Oh happy day, friends. I have been blessed to be a first-year 5th year teacher for 13 days now, and I reflect SO often –on my students, on my words, on my use of time, on my kiddos, on my relationships with other teachers, on my teaching abilities.
There is a ton of reflection going on in my life. And so begins another time of reflection.
- 5th grade is a world unto itself. Like whoa. While I am sure every grade would say this, it’s all new to me! From interacting with 90 kids every day, to teaching one subject, to changing classes every 50 minutes, to Lexile levels of 900, to BIG kids – it’s wild.
- 13 days ago my kids were just names on a list, and now, they are ‘mine.’ I love them a ridiculous amount. They are absolutely hilarious, so goofy, and will indulge in Sticker Tuesday just because it’s important to me. My heart breaks when I hear their stories. My spirit is lifted when they tell me they finished a chapter book for the first time. My kids are social, growing, about-to-be-hormonal beings who desperately want the friendship of their peers and my approval.
- I love my kids, but they also frustrate me to no end. I have to figure out how far I can push without deflating them. My students are SO capable and so intelligent. I see them doing and learning amazing things, and – by some type of osmosis – I want them to believe the same. My students are powerful, and I need to learn how to show them their power and how to channel it.
- I like smiling. I didn’t know this about myself until Wednesday when one of my fifth grade friends announced, “Ms. W, you must really like smiling.” This is right after Sam told me I bounce a lot. My response: “I love you, and I will bounce all day long if it helps you remember perfect verbs.”
- I am constantly reminded that my experience and success in school, does not mean my students are the same. Therefore, I must be thoughtful. I must be aware. I must be intentional.
- Four boys on the grey carpet, two boys in the corner by the filing cabinet, Claire in the ‘hole’ by the sink, Lindsey in the teacher’s chair, and three girls under table 4…13 days in and we’re becoming readers. We read together. We read independently. We crowd around the latest Ripley’s books, and we pick our favorite quotes from Ivan. 13 days into school and we are 72 books into our 1,200 book goal for the year. They are going to bleed my personal book-fund dry by the end of this month. I cannot acquire books fast enough.
- I am always at school. It’s a very good thing I love it there. I am always exhausted. Thank goodness, I love naps.
- Some days I feel successful. Most days I cling to the successful moments. So often during the course of my day I think, “God bless, these children. I hope they become functioning adults one day. If they do not, fingers can be pointed at me – their first-year 5th grade reading and writing teacher.” But really… Many of the things I try work well. They could and will be tweaked in future years, but overall, not bad….but, those moments of failure seem so much deeper when you are in your own classroom. It’s like a pilot watching his/her own plane crash. I can see the carnage 50 words ahead of where I am. “Perfect verbs……sdbnsjkdfsdkfjsdklnfsdfiodfjsdiofnsdfnsd.” *explosion*
- It’s better than I ever dreamed of, and I have dreamed of being a teacher for a long time. While I do not believe in crying, my cheeks are being watered when I think of the awesome responsibility and honor I (and we) have to teach, learn, and guide. Without fail, we have the most wonderful job. While my plans never included teaching 5th grade, it is a place and ministry I love. It’s hard to admit because it means I got it wrong, but I am so thankful He got it right.Wow.
Well, that’s me right now,
friends. I really love my life right now. There is no sense of balance or life
outside of school, but I see that coming soon. Rather, I am enjoying the ‘high’
of being a new teacher. Think back to your first year; it really is a wonderful
euphoria.
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Catherine, you summed up my 13 days perfectly! I couldnt have said it better or had a better understanding of what this feels like to be a first year teacher had I not been going through the exact same thing this past 2 weeks. There is hope for us 1st year teachers:)
Yay! It is so wonderful and so reassuring to hear that our lives are normal. I hope life in 1/2 split is going smoothly. 🙂
I loved reading this!!!!! Keep smiling!!!!
You make a great point about pushing students without deflating them…I think letting them know you believe in them and setting high expectations for them, because you know they can do it will pay off 🙂 Goal setting and monitoring their progress is another way to help them achieve their goals.
That's the path I am on right now, Bridget. Initially, I think I pushed too hard, but I am definitely gaining ground, now. Over and over, I tell my kiddos how much they are capable of…eventually, I hope it 'sticks'. Also, we just set our first individual goals for MAP testing (baseline reading assessments) and it was so fun to see students strategize and then, meet their goals! We have been celebrating with donuts and lunch in the classroom and iPad time. 🙂 Do you have any strategies for goal setting or anything that works really well?
When they are setting goals, it really helps if the strategies/steps they will take to meet this goal are listed on the goal sheet. Then if they don't meet the goal, you and the student can analyze if the strategies/steps need to be changed or modified…it kind of gives them a roadmap so they know how they'll meet their goal.
I'm so glad you are loving your teaching life!! I enjoyed reading this very much. Also, I hope you don't mind, I shared your donation on my blog. :o) Thank you, thank you, thank you! You truly made my day!!
Jivey
ideas by jivey
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I really love this post. I just finished watching a two hour special on CBS that documented the lives of four educators and the highlights and challenges they face every day in the classroom. This post does a great job of outlining why one would want to teach. I just graduated in December and I haven't gotten a "teaching" job, yet; not that I've given up hope. But when I do get one I really hope that I can measure up to their expectations and that I don't ever lose that enthusiasm for this profession.
This is beautifully written. 5th grade definitely is a world unto itself. I couldn't have said it better. I love to hear that your students are enjoying reading so much. I'm a total sucker for buying every book that is published that my kiddos have their eyes on, but you know what…that's OKAY! I do it for the kids! I'm so glad you have enjoyed your first 13 days with a smile on your face. Continue to take naps…I still do almost every day…16 years later! Lol!
Alison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
"I do it for the kids" I say this all the time! Actually, i just placed another Scholastic order this morning with that phrase in mind. 😉
You made me smile! This was wonderful to read. It made me want to be in your class. I can feel the love and commitment that you have for your students. You are already a wonderful teacher.
Thanks for the inspiring reflections! I am confident that you will be inspiring your students 🙂
Laura
Thanks, Laura. It's crazy how quickly our kiddos become 'ours'. 🙂
What a great post! I am so glad you are loving your first year so much! I hope you never stop smiling as much as you do now! Your students are very lucky to have such a caring, wonderful teacher!
Amy
Eclectic Educating
Could not have said it better myself 🙂
Lauren
The Sweetest Thing
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Sounds like you're doing a fantastic job! You definitely have the heart and desire of a good teacher, and it sounds like your kids really like you!
Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late
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