First Day

Today was my first day with the students in my classes. I have two groups of kids: a 7th grade class and an 8th grade one. Both classes have wonderful students in them, and they were very positive today. Every student I talked with was excited to be there and looking forward to a new year that was full of learning. I love that they were so into the whole experience!

I had been experiencing some anxiety leading up to the day, just because I am never good with the unknown, and I feel nervous about starting fresh. However, in hindsight, I feel like I didn’t need to worry. I had everything planned and set up for when the students came in. Even during times when we finished assignments early, I was able to quickly move into another activity and the students went well with the changes. Once the day kicked off I didn’t have any anxiety. However, if you would have looked at my anxiety yesterday, it would have been off the charts! I am so glad that it is all gone now and things are looking positive! 🙂

I hope all of you had a good day, and if you didn’t I hope you remember never to give up and to keep pushing onward.

I PASSED!!

I PASSED MY SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER TEST!!! Since I have taken and passed both the social studies and language arts teacher tests, I am now qualified to teach general education in this subjects! This is huge because I am already highly qualified in special education K-12, but now I am able to teach combined classes! Yay! 

Standing up for ME!

I have written before about a time when I stood up for myself and how proud I was of me! Well, I have another experience in this area to share with you. As many other anxiety-ers (I am trying out this nickname) I am a people pleaser. Whenever there is conflict I expect anxiety to tighten her grip around my chest and come along for the ride. However, today I had a mini conflict with a co-worker where I was able to walk away from the situation, professionally, and return to said co-worker after I had regrouped. When I went back to talk to her about the incident, I remained strong yet professionally. actually all worked out well and things were smoothed over and there is no more tension.

From this situation I learned that it is good to stand up for myself, as long as it is done in a mature manner. I did not attack my co-worker, I actually had apologized for the part I had played in the situation. It was wonderful that I could tell her how I was feeling without experiencing any anxiety! Wow!

My personal goal is to continue standing up for myself and no longer being a door mat! It is ok to be strong.

It’s Saturday!

It is Saturday!
Rest and relaxation time!
Sad! I have to work…

600 followers! You are all wonderful!

When I first started blogging I never once imagined that I would have 600 followers! You all have truly humbled me. Thank you for continually support!

Seriously! I love being a teacher!

I know I have written this in the past, but I truly love my job as an educator. Over the last few days I have been very frustrated and stressed about the political side of my job, and it has really worn me down. I have more responsibilities as well so it was beginning to pile up and weigh me down. However, tonight I was reminded why I love what I do. It’s the kids. It is so rewarding to be able to make a difference in their lives everyday. There are many kids at school who don’t have a loving and safe home, and I feel honored to provide them with that within my classroom walls.

Tonight I made a podcast for my kids (since they have to make one) and I pretended I was a middle school girl talking about her day! I had so much fun making it! I cannot wait to show them tomorrow! Just by making this podcast I reminded myself why I do what I do. I love making learning fun and showing them that life is an endless road of new and exciting things to learn! I love that we all share laughter and adventures in academics in my class!

If you happen to be in a rough time at work, school or even just in life, try to find your joy. Your reason for why you carry on everyday. If you cannot think of anything, do something you love and it will reignite passion and help refocus your mind onto the good. Remember that you are not alone and we are all here for you cheering you onward towards happiness!

The love of my life turns 30!

I’m moving the spotlight from myself, over to my amazing husband. Today is his 30th birthday and I felt it was time to brag about him for awhile. He is one of the most honest, respectful and loving people I have ever known (obviously since I married him!) He does so much for other and often will put himself on the back burner while he cares for those around him. He always strives to do what is right even if it is difficult and unpopular. I can’t help it, I love a man with integrity!

I want wish him a wonderful and happy 30th Birthday!

Here are the cookies I made for him! Be jealous lol!

Attention Teachers: To Lit Circle or not to Lit Circle?

I am throwing around the idea of doing lot circles with my students, but since most of them have reading disabilities I am hesitant to assign a novel. I am thinking about possibly using short stories and going through the same process, just with a shorter text.

What are some of the ways you have addressed your special education students in lit circles? This sounds like a fun thing to do, I just want to be sure I do it effectively and without frustrating my kiddos.

Thanks for your help!

I really should be sleeping right now instead of lesson planning!