Well, we made it through another week and Autumn is among us. I can't complain. I won't complain. For one reason, Autumn is my absolute favorite season of the year. I love brisk weather, football, the colors in nature changing, and feeling cozy in my hoodies, pajamas...you name it. Another reason I love this time of year is that my little 4th grade kiddos have been in my classroom for just over a month and seem to 'settle' in to the swing of the routine. We have gradually become our own little family-ish unit.
As I ponder what this week will hold, I have been reflecting on the past four weeks---specifically this last one. My reflections pertain to what my kiddos have learned and what I still need to do for them. I have thought of the routines and procedures we have established and what I need to focus on for another couple of weeks. My nights have been filled with blog reading, TpT surfing, and printing off items for independent and/or partner activities. In other words---busy.
I read the other day that the average teacher works 11 hours and 25 minutes a day. This includes the regularly scheduled day, after school, and at home. Do I believe this? I sure do. So does my family. And as my eldest pointed out, she wondered if weekends had been included in this study, because the computer sees me more than the 'fam' does. It is true that they often feel neglected, and I often feel guilty. I keep thinking one day I will be totally together and have more time to focus on them. Yet, as life would have it, they are getting older as I am hoping. So, I am trying to be somewhat more focused in what I do and rearranging priorities as I go.
Take for instance, right now. My eldest is taking her 'usual and required' nap, while the younger is at a friend's house. So there is not a whole lot of guilt factor. Could I be doing something else? Sure... but I NEED to protect my sanity somehow. I feel that a release through writing is one of the better ways to do this---and safer, too. LOL!
Well, well, well, for this week I am gathering up a few materials to have center-focused activities for my students. This is strictly for math, as I would really love to incorporate Daily 5 for Math, but have no extra brain capacity to piece it all together. So, I have decided to do a 3 group rotation. My lower group will work with me after my whole lesson. The intermediate group will work on an item strictly for what has been taught. My stronger group will work independently or with a partner on building fluency in basic skills. Then, my students will rotate. The last group I will see will be the advanced group. By the time everything is said and done, I will have reviewed everyone's work for the day, made decisions to target their needs, and begun to plan out for the next day's focus. Can you guess which area I feel growth is needed for MYSELF? Yup--math.
As for literacy, I feel like writing is not getting hit long and hard enough. This is something I will be thinking of this week in how to manage time for that specific area. I think I will save a 'writing' post for later, as my youngest has now graced me with her presence. And considering I am managing my priorities differently, you can guess which one now just became the focus.
Until my next post, I hope you find some normalcy at your family dinner table!
HI Dee, Like the fact you are a teacher. Kind of shocked me to find out you did it. It seems kind of tame for you. My only advice on the family thing is always take time to make time. Even when I was trucking I always tried to be there for the things I knew were important to the girls. Yes I missed some, but hey that is life. Was going to say I see no place to sign up, but since I entered the comment section it popped up. (Might see if you can move it to your side bar. As it is I think only those commenting see it) Of course I expect you to follow my blog also...I am trying to impress editors with my following which reaches over 40 countries so far. Blogging is a neat way to share your views with the world. Not that anyone cares. I have found people are interested in three things in particular. 2012 and theories on it, Anything to do with if the economy is getting better and finally anything that discusses how to fix the problems in America. Good luck...with your blogging....
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