Today's version of the first day of school went SO much smoother than last year's first day of school. Sure there was still plenty to do and prepare for beforehand, but teaching the procedures and routines vigorously from the very first moment allowed me to set parameters with the students, and set high expectations for the school year......including telling them to act like CIA agents as we tiptoed through the hallways, practicing lining up and walking down the hall.
I felt like I'd been talking far too much this morning, big surprise, I know, & so when I gave the kids a chance to get out of their seats & do some Yoga, & then "interview" each other for a getting to know you survey, & overheard a student say, "this is so fun!" I felt reassured that things were going well.
One student, after I told students to notify me if I mispronounced their names, & one student not only jumped to correct me in pronouncing his name, but in several of his classmates' names as well; it was only slightly obnoxious.
There were several incidents throughout the day, like students taking lockers assigned to other students, and one heavier student shoving one kid in line & injuring 3 other students in front of him. ....he also managed to rip his pants during a teacher read-aloud. What an adventure! He was rocking back & forth with his shirt stretched over his knees, and when I asked him to "sit on his pockets," he slightly complied. At the end of the story when everyone else had been dismissed to their seats, he didn't move. When I inquired as to what the problem was, he informed me that his pants had ripped & he was too embarrassed to get up. I asked if his shirt wasn't long enough to cover the rip, & he said it wasn't; but he had the "ingenious" idea to grab a backpack & put it on to cover it up. Wow! What a funny kid! I can't imagine something as devastating as ripping ones pants on the FIRST day of school!
I know the feeling. I don't envy the parents who get them at home when the meds have worn off and they aren't supposed to take them for another 12 hours again. Not too fun.
ReplyDeleteBut then there are those who take a vacation from meds and come back to school w/o them. As long as the doctor's involved in the process okay, but if the doctor doesn't think it's a good idea---um.... it only takes about three seconds the first day to see why.
I will say one thing. When you get their attention, it's the biggest victory of the day.
Oh, what we teachers will do for a victory!
Hope you are having a great year, Katie! I'm in fifth this year, and I love it. I'll be thinking of you!