After An Educator's Journey
Out of the classroom & into the universe
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Once upon a time, I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Now I’m retired and working on new ventures.
Tag: organization
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It rained last Thursday. Which isn’t really news-worthy unless you are a teacher with just a few weeks left of summer break. A rainy day is usually the impetus for me to start readying my classroom for the first day of school. This year I am a bit more behind the eight ball than usual…
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Here’s some advice from my experienced third graders to my incoming students: Rase (sic) your hand because you are being rude if you are talking and it’s someone else’s turn. Raise your hand because there is no blurting 207. Pay attention because you might know what to do. Follow directions so you get smarter. Be persistent…
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One of my New Year’s Resolutions – the list is really long! – is to try not to be such a control freak about what we do in the classroom. I’m letting go of the idea that I need to be at school before 6:30 am (our school begins at 8:30) and that I can’t…
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For whatever reason, this group of students is having a heck of a time dialing things back after any unstructured time. I noticed it almost immediately which, given all the other chaos accompanying the first days of school was quite an accomplishment. Some of the problems that are interfering with getting back to work: excessive…
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I’ve been at this for 23 Fall startups now and I’ve yet to find the “perfect” room configuration. Over time, I’ve managed to get the task of setting up – at least for Day 1 – down to a two-day affair, but it is not without angst. My students do not sit in rows –…
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School vacation week in Massachusetts started for me as of 2:50 yesterday afternoon. I know there are some in the private sector who will read that statement and disparage me. But here is why I not only need this vacation, I deserve it. 1. I am not paid for the days off. Contrary to popular…
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I have a love-hate relationship with the first week of school. I love it because it is a time for a fresh start, a do-over; everything about the start of the year is new and exciting. And to be honest, after 10 weeks away from teaching, I miss it…. even the most annoying of personalities…
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Hours put in since the last post: 6+ Yesterday I met with our Team’s new Special Education Teacher, Melissa. I don’t know about Melissa, but I am definitely feeling the overwhelming panic that encompasses the start of a new year. The weird dreams have already begun. It will be good to get back to school…
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Time 4.5 hours After cleaning and arranging the large items in my classroom, it is time to start prepping for the students’ arrival. I purchased an additional 10 cardboard magazine files to be used as book boxes. That makes a total of 24. I am prepping for 24 because that, in theory, is the maximum…
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Time Spent: 4 hours This morning I loaded up the Jetta with our new shop vac — more power! — and began cleaning up the dust from the floor replacement. Here’s what was all over every surface, nook, and cranny of my classroom (even behind closed cupboards – this stuff goes everywhere). Cleanup meant first…
After An Educator's Journey 