Pictures of my classroom!

My Desk

The tent in the reading corner "Camp out With A Good Book" and on the table was the "Welcome Back Sack" I gave them the first day with the stuff to make a S'mores, new pencil, and a juice.

The Kids' tables

The sign my boyfriend made me that hangs on my door. Some letters have broken off now. I have fixed it once, but it is missing an M again....I cant keep anything nice!

I do a Camper of the week as my student of the week. I was camper of the week the first week.

Oh and p.s. I got another new kid on Monday too. Up to 28! :D

I have officially begun experiencing that first year teacher sickness everyone keeps telling me about! Last week i started coming down with a cold. I never did have a fever, but I felt AWFUL! I had a sore through, runny nose, congestion, and everything else! I started coming down with it Monday. Tuesday I had to get a sub due to a mentor/protege meeting. I felt awful Tuesday, so bad that I almost left halfway through. But we were going to get out early and it wasn't worth using a sick day for the two hours I had left. To make things worse, my kids were absolutely terrible. Several of them ended up in the office and were to return for recess the next day. I was so disappointed. On Wednesday I have a two hour prep to collaborate with the other teacher in my grade. Again, I didn't want to waste a sick day on an easy day. I barely made it through! So, on Thursday I called in sick. Actually, I told my principal Thursday afternoon I wouldn't be in the next day, and emailed my sub caller that night. When I emailed, I told the sub caller that I had 27 very tough students and needed the best she had. She gave me the best and still, the students could not control themselves. It is embarrassing. I hate that my kids are so terrible to subs. They really aren't that way with me and I feel like it looks like they are. Don't get me wrong, they aren't angels with me, but they are not that bad.

When I returned on Friday, I was just angry. I explained that I was embarrassed and we talked about how they feel when they are embarrassed. They agreed it wasn't a feeling they liked. We talked about following the rules even when others weren't around. But, without fail, when the kids had a sub for p.e. the next week they were out of control.

So this week I am cracking down. I have eaten lunch in my room almost everyday this week because I have to keep too many kids in from recess and therefore have to keep them in my room.I have changed my discipline tracking so that they take home a graph of their daily behavior on Fridays to be signed and returned on Monday. I have started new incentives and punishments. I have changed the seating order. I have begged and pleaded, yelled and screamed, and praised and rewarded. Nothing works all the time, but it all works some of the time. I have learned it is just about choosing the right thing at the right time for the right child.

On a better note, while I was working in my classroom this afternoon, there was a meeting for some committee made up of teachers at my school going on next door. One of the teachers pulls a few children from my room to work with every day. She has taken note of the cube system I use for discipline. Apparently she was explaining it to them and they want me to share it with the staff at a meeting during our professional development day on Monday. I must admit it makes me feel better that people see I am at least trying to control these kids! Another good thing, the husband (also a teacher at our school) of the teacher who had many of the kids from my class last year popped in to tell me that his wife has been teaching for 17 years and last year was her worst year yet. Every year after this will be a cake walk.

This year is tough. I'm stressed to the max and often days feel like a complete failure. BUT at least it can only get better....right?

Latest Project

I dont seem to be able to keep my blog updated, but I have decided to start another project anyway. I am writing a book. A novel about some things I have experienced. It will be true, sort of, but definitely embellished. I am kind of just getting my feelings out right now. I will go back and make it reader worthy afterwards.

I am beyond excited. I have been writing this book in my head for months. I have always wanted to write a book. I have even started several times with other, completely false stories. I always wrote them in my head perfectly, but never could get them on paper. So far this one is flowing pretty well. Maybe because I am just writing from memory.

I am not ready to share, yet. It is super personal, and like I said, probably not worth reading to anyone else anyways.

Just wanted to share my excitement.

Lesson of the day: When you cant figure out your feelings, write them down. Do it in a fun way and even the most hurtful feelings can be exciting.

Why Not One More?

Well, I started out the year with 27 students. One student dropped and I was down to 26. Monday, I got a new student and was back up to 27. Let's not stop there. Why not add one more? I get number 28 tomorrow. Needless to say, my first year is pretty exciting. Some days it is a good exciting and some days a not so good exciting.

