It's a Beautiful Day to Stretch!

For the last three weeks I have had every intention of going to bed at 9:30 pm every night, but if you could guess, that has not happened. I wake up sleepy, drag myself through the day with some caffeine while fighting some serious yawns, and end the day at my apartment with a serious case of ADHD. Today is a prime example of my "typical" day. Just like every other day, I missed my old-woman 9:30 pm bed time today, but tonight it's because I wanted to write on this here blog. So, let's begin. A lot has happened since I've last written.

As expected, I got sick. Not really that sick, but still. Thursday and Friday were not my prime days. Sore throat, itchy eyes, headache; you know, the normal signs to the common cold. Thankfully I started popping vitamins, Aleve, Zertec, and Theraflu. Yes, at some point I was taking all at once. (Don't tell Mom). I convinced myself that if I took them at least an hour apart I would be a-okay. No worries though, I made it out okay. I'm still suffering from an annoying drippy nose, but those kiddos don't bother that at all.

The weekend came and went all too fast; just like usual. My friends thoroughly distracted me and I got NOTHING done. If you know me well, you probably aren't too surprised. I ate lots of good food (since my roommate and I hadn't cooked for over a week), watched TV, went shopping, and did all of the other great things that "busy" interns shouldn't do.

Sure enough, Monday arrived just as quickly as the last had. I have learned to not expect too much out of Monday's. Usually the kids are all worn out from a busy weekend - OR - they are all hyper because all they did is watch TV all weekend. This Monday was a special Monday. All of the kids were surprisingly not a problem, however we had one kiddo who was extra "unique." I don't want to say too much here, but it was a day that left us totally challenged, frustrated, tired, and calling a parent. But the best part is that we are still alive! :) Through these first three weeks I have seen good and bad days in the school day, but I try to never let it seriously bother me. Monday night I was quickly reminded that even though I  don't let the school day bother me, my K-State portion of this semester would get to me. I became so stressed and frustrated that I (like many others already this semester) had to take a quick cry-break in the bathroom. No worries, I worked through my problem and I'm happy as a lark now!

Tuesday on the other hand was wonderful. I taught my first official lesson. We were learning how to use manipulatives to add. We used those fun animal plates as our "work places." The students make the math problem (2+1) in the ears of the animal plate with the manipulatives. Then they would move the manipulatives to the face of the animal plate to find the answer. We paired it with a pirate math game online. It was a blast and we had fun! Tomorrow I teach another math lesson. I also teach the first day of my social studies unit to another class. I'm nervous!

I think I've written enough for today. But before I sign off, I need to tell you all some silly stories. Since you've read this far, you will be rewarded (gesh, I really am a first grade teacher) by being able to hear about the first grade silliness. If you were wondering about the title of this post: a kiddo was stretching today, I said "bud, what are you doing." Student: "I'm stretching. It's a beauuutiful day to stretch!"

To top it off, the best story off all.... Student (same student, that is): "Sometimes my underware gets stuck in my butt." The student then stands and wiggles and says, "wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!" HAHA.

I've learned quite a bit the past few days:

• Don't let stress get you down. That's a hard one. 
• Find someone that can build you up when you need it. I have a great support that is there to help me and I'm so grateful for that. 
• Buy every book from the Scholastic book order. :)
• Drink Gatorade instead of soda, otherwise your teeth will be hurting all the time (personal experience).

Thanks for reading, friends!

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart (I'm not called "teacher?" anymore -- BIG accomplishments!!)

No Time, No Time!

I have no time now-a-days. I'm suddenly flooded with piles of lessons, documents, assignments, tasks, blah, blah, blah. I was just thinking "how am I ever going to have a social life this semester?" And without much thought I realized I wasn't going to at all. Seriously, I think I will have one night a week to enjoy myself (Friday) because all other nights will hopefully be dedicated to school work. Yuck, that sounds awful! Oh the life of a teacher.

