What in the world is Elf on the Shelf...

So the other morning my students walk in all talking about how the "elf" came to visit them last night.  I'm clearly confused and thinking they are playing a prank on me until today.  My bestie from school shares with me that her 2nd graders are all obsessed with the "elf on the shelf".  Naturally I look at her like she's insane until I realize that this is a book with a stuffed toy elf and they get to name it. Their parents are clearly invested in this prank because these kids don't even believe in Santa anymore because of their elf that writes them notes and hides and leaves them gifts in which they have to respond by letter as well.

Boy times sure have changed...

www.elfontheshelf.com

Second Thoughts

It's been a while since I've written anything for the blog but I honestly haven't had the passion to want to do so.  I'm going to try my best to post at least once a week because I think it will help me to express some of my feelings about my first year as a 4th grade teacher.

I swear I would have never thought it would have been like this.  Especially being we were all taught to ask what is your support system like for your new teachers. Sad to say I didn't get to ask that question because I wasn't hired to work at my school I was moved there.  Well now I know their support system sucks! My mentor was our for about a month because of her father's death which I don't blame on her because even though he was sick can you ever truly prepare for a loss like that? I don't think so but I did assure her upon her return that I was fine and that she shouldn't be worried about me but she needed to focus on herself and take some time to get herself back in her groove.

My grade level stinks...That's about all I can say about that.  I find out things at the last minute which leaves me feeling unprepared and anxious.  I have a great relationship with most of my parents but there are a few that I'd rather not deal with ever again in life.

I hate math stations...they seem pointless to me but hey somebody thought it was a good idea so I'm just gonna run with it.

The one thing that makes me hate school the most now is the disloyalty among my peers.  Everyone is worried about themselves especially our principal.  I honestly think next year he is gonna be gone and we are going to be in for a rude awakening because he is so laid back we have no true structure.  We don't turn in our lesson plans for review. We don't have grade level meetings anymore.

Now the final drum roll.................................................................................................................................

Due to our budget (county) there is going to be a lay off of about 300 positions.  So that feels like all of the 1st & 2nd year teachers are outta here... I pray not because I need my job but I can't say that I didn't think about this happening.

Ciao'

Knowing There Is Hope

So just when I thought things couldn't get any worse one of my students showed up Thursday morning before the  benchmark exams and said Ms. B I really thought you could use this because you're awesome...then she handed me a glass apple with a golden stem and leaf...I teared up for a moment not knowing what to say. So I sit it on my pc desk and the other students walk in and begin to start their day. As they see the apple I hear one student say, "So she really did bring the apple". I laugh to myself thinking how they all were discussing things nice to do for me and the surprise that someone actually followed through.

Dream Achieved

Getting my Footing...I think

So I feel like I'm finally getting my footing as a teacher; I really feel like I'm finding my "groove".  I love all my students but I have about 4 that if I could get them to change their ways I would have the "ideal" classroom! So I told my students since we have been deemed the "bad class" that from now on we would show everyone that we weren't and that we could be the "amazing" class.  I read them the book how full is your bucket and explained to them that even when you are having a bad day you shouldn't let it effect others.  We went over our rules and we picked them apart to insure that everyone had a full understanding of what our classroom rules were.  The students know that when I say give me 5 I need their full attention whether it be in the hall or in the classroom.  I am praying these minor changes will make the rest of my year easier because I can honestly say my first 9 weeks as a teacher was hell.

I'm Baaack!

Sorry I've been away for so long but this teaching thing is INTENSE!!! I can honestly say student teaching didn't prepare me for this.  Some days I feel like I've made a mistake other days I wonder why i didn't become a teacher sooner.

The group of kids I work with are a doozy! I love them all for their individuality and their personalities but I have a few that I often question their home lives... It seems like Mom & Dad don't discipline them at all.  I can be in the middle of a lesson and if I have to call someone out about playing with something in their desk he will be my echo... I have another that is so happy to be a kid he's always trying to do something to keep everyone laughing & smiling; his mom is totally on board with me but it doesn't really seem to phase him because when he comes back the next day it's like nothing happened...I have few who think they are better than the other kids, and then I have those that just think the rules don't apply to them.  I was so shocked that these kids have no manners, when I call their names a few will say yeah?! like I'm getting on their nerves.

None of the kids say yes ma'am which to me is strange "only because I was raised to do so"

They refuse to pay attention while I'm giving directions and it is truly to the point where I find myself repeating myself so much I second guess what I might have said.  Just yesterday I was giving a spelling test and I looked up and a few of the kids were just staring off in space and weren't even taking the test!!!!!