As the children adjust to the rules and routines it is getting somewhat easier. Also, the school has hired a substitute teacher to come in as an aid for me and the other classroom. After Labor Day, we are hoping to get a permanent person in the position. Unless by some miracle, our numbers drop.

I am a hands-on teacher. I like to get active and have fun in the classroom. I am finding that incredibly hard to do with so many students. Does anyone have any suggestions?!

Some days I am so whiny. I come home disappointed in myself and just fed up with the situation. Other days I am so excited. I feel challenged and enjoy trying to figure it out. Today I am a little whiny. I'm tired and ready for the three day weekend. However, after every complaint I am already working on a solution.

Over the weekend I am going to be going on a two day canoe trip. I hope that it will be relaxing and will also open my eyes to some things I can bring back to the classroom. I have a camping theme in my classroom. I chose the camping theme because I thought many of the students would not have had the camping experience. I was right. I have named each of the tables after a campground: Elephant Rock, Current River, Trail of Tears, and Sam A. Baker. When I told the kids I would be at Current River over the weekend they were really excited, especially the students at the Current River table.

Well that's all I have for now! If you have any advice for me I would love to hear it!!

Take Two

Well, I was in the middle of a big long blog catching you all up on my first week and it somehow got deleted! :((( I HATE when stuff like that happens! I write to get all my feelings out and then once its out I'm over it. So, this WAS going to be a great post catching you all up! Now I am just going to sum it up!

Lesson of the day, write blogs in word and paste onto blogger!

The first week has been incredibly rough. I went from 22 young students to 27 in a matter of five minutes, all on the first day mind you. I have about 3/4 boys; loud, rowdy boys and 1/4 girls; talkative, bossy girls. Of course they are all incredibly cute. I can honestly say that I have the CUTEST class! If only I could get them to be the best behaved.

I have been told that with 27 students they don't expect much out of me. They are telling me to just try and survive and teach what I can along the way. I did not become a teacher to survive, or to just do what I could. I became a teacher to TEACH and to make a difference. So, despite the lack of pressure from those above me, there is a ton of pressure from within.

I have been told that we will hopefully be getting help soon. They are looking into hiring a teacher's aid for me and the other classroom teacher. I am crossing my fingers that his happens SOON and that we both get one rather than having to share. Right now, by the time I make it to the other side of the room to stop a disruption three more have occurred on the other side.

I have one student who continually disrupts class. After talking to the principal, she said he was in her office daily last year and to send him down after the first warning no exceptions. Normally, I like to handle things myself. However, I feel like he is taking away my time from the other students and that they will benefit more if I just send him out. So, he makes at least three trips to the office every day. Besides his normal distractions, this student has also been to the office for bringing fireworks to school and playing IN the toilet! His accomplice was also sent down. I have also had to send a child to the office for telling another child, "Tell on me again and you die." Keep in mind, we have only been in school 6 days. For most of the children the "it's still new I want to be good" phases hasn't worn off yet. Some of these kids never went through that phase! I, of course, also have the kids who to want to hug me and tell me how much they love me all day, but even they are constantly out of their seat at inappropriate times. And let us not forget about the boss who is constantly telling everyone what to do, even though she is not following the rules herself.

Today, I started a new discipline plan, and the class seemed to do a lot better! We have five rules at our school: 1- follow directions quickly; 2-raise your hand for permission to speak; 3- raise your hand for permission to leave your seat; 4- make smart choices; 5- keep your dear teacher happy. At my school we believe in whole brain teaching. So, each rule has a picture and a hand motion as well. The rules are practice school wide and we say them several times through out the day. Of course, we have to talk about what smart choices are and how to keep your teacher happy, but that's how we cover all negative behavior without too may rules. To help enforce this policy, I incorporated this into a "card pulling" type discipline. Except it is the opposite, I suppose. I have designated a card for each rule; yellow for rule 1, blue for 2, etc. As the students break the rules, they pull the card for that specific rule and put it in their pocket on the chart. Not working when given the chance or leaning back in their chair is not considered a smart choice and results in a rule 4 card. Using foul language, or being disrespectful to others or their property is considered not keeping you teacher happy. I have also added a bathroom card that the students have to put on the chart if they MUST go to the bathroom during class.