Since I say I have no time, you are probably asking yourself why I am making time to write on a silly blog. Well my friends, the answer is simple. Today was rough, and I couldn't miss telling you all about it.

Those dear first graders had a "case of the Tuesday's." If you don't know what a "case of the Tuesday's" is, then let me tell you. It includes tears, hitting, talking too much, not listening, and general chaos. Sometimes it seemed like the day wouldn't end. We were faced with the challenge of pulling a multitude of strategies out of Mrs. K's 'bag of tricks.' When the normal Ware Bear positive reinforcer wasn't effective, we tried something else. When that didn't work, we tried something else. And when that didn't work, we took them to the bus and made them go home (it was the end of the day of course). As you can tell, nothing worked on the kids today. They talked and talked and talked. Sometimes I wonder if they'll ever get it. However, I have faith that we will get better. I don't know when, but I sure hope it's soon.

Even though this rough day left me drained and ready for a 6:00 pm bed time, I am grateful for it because I learned so much. Here we go:

• Don't ever give up on the kids. When they are out of control and your trick doesn't work, pull something else out and try that. When that doesn't work, try, try, and try AGAIN. 
• Keep your cool. I made special note that my teacher remained fairly calm at all times today. She never let her Negative Nancy show. And I ask, how on earth do you do that?? 
• Ask for help when it's needed. When the student problem is bigger than you can handle, it's okay to get help. Mrs. K had to send kids to "room 4" twice today. Room 4 is what you all would refer to as the principals office. 
• Drink coffee always. Today I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was dragging in the early hours. Coffee can make your day a little better, I promise. 
• Find something to relieve yourself after a day like this. If I didn't have to come home and spend my evening writing lessons, I would have listened to music, watched TV, or something else to take my mind off school. 

No worries, I did make sure to laugh today even in all of the chaos. 

Hope for a better tomorrow! Every day is a new day!

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart

It's Monday...

Today was one of those days where you just needed a drink.

You know, like a coke or a cup of coffee. A full cup of caffeine was a must-have today. Those first graders were on fire. Always talking, always moving, always doing something they weren't supposed to. Let's just say, it was a case of the "first-grade-Monday's." We spend a lot of today just trying to be quiet, and if you're a teacher, you know how frustrating that can be. On occasion we all have a case of the "Monday's" but when twenty-six first graders do at the same time, there is only so much you can do.

Surprisingly, we made it through the day. I managed to stay at school until about 6:00 pm. When I was heading out of the classroom, I thought, "this isn't too late." Then I realized that it was late enough that the office was locked and I wasn't able to sign out. Maybe it's not such a good sign that I think 6:00 pm isn't late? I can see a work-a-holic future in my life. My to-do list is rapidly growing, leaving me a stressed little mess. No worries, I'm not that stressed yet, I'm still running off of loads of excitement and adrenaline. I hope that never ends.

Today my cooperating teacher, Mrs. K and I coincidentally wore practically the same thing: black dress with floral print, same shoes, black cardigan, same hair style (not to mention same hair color). Can you say creepy? As kids were walking in the door this morning they kept saying, "hey, you and Mrs. K have the same dress on!" One little boy made my day when he walked in and said in his precious and completely sincere all-boy voice, "Miss Everhart, I like your dress!" Oh how something so simple can just make you so happy.

Nothing all that exciting in first grade other than the complete day's racket. There were no injuries, blood, or vomit (un-like many other days). However, there were tears. That is something that we surprisingly see very often.  

