Busy, Busy on the Farm

Today was the seventh day of school and I realized today that we are really getting into a system! Rituals and routines are becoming the glue to our day and our schedule is taking its shape with perfection. We are well on our way to learning so many great things in our skills block, reading, writing, math, and science. Today, for example, we talked more about what an independent reader and writer looked like. The number one element that resonated was "DON'T STOP!" That's right, whether reading or writing, it is each child's job to consistently read or write for the appropriate workshop. This year I will continually be challenging them to build up their stamina to read and write for longer periods of time. I believe they will be showing growth in no time!
We have been having fun getting to know each other, too! I am enjoying seeing our class build itself into a family! Today, Coach Hall gave us an amazing compliment for being such team players and encouragers during Character Ed resource. I'm so proud of them for working so well together after only 7 days!

All Things New

Well, I've already spent hours getting ready for this new school year! Yet, there is so much still to do!! This is a really exciting year for me as I branch out into first grade! This is my tenth year teaching, but my first year in first grade! I'm really just excited to be able to sing songs and chants and not have my whole class look at me with quizzical, "you're-not-so-cool" looks!! Hahahaha (Yes, fourth graders tend to do that!)
I'm pumped to be a part of my new first grade students' lives. They are still in the beginning stages of their adventure in education and I hope to use all my experience to train them up beyond what anyone thinks they are capable! That's my biggest mantra, by the way: Children can do way (waaaaaaay) more than grown-ups give them credit for! My goal is not only to teach my first graders how to learn, but also to teach them how to be independent! It is going to be so fun watching them grow and surprise all the grown-ups in their lives (including me). I'm sure they will end up surprising themselves along the way too!

Let the fun begin!! (and the singing!!)