I found out my teaching assignment for next year....

[kwormann]

I am a YO YO! I taught 5th, then 1st. Last year 5th, next year.....
1st again!!!!!

[sharris315]

That seems like a HUGE jump from grade 1 to 5 and back again. Is that not really hard to do?? Do you have trouble adjusting?--even though you've obviously been through it before. I taught in HS, and thought it there was a major difference between 9 and 11!

Shar

[slknight]

Wow! I had no idea that they would flip you around like that. What do I know; I'm not a teacher. :rolleyes: So are you happy about it? Which do you prefer?

[kwormann]

Well, it is a bit hard, but I have done it before. There are good and bad about both....5th grade is more in control of behavior, and, of course, thery can read and write (mostly), but there are NASTY standardized tests that I lost LOTS of sleep over this past year!
First grade come into the room not knowing how to do much of anything, and have MUCH less control over themselves. However, it is exciting to see the HUGE progress they make from day 1 to day 170, there is less standardized testing and LOTS of support (we have a GREAT reading lab!)

I love changes, so I guess, now that the shock is over, I am excited about the challenge!

[Beth]

I think you'll do great!

[401krep]

I thought that I wanted to be a teacher all my life. What a shock it was to student teach High School. I was only about 5 years older than the oldest kid. Boy, did I hate teaching Health to those kids. I admire anyone who can stick with it! Once student teaching was over, I never looked back.

Vanessa

[sneezles]

And you'll probably be happier with it if you are going to take any courses for your LS degree. Besides, who loves their teachers more than first graders? :D

[SusanL]

merely flexible :) Those children and their parents will be grateful that you are their teacher!! New books to try out, so many that they have never heard, you will be in heaven!! Congratulations!!

[ccooney]

I, too, think you'll be great. After all, you've done it before & know what to expect. Best of luck.

By the way, I teach music here in NH and was worried that my district was going to move me from middle school chorus to elementary general music. I was beside myself. Fortunately, I haven't been moved. Yahoo.

[SallyC]

Kim,
What a great attitude you have!!! The kids will be fortunate to have you as their teacher. I have been a special education teacher for the past 25 years and every year is always different. I think if we can still find joy in our students (not the standardized testing and all the other crazy things), then we can really rise to the challenge of our job. I wish you a wonderful year with your first graders!!

[kwormann]

The words have been wonderful! I got excited today when I started preping. I also called one of the first grade teachers and the reading lab teacher and both were thrilled! It made me feel great!

Sneezles, you are right. It will be great while working on my MLS since most of my job is READING!!!:D

[sneezles]

And don't forget all those hugs you'll get from those lovely little ones!!!

[Beth]

I agree on not a yo-yo. Yo-yo's go and return to the same spot. At least feel like a tennis ball, full of substance and moving from point to point building a full game. :D

[lorilei]

Originally posted by Beth
I agree on not a yo-yo. Yo-yo's go and return to the same spot. At least feel like a tennis ball, full of substance and moving from point to point building a full game. :D

Good show, Beth... plus, those kids change from year to year. And this year's first graders will be a totally differnt bunch than last time :)

I, personally, think you're a BRAVE, BRAVE soul for taking on those little elementary beings. I'm not sure I could handle it ;)
All the best...

[vbak]

Many changes for you, Kim, but you will have a great year. I always hold my breath in May wondering if I will be moved to another building. I am a Sp. Ed. teacher so you go where there is a need, including traveling between buildings and grade levels. This year I am in the same building which is right across the street from my house! I am very happy:D Vicky

[kwormann]

Originally posted by vbak
This year I am in the same building which is right across the street from my house! I am very happy:D Vicky

How WONDERFUL!!!!!