Here are some things I learned today:

• Build a friendship with your co-workers, especially those in your grade. They are the people that you can collaborate with and brainstorm with. They can be your back bone when you need some help. Our first grade team works very closely together. In fact they are such a strong group that they celebrate birthday's together. For my b-day we ordered pizza. It's nice to have a group of teachers that even I can depend on. 
• Know that nothing is going to be perfect. I have had more and more opportunities to take charge of the class. I sometimes expect them to be completely quiet for me when I should know that that is not possible (they ARE first graders, and that doesn't even happen for Mrs. K sometimes). 
• Respect all other school faculty even if they are a pain in the rear. It's going to happen, there are going to be some Debby Downers in the school. I learned today that even if you run into some of the sour attitudes you still have to figure out a way to work with them in a way that doesn't leave you with a sour attitude too. 
• Teaching is a little bit acting too. Go with confidence and pretend you know exactly what you're doing. It's very very important to be prepared, but you can't prepare for it all. Every day is like putting on a fun little show. 

That is enough for now. Better get to bed or those first graders are going to run me over tomorrow! Tomorrow is a new day; hope for a great one. 

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart...

or one of the other many names I go by.....Mrs. Everhart, Miss Hart, "hello," "teacher" (yes, a student does call me "hello" and "teacher")

(PS: I'm loving this!)

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It's Four O'clock on a Friday

Four o'clock on a Friday only means one thing: get me home so I can relax! At the end of the school day, I was checked out! Get me home so I don't have to think about school until at least Saturday morning (more lesson plans to write). As for right now, I have never been so lame at 8:00 pm on a Friday night, but after a long drive home and explaining to my parents every detail of student teaching, I sit here writing this blog as my eyes get heavier and heavier. I missed blogging yesterday because I had to be a grown up and write a pre-assessment and parent letter - and of course didn't have time to blog before my 10:00 pm bed time.

This week has been pretty great. Of course, as the week went on, I added in a few more yawns, but over all it was a fun first week. Thursday and Friday ended on a fairly good note. I practiced my procrastination skills Thursday night by putting off my parent letter and unit pre-assessment. Later this week I also gained a few more (basic) classroom responsibilities - leading the About Me presentations and walking the class to various activities! Next week I start taking over story time. I'm telling you, very exciting things in first grade!

I have learned a lot in the past couple of days, so let's begin. Here is what I've learned:

• PARA's are the bomb. Always appreciate them. Enough said. 
• Use other people. Not in a rude way of course, but ask people for help. After a side conversation about my geography unit another first grade teacher offered me some of her resources that I might be able to use. Score!
• Spend your money even if you're not making any. HAHA. Scholastic book orders just came in and I'm so thrilled. Sometimes you just have to spend a bit of money to make things great for the kids. 
• Lie a little. This may only work for younger grades, but I have seen on multiple occasions a teacher tell a small fib to scare the students. Example: two boys come in from recess late. Teacher: "where have you boys been!? I was worried sick that someone stole you from the school." Sometimes being a little dramatic makes the point even if it isn't very realistic. 

Funny story for the day:

   Student is looking at my name badge and picture (where my hair is down). 

   Student: "Why is your hair down in this picture? Is it because you didn't want to look bald?"

   Me: "Umm... do I look bald with my hair up right now?"

   HAHA thanks for making me feel equally awkward and funny.

Sorry this wasn't an exciting blog. Those first graders have drained me! Now it's time to re-charge.

Until next time,

Miss Everhart (even the PARA calls me Mrs. Everhart. How do you correct that?! I guess I'm married to my cousin now??)

Ware Bears

Quick blog today, folks. I got home from school late and need to go to bed soon - oh the life of a teacher!

Today was another awesome day. The students started the day by giving their About Me presentations. The kiddos were to gather three items that describe themselves and bring them to school in a brown paper bag. Then the students share with the class about themselves with the items and tell why it's important. This is a very neat idea to learn more about the kids and give them a chance to toot their own horns!

The day went accordingly - nothing out of the ordinary. The students were a little rowdy today - which is expected every once in a while. One technique that Mrs. K used today (and I really liked it) was a "time out." The students were doing math rotation groups and were getting very feisty and loud - you could just tell it was too much. Mrs. K turned the lights off and had all students leave what they were doing to go back to their desks to lay their heads down and remain quiet for one minute. If they talked, they would add a minute. It didn't mean they were in trouble, it just meant that they needed a cool down - and it worked!