At the end of the day students with less than 5 cards get to spend the last 10-15 minutes of class in centers (which they love). Those that don't read or study spelling words, and if they cant do that quietly they put their head on their table. Today, only 10 students got to go to centers. I found it difficult to help the kids at the centers and keep the others quiet so they were all told to put their heads on their desks. This was even a challenge because they continued to cut up every time I turned my back. As time goes on, the students in centers wont need as much help, but today was the first day they were allowed to. Also, I do not want this to be a fun time for the students at their desks. So, I asked around to see if anyone would be available to push in the last few minutes and help me keep an eye on the students. The principal told me to send them to her and she would just line them up in the office. I am going to try that tomorrow. I hope that after the students spend a few days watching their peers enjoy themselves they will strive for the same thing. Every time I went to hand out cards to those acting up the students quickly corrected their behavior. I am hoping in time the behavior will be prevented rather than eliminated.

I also send home a daily evaluation of the students' behavior to their parents. I write a brief note in their planners using smiley or frowny faces. Getting a good note home has been quite the incentive for some of the children. I also try to give stickers as I catch students behaving as much as possible.

In summary, school is tough right now. I have too many kids to achieve what I want and I take it personally that I cant succeed. I do have great support from the staff. Teachers with free time come in to help keep and eye on the students and the principal is great about disciplining the students. However, not being able to do it all myself disheartens me. I am hoping things will get better with the new discipline plan, and REALLY hoping to get some help soon!

*Looks like I needed to get it all out again! Lucky you didn't have to miss out despite the previous deletion. :)*

Oh and my 2nd lesson of the day, reward yourself!

I was told that you should blow your first paycheck. I didn't really have any intention of doing that, despite a small shopping spree, but I innocently went into a Coach store (just to look) and fell in LOVE with this purse!

It is a Maggie Floral. I LOVE roses (really just flowers in general, but roses have a special meaning to me) Still, I didn't even think about paying that much for it. So, I looked on ebay and found it for $350. That was still steep. Then, the family I babysat for this summer (who I told about the gorgeous purse I had seen) gave me $100 specifically for my "purse fund!" It was meant to be I HAD to have it. After all, never again will I have so few financial responsibilities and be able to spend so much on a purse.

So, I ordered it and stalked it on usps.com as it headed my way. I left a note on the front door instructing the post-person to leave it, and throw it on the balcony if possible, but definitely LEAVE it! I sent two friends over to my house to check on it. One of my friends, Flem, said the post-person wrote on my note explaining that because of insurance she couldn't leave it. I immediately called the post office asked if they could contact that person and get them to come back after 4. They were no help, but did tell me if I got their right before close POSSIBLY the delivery would be back at the office. I was afraid I wouldn't get there in time and asked my wonderful bf to get it in case I didn't. I did happen to arrive before close but traffic was heavy and as I drove up to the post office I seen my boyfriends car. At that, I just drove past and decided not to go in due to traffic. As I was driving past, I seen my bf walk out with a box in his hand! I was SO excited!! As soon as we got home I ripped into the box like the kid on A Christmas Story when he finally gets his secret society decoder pin in the mail. My purse is gorgeous! I LOVE it! It is worth all the craziness to this beautiful masterpiece hanging from my arm!!

Too Tired To Speak!

I officially started teaching Thursday morning. As of Wednesday night I felt completely prepared for my twenty two students. Unfortunately, Thursday morning five new students were brought into my classroom. Needless to say, Thursday was CRAZY hectic!! Friday morning was much better, but the afternoon was hectic again as everyone was tired! The principal did compliment my control of the classroom, which made me feel better, but it didn't make me any less tired!

I guess the lesson of the week was there is no such thing as being prepared.

Sorry I don't have more for you, but I need to run some errands and prepare to be thrown back into the lion's den tomorrow!

The Chocolate Covered Silent Treatment

It has occurred to me that new teachers and blogs just don't mix well!

I have spent the last week putting the finishing touches on my classroom and getting things ready for the school year. It has been a busy week and school hasn't even started yet!

I have been in meetings all week learning about balanced literacy, meeting my mentor, and going over all the insurance and retirement policies. Not to mention all the errands I have been running picking up things for my room and spending every second of spare time I can find getting it finished.

