I have been MIA for the last few weeks, friends! Something wildly exciting transpired this summer and I have been knee-deep in preparation, planning, organizing, learning, reading, and decorating!
No, I am not…
- pregnant with child #4 and/or #5
- moving cross-country
- going through any major life change, but…
This once middle school teacher is teaching… FIRST GRADE!!!!
YOU: Say what?!
ME: I know! Who EVER would have thought?!
Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate jumping head first into FIRST grade, but life presents us with opportunities to grow and be violently gently pushed out of our comfort zones.
When I was at Xavier University studying to become a teacher from 1994-1998, our professors shared that “primary jobs were few and far between.” Not that I had my heart set on teaching primary kiddos, but I decided then that I would put all of my focus and energy into becoming the best upper elementary/middle school teacher I could possibly be. And from my first job teaching 5th grade…I have always adored teaching BIG KIDS!
After three years of being home after having my littlest and filling in as a year-long-term sub last year, I decided I wanted to be back in the classroom full-time and got my resume ready. But times have changed since 1998, and when an opportunity arose to interview and then accept a full-time position in an AMAZING district teaching first grade, I went for it!
Last week I sat in my oldest son’s Meet the Teacher night presentation and looked adoringly at his inspiring 6th grade teachers as they shared all about the learning and events of my 6th grader’s day! Those folks were speaking my language, y’all!!
- Citing three pieces of evidence from the text.
- Reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Schoology
- Book projects
- NewsELA and Channel One
Then, when all was said and done, I went on my way knowing that my son will be in amazing educator hands this year. I love their enthusiasm and I am so glad that my son gets to be a student in each of their classes. I am excited for all that he gets to learn and experience as a 6th grade BIG KID. I sure do miss teaching a grade-level of big kids, but what an adventure I have the incredible opportunity to tackle before me.
This weekend I am gearing up for my Meet the Teacher night. I have seven days under my belt and I can’t wait for all of our days ahead. We have already established our daily routine and our building our classroom community. My students love participating in reader’s and writer’s workshop each day. STEM bins (you are a genius, Brooke Brown) and directed self-portrait drawings were favorites this week.
I even speak a new language with phrases like:
- “Arooshtaka!”
- “1-2-3-Eyes on me!”
- “Macaroni and cheese! Everybody FREEZE!”
Teaching first grade has been a BIG change, but one I am beyond excited about having the chance to experience. As my first grade families head to my classroom for Meet the Teacher night, I hope they walk out as I did…knowing their child is in the most enthusiastic and capable teacher hands, and excited about our year together.
If you are back in action in your classroom, I wish you all the best this school year! Stay tuned for more fun from my teaching first grade, but parenting a middle schooler journey!
All the best!
Erin
