Happy New Year !

I am happy to start a new year!

I have to say 2017 was a tough year for me for a lot of reasons. I was working in a job I loved, teaching reading all day - my dream job! Then February came and I had a health scare. This health issue created other concerns, so it has been a challenge health wise. I also had a car accident in June and then I was in a walking boot in September. With all of  these things, I would do my laps at the Y pool when I could. Being in the water helped with my stress. I love swimming! 

My job ended and I was unemployed at the beginning of the school year. I was lucky enough to be called for some interviews and I was hired for a part time position. My new job is different and now I am challenged in many ways. Learning common core math has been a daily struggle. I miss my friends from the past two years and I miss teaching reading all day. 

December came and some of the sweet students gave me gifts. I also did a secret Santa hoping to give myself a lift since work is stressful. Here is what I got from my Secret Santa:

Coffee = Happiness 

When December arrived I was happy to know I would have a week off to decompress and relax. I had a medical procedure where I had mostly good news. I spent time napping and reading. I was thrilled this crazy year was ending. 

2017 wasn't all bad! I went on two vacations. I taught some great kids to love reading. I enjoyed a relaxing summer, spent time with friends, and learned more about me. With all these joyous days, I am happy to see a new year begin. 

Here's hoping 2018 will be better than last year! 
Happy New Year everyone!
Happy Reading, too! 

What..... November

I've been so busy! 

Starting a new teaching job after the school year has already begun is HARD! I truly feel like a fish out of water... and I LOVE THE WATER! I am enjoying working with the 5th graders, which isn't a surprise to me because I taught them reading the past three years.

BUT..... 

The math is SUCH A CHALLENGE!  

One of my jobs is to modify and teach the math curriculum. I am learning right along with the students. After spending the past 5 years focused on reading, this really is working my brain!

I have been teaching writing and reading to the students and when several students leave for AIS and Enrichment I have an hour 3 days a week where I plan lessons.

Here are a few random pictures. I have been so busy learning the new ways of a new school district, I have not had a lot of time to take photos. Plus I am working with another teacher in a classroom that isn't really mine.

I know from last year that the students learn figurative language in grade 5 ELA. I always start with alliteration. The kids love it and it's a great way to hook the kids into reading and writing poetry. 

I am so happy when it's writing because I get to teach the class these lessons. he classroom teacher prefers teaching the math and science. Perk for me.  We started a new writing unit. The students are researching a state and then going to write about it. I combined informational and persuasive. The kids have to entice me to want to visit their state.  I am using New York as a model because they studied it last year. They have 4 key categories they have to write about in their essays. These charts were from the Day one lesson. 

One sweet student made me a sign below which I have by my desk. This job is challenging for several reasons. Maybe someday I will write about it. When I get a note like this, it helps to see it on he difficult days. 

Below is a poster I used to teach the students how to write an intro paragraph. It comes from the book the school uses for writing units. 

 

Happy Reading! 

School Started.. and I am Jobless

I did not start the school year. I am feel frustrated because I am not teaching reading right now. Last year after being in a job for three years, I thought for sure, I would be back at the middle school.

On another note, I have been dealing with a severe foot sprain. I have always been a bit of a klutz and I slid on my wooden steps almost falling. I have been in a walking boot and it has not been fun. My DH made me throw out my flip flops. Oh how I love my flip flops, but I has slide on them twice prior, so I had to say good-bye.

I have an appointment tomorrow and I am hoping I can say good bye to the walking boot! 

I have had a few interviews for positions that popped up after school started. It's been a stressful few weeks with everything, but I keep telling myself... things could be worse. I have cousins in Houston and Florida where the hurricanes are right now!!! 

We all have out hill to climb (even in a boot)! 
Here's hoping for an upturn!

Happy Reading!

Happy August & Lots of Pics

Wait... What happened to July? The summer school program was great and the kids seemed to enjoy it. We did a marine study during the 4 week program. 

Here are a ton of photos from the class:

                                            

 

We invited another class for a book sharing: 

Last day reflections from the kiddos:

 

Summer reading has ended for the kiddos. I continue to job hunt and enjoy the sun! 

Happy Reading! 

June 2017 and Vacation

The year ended and it was bittersweet. I loved my job this year teaching grades 5-7. Middle school really suited my personality. I can only hope I return next year. Every June I clean out a classroom and play the summer waiting game to see where I will be in September. I have been doing this for a long time and it never gets any easier! 

Left by a 5th grade student!

 

Right after the school year ended the DH and I went on vacation. It was the most relaxing vacation. It helped us both recharge. I have one more week until I work in the summer reading program. It will be a nice 4 week program teaching reading three days a week which is just enough teaching time to still feel like I am on summer break. 

Vacation Photos: 

 How I'll spend my summer mornings: 

 

Happy Reading!