Tomorrow I am officially a teacher. We have a kick off ceremony, more meetings, and then some last minute time in our room to prepare for Open House, which is tomorrow night. I am a little nervous, I cant lie, but I'm mostly just ready to get started!

Now that I have filled you in on the week I want to tell you a couple things I've learned this week. After all, the blog is called Teach or be Taught.

For starters, when no answer is to be found, chocolate is the answer. Now I know most of you are thinking, "DUH! Who doesn't know that?" And I am not saying I just learned this today, but it has definitely become evident in the previous week.

Today, for example, I ran some errands, and went to my classroom (even tho I said I was taking the day off). Every time I go to my classroom I find a million more things that need to be done. Today I was especially stressed because I wanted to take today off, but it HAS to be done by TOMORROW! So, I'm in my classroom working, knowing I need to get home and spend some time with the bf who has been seriously neglected this week, and I just keep finding things that need to be done. I ask myself, "How am I possibly going to finish everything by Monday?" Then, I remember the Hershey bars in my mini fridge for the Smores I am going to put together in the students' "welcome back sack". I grab a Hershey bar, making sure I will still have enough for the kids, and leave. It didn't get my classroom finished, but it did help lessen my perfectionist stress.

*STRESSED is just DESSERTS backwards*

Another thing I learned, just today actually, is that sometimes you just need a shut-up day. A day where you don't talk, and no one talks to you. Everyone just shuts up! These days don't come along very often, and until today I did not realize how satisfying they are! I am a talker. I like to talk, and I talk a lot. Ask anyone. Not much satisfies me more than people listening when I speak. Today, when I went out to run errands, I accidentally left my phone at home. I went in and out of stores and no one called me, no one text me, and most importantly I didn't call or text anyone. Other than seeing a friend/colleague in the first store I went into, I did not talk to anyone all day. While I was driving home, shoving a Hershey Bar in my mouth, I realized I was pretty calm. In fact, I wasn't really stressed at all and was definitely looking forward to spending the rest of the day on the couch watching 24 with the bf.

I don't know if it was the chocolate or the silent treatment, but I feel much more prepared to begin my CAREER.....TOMORROW!

Life's Lessons

Hi. My name is Whittney, and I am about to begin living my most sought after dream. Starting in August, I am officially an elementary teacher!

Without giving away too much I will tell you that I am teaching in a lower elementary grade in Southeast Missouri.

In school, it was always recommended that we keep a journal of our first year. However, I thought it would be fun to go one step further and share it with all of you. Maybe I can teach you a thing or two, and hopefully, you will teach me as well. After all, in life you can either teach, or be taught!

To begin, I would like to share with you a few things that I have learned in my 22 years.

1. Mother Knows Best: This has been the hardest lesson for me to learn, and it is still hard for me to accept most times. I have, however, officially accepted it as a life rule because it has been proven over and over again. Every boyfriend she said would break my heart, did; every friend she said would stab me in the back, did; and everything she told me I would regret, I did. Of the millions of fights we have had through the years, she was right 98% of the time. (I only say 98% because SURELY I was right a couple times...)

In fact, the only time we ever argued and she wasn't right was our argument about me becoming a teacher. She wanted me to be a news broadcaster. She said I had the "looks and voice" for it, and that I would make much better money. I can't say she wasn't right about that, the money that is. Mom has happily accepted me as a teacher and has provided more support, insight, and advice than I could ever ask for. Only time will tell if I was actually right this time, tho. Hopefully this will be my 2%.



Here is a picture of my mother and I on a family vacation at Gulf Shores a couple years ago.

2. You are Responsible for You: When I don't like the way something is, my first reaction is to complain. That never has, and never will, get me anywhere. The only thing I can change is me. I can remove myself from the situation, or change the way I approach it. I cannot, however, change the situation.

3. All Things Are Subject to Change: Everything, no matter how certain it may seem, can change in the blink of an eye. Every time I think I "know" something or someone, I come to find I knew wrong all along. Everything, including these three rules I think I know, may not always be true. Proceed with caution.

Any rules or lessons you have learned while trying to make it through this thing called life? I'd love to hear them!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Whittney