Thinking ahead...

Yes, there are still quite a few weeks until school starts but I am already anxious to get back. I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for that first day, first week, first six weeks. Last year I was hired a few weeks after school started... so this year I know I will have some butterflies.  Right off the bat I want to get to know my students. I want them to know each other. I want them to feel comfortable in my classroom. I want to show them all around the classroom. I want to teach them the procedures and let them know what is expected of them. I also want to set the mood for the year. I want my students to feel comfortable and know from the get go that I am going to try my hardest to make this the best school year for them. I think back on my first grade teacher with fond memories. I want to be that teacher that changes my students lives forever. So as the school year gets closer and closer I am going to be bloging more about my expectations for my second year of teaching!

Beginning of the year

Even though this school year has just ended I am already thinking about next year. This last year I was hired after school had already started so I didn't get to plan and prepare before. This year I am SO excited to have time to think about and plan my year! I know pinterest will be my best friend. I love that there are so many resources for teachers now a days. Here's a great find for the back to school procedures. 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B74K9TaAECvHQ2pfRkxxWGRKQTA/edit

Thanks to Mandy's tips for teachers for this great find

There are no words

Now that my first school year is done I can look back and reminisce on how great it was. Through the struggles and the ups and downs I can honestly say it was amazing. I know without a doubt this is my dream job. I love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world. Yes, there were hard days. Yes, there were stressful times. But, through every challenge at the end of everyday I still loved what I was doing. I know that I am exactly where I need to be. I am already excited for next year and the many more to come!  

End of the YEAR

I tried this as an end of the year gift for my students and they loved it! I found this recipe online for home made FLUBBER! I know it is  a great sensory tool for kids.  Here is the recipe:

1 cup of white school glue

1 cup of warm water

2 teaspoons of Borax powdered soap

2/3 cup of hot water

food coloring of your choice

glitter (for girls)

My students loved it I gave them a them some bubbles and a glow in the dark bracelet along with the flubber. 

Almost done...

We just had our 1st grade awards program this past week. It all became real that we are at the end of the year.  I teared up as I was handing out their awards. I know it will be so hard to say goodbye to my kids. Yes, I say they are my kids. They have become my kids. My students mean the world to me and I would do anything I could for anyone of them. This past week has been hard because I know that I am about to lose them as they head on to second grade. I am so excited for them but I will definitely miss them in my class. It has been such a great first year of teaching! I feel so blessed to have been their teacher. It has been an amazing year. I can't believe that it's almost over.