Moving.

So today at lunch, my principal said, "Sarah, when you are finished eating, can you come in my office."

Well, after receiving an email yesterday that 4 positions were being cut from the school, I knew that this could happen. However, the cuts didn't affect my grade at the time. Not sure how it worked out the way it did, but there were 5 second grade classrooms, and not enough kids. So they were going to cut one 2nd grade teacher. However, they've decided to still do that, but bump a second grade teacher down to my first grade class.

This seems so counter productive  school that the district has "redesigned," so that the school can succeed. Instead of just disturbing part of second grade, my first graders are going to have a new teacher too. I'm a strong believe that stability plays a huge factor in the success of these students. Now sure, from time to time teachers are pregnant, or ill, but why disrupt them if not necessary?

Anyway, it is completely out of my control, and I'm sure that a new, and better door will open. I will now be a 2nd grade teacher at another school across town. I teach first grade through Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, bam, I'm a 2nd grade teacher. Needless to say, this will be challenging week.

Week 8

So I have officially been in school for 8 weeks. Time really does fly. Its hard to describe it.  It really is a day by day thing. I was lucky enough to observe another classroom at another school last week.  I took home with me so many great ideas. I bought a Thomas the Train whistle, a new rug and now have so many new tricks up my sleeve.

When I brought the new ideas to my class, I did notice a change in many areas. For instance, "Hands on your head," when I am giving directions. But the truth of the matter is, they just really do lack many social skills. It's difficult to give special jobs to some kids, but not to others. In a  flash, you think you might be in a preschool class. I see teachers who have been teaching for 20 years having the same behavior issues. It's just the nature of the game in a school such as mine. You have your good days, you have your bad days.   You have good moments, bad moments.

I guess the key is to never give up, and to never stop trying. When I go to a more suburban school, I almost get jealous. It seems like so much fun. You can really watch your kids grow as your give them more responsibilities. There are also so many more fun activities that you can do.

In an urban school, you definitely face challenges that suburban teachers don't face. However, I believe that no matter what school you teach in; it's a challenge either way. I may not be an urban teacher forever, but I am giving it my best right now. When you teacher in an urban school you can always keep in mind that you may possibly be the only positive role model that child ever sees each day. You may even be the only adult to give them attention. So amidst all of my frustrations, I do my best to remember why I am really here.

Funny Quotes

"Mrs. Adams, have you ever been to space?"

"My ears are new. Last year my teacher pulled me by my ears and they fell off. I had to get a new pair."

One girl was wearing pink hear leggins underneath her skirt. A boy was teasing her asking why she had on her pajamas. I interrupted to try to keep her from embarrassment and said, " They aren't pajama's, they are leggins, kinda like tights, girls always wear them under skirts." She said, " oh no, they are my pajamas, I wear them every night, I get cold in the morning, so I keep them on."

I also have a student, same student actually who likes to respond the same answer to every question throughout the day. For example, if I point to a question mark and say, " What is this?" She might say, "question mark." I'll say, great! Then as the day goes on, I might ask another question, like, "Who is the main character in the story." Her response.."umm..a question mark??" She gives the same response, all day long. No lie.