Swamped!

Dear friends,

       I know I planned on blogging more often this school year however, I am SWAMPED! I completed my first long-term substitute assignment about two weeks ago now. I miss my kiddos! I felt that I was planting little seeds of knowledge about multiple meaning words, nouns, and fluency. We were also collectively making progress learning high frequency words. And then reality struck. I had to move on and head to a new group of students. I was sad and the kiddos were sad.
       I am proud to say that when their teacher returned she was excited that routines were established and the classroom was "turn-key ready." Now that she's back, she is able to pick up where I left off, establish her own routines, and move them along.
      On to my new group of kids. The first week was definately a period of adjustment. They had another substitute for two weeks before I was able to transition (their teacher went out on maternity leave earlier than expected). This time when I walked in I was faced with the task of restoring order to the chaos that ensued for two weeks prior to my arrival. And of course I had an informal observation by administration on my first day with this new group of kids! WTH? Seriously!?!
     Now that we have been together for two weeks, things are going much smoother. Students are beginning to learn about my expectations. I am beginning to learn about them and what they need. We have restored the routines set up by their teacher and added a few of our own. I am looking forward to starting small group time with them next week. I am also learning about students with SST's and their needs.
      I am very grateful to the team I am currently with. I feel that I have learned so much more about 2nd grade this year than last year. I wish I had known the things I know now about effectively teaching 2nd grade. It really would have helped me out last year.  So far, long-term subbing with this team and at this school has been a positive and rewarding experience. I am enjoying my time here and soaking up all of the knowledge I can.
      'Till next time.....happy teaching!