First Week of School- From the Teachers' Perspective

Our biggest take-away from this week is what a great group of students this is! 

There is an amazing chemistry among them and they were very supportive of one another. They were eager to share their knowledge with the intention of helping everyone succeed.

While we began with many tech issues, things are falling into place and we are beginning to get a sense of the routines we will need to have to accomplish the curricular goals of the district. In a way, it’s like we are putting together a 100 piece puzzle. We definitely have found the corners and are close to having the entire edge in place, but together we are going to have to work hard to fill in the center.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/assemble-challenge-combine-creativity-269399/

Right now it feels a little like those pieces are still in a big messy pile but with time, patience, and tenacity, there’s no doubt we will succeed! It’s definitely a fluid situation and we will continue to monitor and adjust!  

Our big affective piece this week was met through the reading of the charming book Only One You by Linda Kranz.  It was a great choice to start our time together because it touched on many concepts such as positive thinking, encouragement, character traits, working successfully with others and individuality.  Besides conversations from the heart and sharing of experiences, we have two tangible pieces left in our classroom from this book.  First, we designed our own unique fish following the artistic style of the author.  We also shared one of our favorite positive messages on the back of our fish.  We have those hanging proudly in our classroom and hope they continue to reinforce our positive attitudes.  We also developed five class rules within the scope of “positive, stand out behaviors.”

1. Be kind and respectful to everyone.

2. Know when to speak, know when to listen, and know when to work quietly.

3. Follow directions the first time they are given.

4. Walk quietly in the building with our hands by our side.

5. Keep our work area neat and organized.

Together, we will make this a wonderful year!