Made it through the first week...

Well, I love my thirdsters!  They are a fantastic bunch of young people, and I look forward to seeing them every day. 

Week one reflections:

- The first week will always feel disorganized.  There is a lot of baseline testing to be done.  The students did a lot of "busy work" so that I could start text leveling.  I did not feel like I was teaching, and I did not feel like the students really enjoyed the week.

- Try to get organized, but know that a late night on Friday will make the weekend feel better!  I stayed until 8 pm to get my files in order, clean up my room, and prep for next week.  I slept last night because I feel like I can walk in on Monday ready to go.

- Rule and Procedures, Procedures and Rules!!!!!!  Do not relent, do not "let it go."  Make them follow the procedures.  Practice! 

- Silliness is a good thing!  On Thursday the kiddos were EXHAUSTED!  We did some Cowboy calls, chair dancing, clapping and snapping patterns... they loved it.  Looking forward to using GoNoodle net week for brain breaks too!

The best activity was a classroom scavenger hunt.  By the end of the week, students were able to get erasers, pencils, turn in items, find the dictionaries, and pretty much feel at home in the room. 

My first newsletter is posted on the website, my contacts and address books are put together, I know the food allergies in my room, I think I am ready to get into the curriculum next week!!!