Just breathe...

Well, the first week of the 2006-07 school year is finally over. Only 35 more to go! It was a whirlwind that I have yet to recover from--hence the absence of posts on this blog. I have been extremely stressed out these last couple of weeks, and I haven't quite been able to figure out why or how to snap out of it. I decided to begin writing again in my "blessings book" that my dear friend Jesse gave me several years ago to remind me of all of the cool things that God is doing. So, instead of all of the frustrating, negative "back-to-school blues" things that I could vent about, I have decided to write about the highlights of my week...

1. I get to eat lunch with my friends! After having "Lunch Duty" last year, I was relieved to be able to sit in the lunchroom and eat in peace but, I was thrilled when I found out that my lunch wave was the same as my English chicks as well as one of my good science friends. (That NEVER happens...)
2. I have 4th period planning. That is huge because that means I have 3 classes, a break, and then 3 more classes--an even break in the day and a time to get reenergized. 4th period planning also comes right before lunch, so it feels like I have a longer break than I actually do.
3. I have some really sharp students. Of course, I have some not-so-sharp ones as well, but any student who seems at all interested in reading has potential to me. This week they took their literature "pre-test" and wrote a diagnostic essay. Usually, these are painful to grade, and many of them were excruciating, but since I'm being positive here, I am pleased to report that I have some good writers and grade-level readers. I actually had one student make a perfect score on his reading test; of course, he was moved to AP lit the next day, but it was nice to have him in class for 4 days. I'm hoping there's another Preston, Darrius, or Ter'Merria in the midst of them...
4. I get to teach 4 12th-grade classes and 2 11th-grade classes again. Last year, I was sort of stressed about that because British lit is my passion and my experience; however, I fell in love teaching The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men last year. I'm pumped to get to do it again--and hopefully a better job of it.
5. I have a new barricade from my students, a larger work space because of it, and a more organized system as another result. I get very annoyed and personal-space-violated when my students walk up and get right behind me or in my face when I am sitting at my computer. I added a table and a file cabinet that streches my desk space while also closing me in. So far, so good. The extra table allows me to spread out my "stuff" and not feel so cluttered and junky. Thanks for the idea, Jen.
6. I am getting to teach some of my 11th-graders from last year again in the 12th grade.
7. I have 2 student teacher's aides during different periods in the day to help me not get so bogged down with rudimentary grading, filing, copying.
8. I get to come home to my puppy, Maggie, and my hubby!

It's overall a pretty good life if I'll just slow down, enjoy it, and let it be. Check out my updated class website if you want to keep up with the goings on in my classroom. :) Any Takers?

Well, the first week of the 2006-07 school year is finally over. Only 35 more to go! It was a whirlwind that I have yet to recover from--hence the absence of posts on this blog. I have been extremely stressed out these last couple of weeks, and I haven't quite been able to figure out why or how to snap out of it. I decided to begin writing again in my "blessings book" that my dear friend Jesse gave me several years ago to remind me of all of the cool things that God is doing. So, instead of all of the frustrating, negative "back-to-school blues" things that I could vent about, I have decided to write about the highlights of my week...

1. I get to eat lunch with my friends! After having "Lunch Duty" last year, I was relieved to be able to sit in the lunchroom and eat in peace but, I was thrilled when I found out that my lunch wave was the same as my English chicks as well as one of my good science friends. (That NEVER happens...)
2. I have 4th period planning. That is huge because that means I have 3 classes, a break, and then 3 more classes--an even break in the day and a time to get reenergized. 4th period planning also comes right before lunch, so it feels like I have a longer break than I actually do.
3. I have some really sharp students. Of course, I have some not-so-sharp ones as well, but any student who seems at all interested in reading has potential to me. This week they took their literature "pre-test" and wrote a diagnostic essay. Usually, these are painful to grade, and many of them were excruciating, but since I'm being positive here, I am pleased to report that I have some good writers and grade-level readers. I actually had one student make a perfect score on his reading test; of course, he was moved to AP lit the next day, but it was nice to have him in class for 4 days. I'm hoping there's another Preston, Darrius, or Ter'Merria in the midst of them...
4. I get to teach 4 12th-grade classes and 2 11th-grade classes again. Last year, I was sort of stressed about that because British lit is my passion and my experience; however, I fell in love teaching The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men last year. I'm pumped to get to do it again--and hopefully a better job of it.
5. I have a new barricade from my students, a larger work space because of it, and a more organized system as another result. I get very annoyed and personal-space-violated when my students walk up and get right behind me or in my face when I am sitting at my computer. I added a table and a file cabinet that streches my desk space while also closing me in. So far, so good. The extra table allows me to spread out my "stuff" and not feel so cluttered and junky. Thanks for the idea, Jen.
6. I am getting to teach some of my 11th-graders from last year again in the 12th grade.
7. I have 2 student teacher's aides during different periods in the day to help me not get so bogged down with rudimentary grading, filing, copying.
8. I get to come home to my puppy, Maggie, and my hubby!

It's overall a pretty good life if I'll just slow down, enjoy it, and let it be. Check out my updated class website if you want to keep up with the goings on in my classroom. :) Any Takers?