Another awesome technique that Ware uses is Ware Bears. Each student has a set of ten bears labeled 1-10 that hangs on a hook in the classroom. When a teacher notices that an individual is having good behavior (being quiet while others are chatty, etc.) they can earn a bear. However, you can also lose a bear. If the student ends with all 10 Ware Bears by the end of the week, they get to take part in a class Ware Bear Party. This method is awesome. The students are responsible for their behavior and can see just where they are. They are also the ones who move the bears up or down so they understand their good/bad behavior. I love this method! {I have been trying to post a picture but I am having some serious difficulties - look later for a picture of Ware Bears}

Here is what I've learned today:

• Be confident. This is one of my biggest challenges but I'm learning to just do it. Have a confident voice and be decisive in what you're doing so you don't come off wishy-washy. 
• Bring chocolate to school. You know you'll need it. 
• Have fun with the kids. Like I said yesterday, you need to laugh. You also need to be light-hearted and have fun (when appropriate of course). 

That's all for now. Time to go to bed! Oh and guess what -- I start teaching my ten day unit in two weeks (a unit I haven't thought about yet)! AHHH But it's okay that it's so soon because I'm still so excited about this!! 

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart (Sometimes I'm Mrs. Everhart - I don't like that so much - haha)

HAPPY HUMP DAY

I Need to Wipe My..... (Some Adult Humor)

When you're in first grade, you laugh a lot! Today was a fun second (first full) day of school and I laughed quite a bit (not too much though). I learned there are different kinds of laughs when you're in an elementary school: (1) straight up laughing with the kids, (2) laughing at something the kids said but trying to cover it up with a straight face because you don't want them to know you're laughing, and (3) adult humor. Today I experienced all three. (1) happened when a student and I were playing a silly game together. She is a giggle box and it was just completely contagious - I couldn't help but laugh too! (2) happened way too many times to even explain! (3) happened when I went to check on a boy who was in the bathroom too long. I poked my head in and asked "How are you doing bud? You've been in the bathroom a bit to long so wrap it up." A minute later I hear a voice from the bathroom, "Okay, I'm almost done. I just have to wipe my...." You can imagine what I was thinking... instead he said, "...hands." Moral of it all: always find something to LAUGH about (when it's appropriate of course).

In my second day I can already tell that I'm learning so much. In fact, I often find myself talking to the students just like Mrs. K does. She is such a great model that I have. She talks to the students in such a unique way. She uses a caring voice, but never hesitates to get firm. She uses words like, "first graders don't chew on their pencils," when a student is chewing on a pencil or doing something that isn't acceptable - this makes want to act like a first grader instead. I'm hoping that I will be able to learn fast. I'm nervous that I will not be hard enough on the kids - but I know that I have an awesome role model to learn from.

To close for the day, here are some things I've learned today:

• Always laugh. That's the only way you can continue to have fun in this occupation. 
• Communicate well with others. It's much more efficient for everyone. 
• Eat with the kids when you can. We don't have to eat with the kids but we did today and it was enjoyable. That's our time to "hang out" with the kids and really get to talk to them. It's one of my goals to continue to do this in the semester even if we don't have to.

A few tricks:

• When a kid asks to go to the bathroom and it's not at the most appropriate time just say, "If you have to go in five minutes, remind me." If they remind you then they have to go, and if they don't remind you then they are just trying to get out of class. 
• When wanting to remove permanent marker from laminated items, simply color over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker and then wipe away. It's genius - go try it! Teacher friends: remember this because with this trick you can now reuse anything and everything in your classroom. 

For a recap, today the students: learned a few more logistics things (lunch cards, milk for snacks, etc.). They did simple work in their handwriting books. For math they did simple stations (geo-boards, dominoes, etc.) that allowed us to see what they were capable of. A book or two was read for filler time and they also went to P.E. and Music. And somehow that brings us to the end of the day.