All of my classroom management tactics haven't worked and it's like whenever someone tries to give me a suggestion I hate being that person saying well I've done this or I've done that but it's true...

I pray everyday that the kids will listen and retain all the info needed because being a first year teacher (being black) and working at this type of school where the parents are mostly well to do ... makes things hard for me.  I want my kids to do an amazing job on the bench marks & eog's but I'm terrified that they aren't and I'm going to be the blame..

Complacent

So the wait is over...I received a phone call about 1:30 pm with choices for my new assignment.  I made my choice and I am luckily still in the 4th grade.  I had a very emotional morning because even though I wasn't there long I made some great friendships.  It was sad knowing I had bonded with so many people to only find out that I won't be working with them like I thought I was.  The experience has been bittersweet...

My new location is not far from my home which is a plus! The people all seem extremely nice and I am very happy about my decision.  The only thing that worries me is that the upper grades are departmentalized and that means I have MATH.  Nope don't like that at all because Math has NEVER been my strong suite.  Oh well no turning back now looks like I'm going to be doing homework too, just to make sure I know what's going on!

New pics coming soon...

oh yeah the room was already decorated because the A.L teacher was going to be teaching 4th if they didn't get a teacher and she decorated...I don't like it but don't wanna make changes right away because I don't wanna step on any toes! What do you think?

VEXATION

VEXATION

Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	irritation
Synonyms:	aggravation, agitation, annoyance, bother, chagrin, disquiet

I got a call today that I will NOT be teaching at the same school...I will be moving all of my things out of my room on Friday but I don't know where I will be moving them to...Luckily I signed my contract so I have to be placed somewhere but who knows where...School starts Wednesday...

That is all...

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For...

Here Ya Go the Pics of my room minus student desks!!!

Enjoy

About a Week Away...

So I know I've been missing for a while now but I have been really busy in my classroom! (feels good to say my room ;o)! ) I ended up having 12 bulletin boards:

1. Schedule/Calendar
2. Essential Questions
3. Baseball Behavior
4. Who's Pitchin' In - Jobs
5. Parts of Speech
6. Problem Solving
7. Math
8. Character Traits/Manners
9. Social Studies
10. Science
11. Word Wall
12. AR All stars

Thank God for my CRICUT! I don't know where I would be without it!!! I still don't have my student desks yet but I have everything organized just how I want it.  The only thing I'm playing with is if I should move my desk so that I will have access to the pc that is awkwardly placed at the front of the room near my white board. Even my library looks fantastic! (thanks to the dollar tree for the cute book baskets)

After I finished all of my room decorations I had literacy training which was pretty good until the last session on Thursday which I refuse to comment...Friday I received my "contract" and my benefits package which was great because now I really feel official...The week ahead is going to be pretty interesting tomorrow I have a training called Number Worlds, Tuesday -Thursday is Right Start Training and Friday is my first official teacher workday followed by a meeting with my benefits specialist @ 4pm. Whew! Wish me Luck!!

The Journey Begins...

As of Aug 2 my new school was open so I now have the opportunity to set up my classroom! I went to the school as soon as I woke up that morning and was there by 9:05 (the school opened at 9:00).  I went to my room which is 121 and looked around.  I had about 7 tables a few chairs, a rolling white board, and a few book cases etc.  Note I said no student desks...no teacher desk... before I can do my bulletin boards which by the way I have like 12 ;o) I need to arrange my furniture.  The acting principal is ordering furniture for me so until then I have a semi empty room.  It's so different seeing the room now as it is actually mine before it was just a room. I'm so excited and ready to put my cricut to work!

I Made It!

So Thursday, 7/22 was my last day at --- I am so relieved that I don't have to go back there again! The policies were outrageous which is why I was soooo ready to leave.  My team gave me a great send off I got some $ for school shopping, a delicious cake from Ganache, and lastly my manager surprised me with an IPod Touch as a going away gift.  I couldn't believe it, she and I have always been extremely close but I would have never thought that she or anyone else at that place would have thought enough of me to buy me a gift like that.

As much as I hated the company I am really going to miss some of my colleagues and they know it because when they each said their piece about me they cried and I did too.

Now it's time to plan, plan, plan for this new gig lol! I'm so excited I'm almost nervous... bought a few things today for my room and it makes me feel great that I can say that I'm actually going to have a room.  Too bad I can't shop more b/c I'm covered in hives from my tetanus shot! Went to the doc yesterday and I'm taking loads of allergy meds but they aren't cleared up yet.  So I'm covered in small bumps and they itch! some weekend oh & not to mention my A/C on the passenger side of my car is out and believe me it makes a big difference!! It will be fixed in the am.

