Hey everyone! I just wanted to see if any of you in Seattle (I wish I could be everywhere else you all are too) would like any random help in/for your classrooms! I am working at REI part-time and at the learning center after school, but I would still love to help out anyone who needs it! I couldn't really give anyone a specific time/date, but just throwing the idea out there! Even if you just need help cutting things out or putting packets together. Whatever =) I can only imagine how crazy-busy your first year is, so let me know if I can help! (Plus, it would be fun to see you!) Also, I had a random idea for a "reunion party" sometime during Christmas break! What do you think? Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a great start to the week! Miss you all.
Love, Mykell
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Over your head, you say?
I feel for what you're going through MB. It sounds like you have your own Sam on your hands. I'd say that the girl must feel like there's a reason for her to work hard or to stay on task. Try to build a relationship and keep at it. It gets so old and so tiring- just know that you can't do it all on your own. Try to get some sort of assistance. It always helped having Darlene or Sue just to sit and provide input... maybe a volunteer (probably not a parent!) that can work with small groups.
I'm sure that Aimee and Jacqueline probably have much better ideas than I do... but in general for those toughies... Remember to start small and give loads of praise for the times they are doing well. I would set up an individual system that helps to keep them each accountable- a one size fits all may not work as well. I'm finding it difficult to come up with specific strategies that aren't so "duh" sounding! It's hard when they're so young! I'm thinking of a tracking type card, but instead of tracking discipline it could be a positive- look what you've accomplished this week... or a list of possible choices of things they could be working on when they're feeling distracted. Having a table or desk apart from others is a way to help those who are just distracted by others or always talking stay on task-- even though it somewhat goes against the philosophy of not trying to humiliate or set apart bad behavior... making it a sort of spectacle. Like I said, my brain can't think. :)
For the books: I suggest that you try to head something up with 1) PTA money- try to get a grant from them... I know it's a long shot, especially depending on your district/school. 2) Try with the parents. Have them send in any books that they can bear parting with or gift cards for book stores-- but money is better because you can shop old-stores and garage sales for lots cheaper than barnes and noble! 3) Hit up those book orders. Fairly new teachers with excellent collections told me that they had inherited some but really built up their library with book-order points. Keep your eye out for those. 4) Couldn't the other teachers spare some- ten here and ten there can really add up! I hope that helps... MB, Email me when you get a chance! I have a lot to talk to you about...
I'm sure that Aimee and Jacqueline probably have much better ideas than I do... but in general for those toughies... Remember to start small and give loads of praise for the times they are doing well. I would set up an individual system that helps to keep them each accountable- a one size fits all may not work as well. I'm finding it difficult to come up with specific strategies that aren't so "duh" sounding! It's hard when they're so young! I'm thinking of a tracking type card, but instead of tracking discipline it could be a positive- look what you've accomplished this week... or a list of possible choices of things they could be working on when they're feeling distracted. Having a table or desk apart from others is a way to help those who are just distracted by others or always talking stay on task-- even though it somewhat goes against the philosophy of not trying to humiliate or set apart bad behavior... making it a sort of spectacle. Like I said, my brain can't think. :)
For the books: I suggest that you try to head something up with 1) PTA money- try to get a grant from them... I know it's a long shot, especially depending on your district/school. 2) Try with the parents. Have them send in any books that they can bear parting with or gift cards for book stores-- but money is better because you can shop old-stores and garage sales for lots cheaper than barnes and noble! 3) Hit up those book orders. Fairly new teachers with excellent collections told me that they had inherited some but really built up their library with book-order points. Keep your eye out for those. 4) Couldn't the other teachers spare some- ten here and ten there can really add up! I hope that helps... MB, Email me when you get a chance! I have a lot to talk to you about...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
In over my head...
Hey fellow cohort A members!
I hope you all are having a great start to your school year! At one point during the day, I found myself actually wishing that I was back in student teaching, so that I wouldn't have to be the one in charge for a few minutes! It didn't last long, and overall I am sooo happy to have my own classroom. I have found myself missing the resources and supplies (especially manipulatives) that we had in our mentors classrooms, however. I have a great class of first graders! Some really bright ones, and three that are giving me a run for my money! I was wondering if you guys had suggestions on a few things:
1- I have a very very very small classroom library. All the other teachers are doing book bags that they send home with the kids every night. I don't have books to send home...any suggestions?
2- I have two distruptive off task students that I am working with, but another one who is not disruptive, and a really sweet kid, but is off task 90% of the time. I am forced to deal with the disruptive ones, but I am having a hard time with this kid, because it is easy to forget and let him be off task because he is not bothering anyone else. HELP!
3- Also, our team of first grade teachers are doing centers. If you have any math center or writing/ABC/reading center ideas and would be willing to share them let me know!
I hope that your classrooms are going well. I would love to hear about them!
Marybeth
I hope you all are having a great start to your school year! At one point during the day, I found myself actually wishing that I was back in student teaching, so that I wouldn't have to be the one in charge for a few minutes! It didn't last long, and overall I am sooo happy to have my own classroom. I have found myself missing the resources and supplies (especially manipulatives) that we had in our mentors classrooms, however. I have a great class of first graders! Some really bright ones, and three that are giving me a run for my money! I was wondering if you guys had suggestions on a few things:
1- I have a very very very small classroom library. All the other teachers are doing book bags that they send home with the kids every night. I don't have books to send home...any suggestions?
2- I have two distruptive off task students that I am working with, but another one who is not disruptive, and a really sweet kid, but is off task 90% of the time. I am forced to deal with the disruptive ones, but I am having a hard time with this kid, because it is easy to forget and let him be off task because he is not bothering anyone else. HELP!
3- Also, our team of first grade teachers are doing centers. If you have any math center or writing/ABC/reading center ideas and would be willing to share them let me know!
I hope that your classrooms are going well. I would love to hear about them!
Marybeth
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Happy First Week!
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to wish everyone a GREAT first week at school (I guess just the ones working in Seattle...) I have been thinking about you all and I know that you are, of course, going to be wonderful =) Thanks for all of the updates! I love hearing about everything that is going on... Enjoy the long weekend, and have fun on Tuesday!!!
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