6 months ago I wasn't to happy with my situation. I was feeling stifled in terms of teaching time and a host of other things and my main focus in life was to get OUT. I must say that the year has progressed rather nicely and Im not feeling the same way about the year. Thanks to my coteacher, who understands what the kids need and provides those things even when someone says otherwise,we are having a great year! I can't say that I would feel this way with another teacher.
Our classroom runs smoothly and the kids are self sufficient. Today, two kids decided to make a book in the science center. The books were pre made with the title and had two pages for them to draw animals or write. They were provided with real pictures of animals to choose from and had been given instructions previously about their options (to draw animals they saw at the zoo, animals from the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or to use the pictures if necessary). We also started this week putting familiar picture word cards on the word wall.I waited until I felt like doing so would mean something to them and they added the words in small group.
Anyway, two kids drew pictures and,of course, came to show me. I prompted them to write the names for their animals and to go to the word wall to help them. I have about 5 kids who are ready to do this independently. They were able to label their animals and I was SO PROUD. THIS IS KG1!!!!!!!!!
Mind you, Ive always had kg2 AND they were classes who had not been to school before. Well, except one year.
So yeah, Im at the point where I feel like my school is having a growth spurt and I may be interested to go along for that ride. Some very cool things are happening with 6 classes piloting a 'new' plan to teach and I will be one of the classes to do so. It involves creating center points around the school where children will commune with other classes (kg1 and 2) for learning centers to include the beloved science room Ive been working on! IF it goes well it could be the new model for the school.
I do have my eyes on one school in particular. Im going to knock and see if they answer this year.Maybe Ill hold out for them and in the meantime continue to roll with the punches.This is year 4 and the goods continue to outweigh the bad for me.
Our classroom runs smoothly and the kids are self sufficient. Today, two kids decided to make a book in the science center. The books were pre made with the title and had two pages for them to draw animals or write. They were provided with real pictures of animals to choose from and had been given instructions previously about their options (to draw animals they saw at the zoo, animals from the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or to use the pictures if necessary). We also started this week putting familiar picture word cards on the word wall.I waited until I felt like doing so would mean something to them and they added the words in small group.
Anyway, two kids drew pictures and,of course, came to show me. I prompted them to write the names for their animals and to go to the word wall to help them. I have about 5 kids who are ready to do this independently. They were able to label their animals and I was SO PROUD. THIS IS KG1!!!!!!!!!
Mind you, Ive always had kg2 AND they were classes who had not been to school before. Well, except one year.
So yeah, Im at the point where I feel like my school is having a growth spurt and I may be interested to go along for that ride. Some very cool things are happening with 6 classes piloting a 'new' plan to teach and I will be one of the classes to do so. It involves creating center points around the school where children will commune with other classes (kg1 and 2) for learning centers to include the beloved science room Ive been working on! IF it goes well it could be the new model for the school.
I do have my eyes on one school in particular. Im going to knock and see if they answer this year.Maybe Ill hold out for them and in the meantime continue to roll with the punches.This is year 4 and the goods continue to outweigh the bad for me.
I'm glad things are going well for you...
ReplyDeleteI read your blog while I endure Michigan.
Thanks for sharing your experience for 4 years;
it is my escape (since I can't).
im glad you like it!
ReplyDelete