Other than that my weekend has been pretty good...and yes I made it!

Closure...

The day that I've been waiting for is almost here.  I can finally say that I am leaving ___ and I don't have to return.  I have been working there for almost 4 years and the ONLY thing I will miss are they friends that I made! Even still I won't miss them because if we are friends we will definitely stay in touch!!!

I got an email tonight from my principal and I swear I was shocked in a way and nervous in other ways.  I'll let you read it for yourself...

Ms. Barnes.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to send me your resume.  Thank you also for coming in for an interview.  I am thankful that you decided to take a position with us.  We are delighted to have you as a part of ------'s Family.  I know you are going to be an asset to our staff and that you will make a huge positive impact in the academic and social lives of our students.  I am looking forward to observing some of your creativity in your instructional presentation!

Welcome to -----t and if you should need anything, please let me know


Now on first impressions alone this lady gives the impression that it's her way or the highway...That's cool because she is the principal but it made me kind of nervous.  I hate being observed as is but this is like to the 10th power... Well my wish is coming true and there's no turning back now...

Back 2 School

Good Morning,  while blogging this morning I ran across another blog entitled Have Fun Teaching.  The author of this blog recently did  a price analysis of school supplies between Wal-mart & Target.  I thought this was awesome because I really don't like shopping at Wal-mart but around this time of the year they have the best prices for back to school.  Check out the list & the blog below!

Have Fun Teaching

Wal-Mart vs. Target

Item	Price	Store	Outcome
2 Pocket Folder	$0.15	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.15	Target	Tied
1 Inch Binder	$1.87	Wal-Mart	Loser
	$0.99	Target	Winner
Calculator	$1.00	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$1.00	Target	Tied
Highlighters	$1.50	Wal-Mart	Winner
	$1.74	Target	Loser
Trapper Keeper	$10	Wal-Mart	Loser
	$9.99	Target	Winner
1 Subject Notebook	$0.15	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.15	Target	Tied
10 Pack of Pens	$1.00	Wal-Mart	Loser
	$0.50	Target	Winner
24 Pack of Pencils	$0.94	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.94	Target	Tied
6 Large Erasers	$2.00	Wal-Mart	Winner
	$2.74	Target	Loser
Elmers School Glue	$0.25	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.25	Target	Tied
2 Elmers Glue Sticks	$0.25	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.25	Target	Tied
Box of Crayola Crayons	$0.25	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.25	Target	Tied
Colored Pencils	$1.00	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$1.00	Target	Tied
Markers	$1.00	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$1.00	Target	Tied
100 Index Cards	$0.44	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.44	Target	Tied
4 Expo Markers	$3.48	Wal-Mart	Winner
	$3.49	Target	Loser
Scissors	$0.74	Wal-Mart	Winner
	$0.79	Target	Loser
Standard Backpack	$9.00	Wal-Mart	Loser
	$8.99	Target	Winner
Lunchbox	$3.00	Wal-Mart	Winner
	$3.79	Target	Loser
150 Sheets of Paper	$0.75	Wal-Mart	Tied
	$0.75	Target	Tied

Back to School Supplies Shopping Calculator

Wal-Mart:

• 5 Wins
• 4 Losses
• 11 Ties
• Total Spent on Back to School Supplies at Wal-Mart = $38.77

Target:

• 4 Wins
• 5 Losses
• 11 Ties
• Total Spent on Back to School Supplies at Target = $39.20

RESULTS:

Wal-Mart is the WINNER! 

The winner of the 2010 "Wal-Mart vs. Target Back to School Supplies Compare Prices" contest is Wal-Mart, by only $0.43 Cents!!!

If you want to be the true WINNER for Back to School shopping, and save the most money possible, I would suggest buying some back to school supplies at Wal-Mart and some back to school supplies at Target to get the lowest prices. I also just heard that Staples has back to school supplies for 1 Cent! These sales are on the weekends and each weekend there are different school supplies for One Penny. You may need a teacher rewards card to get this amazing discount.

It's Official...I am a Teacher!

This week has really been a trying week with my a/c going out, the land lady going out of the country, and the waiting process.  I was so nervous that something was going to go wrong with my screening interview that I wasn't going to get the job.  It didn't help that I didn't get a phone call back until Thursday...

I always thought I had pretty good patience but I guess not...

They called on Thursday so I could get my health form and I got to see my classroom again.  This time I saw it a different way...Before I saw it as a small space that had very little potential now I see it as my own space so I am excited for the things to come.