Sorry to make this even longer, but I wanted to let you all know that I don't intend for you to read these all the dang time. By writing on this blog nearly everyday, I'm simply keeping a journal for myself!

Thanks if you did read this. :) 

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart :) (or Miss Hart for those kids who couldn't remember my name today - haha)

First Day Jitters

The first day back to school was long and tiring and so much fun. And it was only a half day! As the first graders staggered into the classroom this morning I could tell they had first day jitters. They weren't all alone though; I also had first day jitters!

For the first chunk of the morning, the students were given a bear color and cut out page which was then cut out and glued to make a sack puppet. This kept them busy and also gave them something manageable on their first day of first grade. The teacher then read First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, a book to help ease any first day nerves. The students then went to the library where they met the librarian, learned the rules, and checked out books. After that, they went on a school tour. At the end of the morning the teacher lead a familiar group activity; Who Stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar. One student had the cookie in his pocket while the students sang the song. This was a great way for students to learn their classmates names. And after completing all of that, it was surprisingly 11:40 and time to pack up for an 11:45 dismissal. WHOA, what a morning!

Today was an awesome day! I loved helping the students and learning along the way. There was one time during the hectic first day that I though, "whoa, this is too much for me!" But I was quickly reminded that it was the FIRST day; hectic is a little normal! However, many other times throughout the day I thought "I just might be able to do this 'school stuff' for a while." Which is a new (and reassuring) thought for me since I have never been 100% sure about teaching (I'm very indecisive).

I am so very excited for the semester. I know it will require A LOT of time, creativity, patience, and strategy, but I'm am completely ready for the challenge! This is my semester to ask questions, observe, take risks, and LEARN. Let the fun begin!

To close todays blog, here are a few things I have learned today:

• NEVER be afraid to come down on a kiddo (as long as it is appropriate). It is better to be firm with a kid from the beginning so they know the expectations rather than having them run over you. 
• Eat a bigger breakfast (I was starving at 9:00 am) 
• Bring/buy a soda (caffeine needed)
• Procrastination is something to stay away from, but if you just can't avoid it, everything will get done somehow. :)
• You can't plan too much because nothing ever goes how you think it will. Go with the flow and have fun!

Trust me, I learned way more than that today! 

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart :) 

(Say a prayer for me! It always helps!) 

No Students, No Fun!

A first grade classroom without any first graders just isn't quite right. We've got all the posters up, the desks arranged, names on cubbies, and words on the word wall. The only thing missing are the twenty-five kiddos.

This past Thursday and Friday I began my student teaching experience with some teacher work-days. As well as having multiple (overwhelming) student teaching meetings and a few teacher meetings, my cooperating teacher and I spent some time getting the classroom ready. My cooperating teacher, Mrs. K, put my decent handwriting right to work by having me write student names on anything and everything. Though it was a fun first couple of "on-duty" work days, it just wasn't as fun without the first graders.

Now let me tell you about my placement and school. I am placed at Ware Elementary at Fort Riley. The school is K-5 with about 700+ students in one very full building. I am in a first grade classroom with Mrs. K from now until October 14th. After I complete that portion of my student internship I will then move to a 2nd/3rd grade special education (now called ESS for those who care) class to complete that practicum which will leave me endorsed in Special Education/ESS. My cooperating first grade teacher has been teaching for about seven years and is a fun, enthusiastic, and caring person. I often think that we are very similar and I am so exciting to learn from her!

I have created this blog as a way to share with anyone who wants to know about my experience, but it is my intent that this also serves as a "journal" for my own use. Hopefully I will blog here once a week so I can jot down ideas, experiences, and fun times during my student teaching.

I am very excited for this experience and cannot wait for the students to arrive on Monday (in just two days!)

Until next time,

Miss Everhart :)