I should be in bed asleep, but I can't figure out how to do it. Tomorrow is the first day of school at my school (we're on a 'modified calendar') and I'll be teaching first grade for the first time. I am feeling wholly unprepared and full of anxiety about helping these small people through their first day back. I'm wondering how to do things that have seemed so simple to me for years now; how should I post the schedule for our day, how can I prepare them for recess, how do I get them all through the lunch line, how do we learn all of each others' names, etc. I had all of this down in the upper grades. I have no clue for first grade.
To add to the fit of nerves, my older daughter is starting kindergarten tomorrow. She'll go to my school, which mostly makes the whole process easier for us both. However, it seems crazy that we're both jumping off a cliff together and hoping for the best.
10 comments:
I think you and your little one will have a great time remininscing about this day. Granted, it will be years from now, and you'll do most of the telling, but this is an incredible day for the both of you! Great wishes of luck to you and the young one!
I never sleep well the night before I got back to school so I understand your restlessness.
You will do great and it doesn't have to be perfect. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Once you get over the shock of how small they are :)you will be fine.
Yes, you have a lot to learn and so do they so do it together. Schedules and things like that will come as they settle in. The first day is just that the first day. Not everything has to be perfect. Keep track of your questions, in your head, if there is room and slowly find out the answers.
I agree with JM - this will be one of those memories that you will remember forever. In the morning be a mom first and do all of that stuff to get your little one ready for her big adventure and then, deep breath, you can put on your teacher hat and slowly ease your way into the new situation.
When the day is done - look at the positive of what was done - not what wasn't done because trust me, there will be a million things not done that you are used to getting done.
You will be fine. Take care. Look forward to hearing about your new adventures.
Heather
You will *LOVE* teaching first grade and I guarantee that your little one will find happiness and lots of learning in Kinder. The first day (for both of you) will be stressful, but it's a new experience for you both--regardless of what they are, new things are always a little stressful. I agree with Greenisle13, be a mom first, and then switch hats. Your little one will love you for it, and you will be much more at ease when you get into your own classroom :) Have a fabulous first day!
I'm so excited for you and your little one! It's going to be a great day :)
I have the kindergarten version, here is the address for the first grade book (helpful, helpful, helpful!):
Teaching First Grade (a Scholastic book)
http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-First-Grade-Strategies-Math/dp/0590209353/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217242192&sr=8-1
Hope you and your daughter had a TERRIFIC first day!
It will be fun to follow your year. I have taught 5th grade at a year round school for 18 years. I still have another 2 weeks to get ready. I can't imagine having to teach "littles." They would scare me too! Best of luck! Enjoy the new experience.
The best part about being a teacher is having my kids at my school. It is so wonderful. Good luck to you both and have a fantastic first day!
Our daughter is going to my wife's school. She's in K as well and I still haven't gotten over it. Best of luck to you.
I hope your day went wonderfully! I know how it is the night before school begins too. There is so much to think about yet we need our sleep. I think first graders are wonderful! I am sure you do too after today!
I have to say thank you to all of you for your encouraging and kind comments. Seeing these when I first got up this morning was very heartening as I headed off. My daughter's first day was phenomenal and I had a blast with my first graders. Hopefully, day two will be just as great.
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