects politics and economies around the world, and of course, I am still doing the GeoBee Quiz in my free time. I also enjoyed the livelihood of the classroom and the fact that you actually laughed at things that were funny (unlike some teachers who crack jokes that are not funny and proceed to laugh as if it was funny.)

I also enjoyed how you taught. I really haven’t met any teacher who asks students to grade themselves on projects. I also liked the activities we did this year. Beyond the debates, I really enjoyed the “special projects” like the Hunger Games Panem Mapping Lab, food project, and extended learning options. I enjoyed the activities so much, in your classes section of my portfolio, I have eight artifacts!

I have learned so much. I became very interested in capitals of countries and I promise I won’t forget Byzantium (for the next time that comes up.) Thanks for a great first year at ________________! I hope to be taught by you sometime soon!

Sincerely,

______________________”

Well goodness, I think I have something in my eye. Just give me a minute!

May 23rd, 2012

(Source: hannahitsrec)

May 22nd, 2012

When I tell my seniors to get to work with one day left of high school. They’re just like:

*Inspired by whatshouldwecallme - check out this tumblr, seriously!

May 21st, 2012

Today is the Last Monday of the School Year

Well how about that… it is.

itssnix:

bookreadingbookworm:

My joy knows no bounds…

I’m sad to leave these kids. But NOT sad for Mondays.

Second Grader was Kicked Out of Class for Wearing Black Face

“COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A second grader was kicked out of class for wearing black face paint as part of a school project... Sean dressed up as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for a project, and was yanked out of class for wearing black makeup on his face.”

I believe the teacher, administration, and school district missed a HUGE opportunity for a teachable-moment and handled the situation poorly. I am not surprised that a white eight-year-old boy (or most second graders for that matter) thought it was appropriate to darken his skin in order to represent Dr. King. His peers also donned costumes and face paint (think hats and mustaches) for the same school project.

Admittedly, I am surprised that the parents let their son go to school in black face makeup. Though, perhaps they too were not familiar with the history of black face and minstrel shows.

The teacher and administration had a choice and an opportunity to educate the student, his classmates, and parents on the matter. Instead, they shamed the student without taking the time to explain why his actions were offensive. I agree that the student was rightfully asked to remove the black face immediately. However, it seems as though he was not given much of an explanation and that’s not doing anyone any favors. Students should have the right to make mistakes, grow, and change. I cannot imagine a more terrifying classroom than the one that does not allow for mistakes.

*** The family’s request for an apology leaves me with mixed emotions. The only thing I find unsettling is that the boy and his family still don’t seem to think that there is anything wrong with the decision to wear black face. I truly believe a thoughtful and calculated response by the school would have (probably) led to a better outcome. Now it seems that both sides are digging in and less willing to have an open conversation.

May 20th, 2012

A better alternative to facebook…

“I know a teacher who has a twitter account. He doesn’t follow students, but they can follow him to get reminders on assignments, etc.- ndrummond”

Thanks to everyone for your input on the benefits and dangers of having a (separate from your personal) facebook account allowing/encouraging student participation. After some thought I’ve decided it’s not worth the potential risks - sad we all need to think this way, but true.

May 19th, 2012

Facebook?

Do any of you Tumblr Teachers have a teacher Facebook account? I thought I’d create one to keep in touch with former students, remind current students about assignments, and share resources. I’ve made sure there are some basic privacy settings and no one can write on my wall (but can send a message, etc.) Good idea? Bad idea? Advice? Concerns?

Update: The feedback so far has been very mixed but I do like the idea of creating a facebook page, thank you librariesandlemonade. Furthermore, grayer had an excellent point, “Bad idea! What if a student posts something on their own page? Would you be liable because you are technically privy to that information?”

Thanks for all the feedback!

May 18th, 2012

Ms. B, is my head too small for my body? Cause sometimes, I feel like it is…

High School Student

Psssssst…

Scavenger Hunt