by lauren on September 3, 2009
I’ve now been teaching kindergarten for three weeks. I’m learning as quickly as I can, but every day I realize how much more there is to learn.
My biggest adjustment has been the ability to notice the little triumphs my students are showing me. Last week, I assessed the reading levels of my students. At first I felt a little upset, because the students really struggled with the easiest book. Very few students could “read” the single word lines in the predictable story.
Begin at the Beginning
My Vice Principal watched me give the end of one assessment. She pointed out that the student has a lot of great reading skills- she has one-to-one correspondence when she points to the words, she has text directionality, and her “wrong” reading makes sense with the pictures and context. When my VP pointed that out, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. My Kindergarteners are starting at the very beginning, as they should be. It makes sense. I need to adjust the level of the things I celebrate. Even though I spent my summer reading books about emergent literacy and math, I still have to work to change my gut reactions!
by lauren on June 13, 2009
Next year is going to be drastically different- I will be making a move from third grade to kindergarten!
I am excited and nervous about the change. I’ve been asking lots of questions and reading lots of books. I am trying to be as prepared as possible for this leap. I know I will need to be more patient and more prepared than ever. I’m excited about seeing emerging literacy and math skills and concepts. I am grateful to have trusted friends and family who teach kindergarten. They are answering my questions and lending me books, and I know I will think of new questions all summer long.
by lauren on January 25, 2009
I’ve been quiet for a long time. The reason for this is that at the end of this school year, my school is being closed.
The reasons behind closing the school are familiar and all too common- budget shortfalls, declining enrollment, difficult economic times.
After our staff was informed of the news, I began to mourn my impending loss. I thought of everything I will miss and everything I don’t want to change. I went home sad every night.
Focusing on helping my students got me excited about teaching again. I do this job for my students. I still want them to learn. I want their new teachers at their new schools to be happy with what they know and rejoice in how they are curious, strong, eager learners. Even though I will be in a new place next year, I’m continuing to do everything possible for my students this year.
