In For the Long Haul
My LTO officially starts on Tuesday. I'm so happy about this. I feel especially lucky because I have an awesome sweet class. They are a very friendly and caring group of kids. There are still the little personality clashes but for the most part they are gentle and they don't make fun of each other.
The other thing I love about my class is that they are so diverse. I have students from Cuba, Albania, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Sudan, Romania, Jamaica, Korea, and the list goes on. I want to tie this aspect into a unit later down the year.
I'm confident this job will last until June as Joanne assured me. Ms. Handy is on mat leave right now and isn't quite in a position to come back. I hoping and praying she doesn't come back in September as well and that this position is open as a permanent position and they give it to me! If it does turn into a permanent, I know I will get the job. I fit with the dynamic of the school and I just love being there. But I won't hold my breath.
The second week has been great - much much better than the first. I moved into my new room on Monday and from there, things started falling into place. I still have to put paper on the new bulletin boards that I have and today I bought a few baskets for an IN and OUT box. I'm armed with math resources and stickers now. But I am nowhere near where I need to be in terms of planning.
For example, I still have to
1. read on and prepare IEPs for two of my core kids and a few of my science rotary kids
2. catch up on my reflections relating with student anecdotes
3. read the MYP binder and gather more ideas about how to gear my teachings according to it
4. create a science plan for term one
5. learn the report card program
6. get a school library card
7. get a few remaining office supplies
8. create a math plan for term one
9. create a literacy plan for Iqbal: A Novel
10. establish deadlines for Biography, History, and Science assignments.
...I'm going to stop there for now, even though there are a lot more things to do.
One thing I have to mention is Hans has made such progress from the first week I was here. He's subdued and less talkative and less loud. I'm happy about the progress but he isn't where he should be yet. He still requires constant supervision in order for him to actually do the work.
One step at a time.
GW
The other thing I love about my class is that they are so diverse. I have students from Cuba, Albania, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Sudan, Romania, Jamaica, Korea, and the list goes on. I want to tie this aspect into a unit later down the year.
I'm confident this job will last until June as Joanne assured me. Ms. Handy is on mat leave right now and isn't quite in a position to come back. I hoping and praying she doesn't come back in September as well and that this position is open as a permanent position and they give it to me! If it does turn into a permanent, I know I will get the job. I fit with the dynamic of the school and I just love being there. But I won't hold my breath.
The second week has been great - much much better than the first. I moved into my new room on Monday and from there, things started falling into place. I still have to put paper on the new bulletin boards that I have and today I bought a few baskets for an IN and OUT box. I'm armed with math resources and stickers now. But I am nowhere near where I need to be in terms of planning.
For example, I still have to
1. read on and prepare IEPs for two of my core kids and a few of my science rotary kids
2. catch up on my reflections relating with student anecdotes
3. read the MYP binder and gather more ideas about how to gear my teachings according to it
4. create a science plan for term one
5. learn the report card program
6. get a school library card
7. get a few remaining office supplies
8. create a math plan for term one
9. create a literacy plan for Iqbal: A Novel
10. establish deadlines for Biography, History, and Science assignments.
...I'm going to stop there for now, even though there are a lot more things to do.
One thing I have to mention is Hans has made such progress from the first week I was here. He's subdued and less talkative and less loud. I'm happy about the progress but he isn't where he should be yet. He still requires constant supervision in order for him to actually do the work.
One step at a time.
GW
I am happy that this worked out for you, Helen. It sounds like you're happily busy! Stop by and see me sometime :)