I've been working on different ideas for my wall decor and I've even ordered a new Cricut cartridge for inspiration.  Once I get some of my ideas completed I will post pics to share!

Thanking God for his blessings and this new opportunity I know I will do my absolute best this year as a first year teacher.  To all of the people I know who haven't gotten jobs yet keep praying and keep your head up, your time is coming!

It's finally over...Wait is it really?

So I had the "screening interview" today...whew am I somewhat relieved! I say somewhat because I haven't heard anything from my principal yet. So now I'm anxious to know if I did ok... I'm sure I did considering the principal I did the interview with told me to make sure all of my paperwork was turned in but who's to say that isn't protocol.

Some of the questions I was being asked were not exactly what I expected. The one question that I remember that really tripped me up was how will you incorporate the principles of learning into your daily instruction... I went blank. Principles of Instruction? WTF I have no idea what you're talking about!! So I did what I do best, make those great educated guesses and answer anyway! So I say questioning is the one thing that I will urge my students to do because without appropriate questions once can't learn.  The female principal nodded her head in agreement but hey questioning is NOT one of the principles of learning!

Oh well, it's over now. I just ask that you all keep me in your thoughts and prayers that I did fine and that I have a fantastic first year with lots of support!

Blessings All!

Dreams = Anxiety

I had a dream last night that I missed my Screening Interview for my recent teaching job offer. This is the last thing I have to do before I am "official" and the dream seemed all too real.

I somehow was getting dropped off by my boyfriend and then we had car trouble.  I walked the rest of the way, strangely enough when I got there one of our friends was there.  Keep in mind he has no background in education so I'm really confused.  I walked in and the people I was going to be interviewing with were prepping to speak with him.  I apologized for my lateness and was asked to have a seat.  As I sat I listened to him laugh and joke with the gentleman who had been very serious with me.  When the questioning began he froze up...

I'm still confused at this point wondering how he was so excited and relaxed before now he's acting like a different person.  He then walked out to the open area began eating a pretzel with pizza sauce and starting rambling. He completely avoided the question but the serious gentleman looked at him and said, "You know you completely bombed this interview but I like you, so I'm going to send your information on so you can begin working on 8/2."

At this point my mouth drops open and I'm thing to myself if he didn't answer the question at all then I should be fine because I went to school for this.  When I was called in I apologized again for my late arrival and then the questions began.  I breezed through the questions making sure I took my time to think and answer thoughtfully.  Then he looked at me and said, "Thank you for your time Ms. Barnes we will let you know."

I woke up out of breath...

My fear for tomorrow is that I'm going to get declined for some reason...I'm so excited about this new career path but like other things something can always go wrong and for that I am scared to death!!!! My new principal said it's all a formality and a friend did also but being that it's new I'm still nervous.

No turning back now...

My Story...

I'm super nervous about changing professions right about now...

I have been looking forward to leaving my current job which is working in a call center for a certain wireless provider that I shall not name for a while now and I can honestly say I will miss SOME of the people there but I will definitely NOT miss the policies!

I was called for my first interview after feeling like I had chosen the wrong second major because I hadn't received any interview calls or emails.  By this time I had sent out 15 resumes via email 5 via regular mail and 14 at an education job fair.  Then one Monday morning I got my first interview call and I was so excited...the next afternoon before work I got a call for another interview. (at this time I said to myself, "Self...A'int God Good! )

So I went to my first interview on Thursday which was the second call I received and I was so nervous that I couldn't answer any of the questions she asked me with precision.  It was like we were playing a guessing game, she would ask I would stumble over the answer then she would ask again and I would be like Oh, that's what you meant... Needless to say God had it all figured out for me because after an hour of endless interruptions (thanks God for patience) and nervous answers I was offered the job teaching 4th grade in a Title 1 school.  I was so happy but then I remembered the other interview for the next day...even though I wanted to call them up and cancel I went on anyway.

For the next interview I was truly cool as a cucumber and I wanted this job something terrible after I took a tour of my soon to be school.  I breezed through this interview but had to wait until Wednesday to get any news and I had to tell the first Principal my decision by Monday.  After a weekend of praying I called the 2nd interviewer on Monday morning and explained my situation and how I really wanted to work for them I got a call back later that day saying to go with my first choice.

No Lie...I was a little devastated...

Thanking God for the opportunity I accepted my current position and now I simply await the last portion of the "interview" process which takes place on Monday, July,12 @ 11am.  I was assured by the principal and friends that have gone through this part of the process that it's simple and the only way to not make it past this part is to really say "I HATE KIDS!" which I will not do!

Stay on the Lookout for Monday's post...

Infinity...aka Ms. Barnes