Hey Teachers! How's it going?

[helios7]

So... today was our first day of school. I know, crazy! I think about the districts that have been in for almost a month already, and it just seems nuts. But there it is.

I'm home, I'm exhausted and the Excedrin is beginning to kick in on my pounding headache. And I thought I'd see how other teachers are doing? How are the classes settling in?

I teach Special Education - approximately first grade level, and my class is looking pretty good - granted day one is always a honeymoon kinda day, but there's promise. My kids that I had last year have regressed, but I think I can snap them back in pretty quickly. I have a new child who looks to be a delight - he's coming from the mainstream so I think the expectations will be great for him. He was THRILLED at his success when he successfully completed a sentence on his own, which leads me to think he was expected to do much more at his previous school. My biggest challenge is an Aspberger's child with major emotional difficultie - really tough to reach. Anyone got any experience? I'm thinking social stories and just keeping him busy will be key, but I'd love to hear what anyone else has to offer?

Anyone else willing to share about what's going on with their class?

[Rex]

I don't teach but have a company that provides online enrollment for a public school's insurance benefit package. No paper!

I tend to chat with teachers alot. Not to mention my sister is a teacher :)

[badunnin]

I don't teach but have a company that provides online enrollment for a public school's insurance benefit package. No paper!

I tend to chat with teachers alot. Not to mention my sister is a teacher :)

That's great.

Back on topic here, my first few days are going well! I teach high school German. Today was the second full day, and I'm finishing up my "getting to know you" stuff and starting curriculum. I have much bigger classes this year than in previous years - I top out at 38, which is ludicrous. When I first saw my rosters I almost cried, as one of my favourite students wasn't on the list. Joy of joys, by the time school started he had been moved in. :D On the first day he showed up just before the bell, but stuck around after most others had left to give me a hug. Awwww! My challenge for the year will definitely be that big class - I have a high tolerance for chatting in class, but with that many, it just gets LOUD.

On the down-side, I was sick a few weeks ago and I think I feel it coming on again. Not good so early in the year. I don't get sick often - 2 years without much more than a sniffle, but this one kicks my butt.

[sideline]

So... today was our first day of school. I know, crazy! I think about the districts that have been in for almost a month already, and it just seems nuts. But there it is.

I'm home, I'm exhausted and the Excedrin is beginning to kick in on my pounding headache. And I thought I'd see how other teachers are doing? How are the classes settling in?

I teach Special Education - approximately first grade level, and my class is looking pretty good - granted day one is always a honeymoon kinda day, but there's promise. My kids that I had last year have regressed, but I think I can snap them back in pretty quickly. I have a new child who looks to be a delight - he's coming from the mainstream so I think the expectations will be great for him. He was THRILLED at his success when he successfully completed a sentence on his own, which leads me to think he was expected to do much more at his previous school. My biggest challenge is an Aspberger's child with major emotional difficultie - really tough to reach. Anyone got any experience? I'm thinking social stories and just keeping him busy will be key, but I'd love to hear what anyone else has to offer?

Anyone else willing to share about what's going on with their class?
As a mother of a special education child who is in first grade again this year, I have got to say I have much respect for you. I know how hard your job is, and even though you are not my child's teacher I sing your praises. A patient, understanding teacher is a Gift from God. ;)

[SusanL]

and I have the best class this year! Every year I get the most challenging students in the grade level but after 29 years; I have an awesome class! They are so great, I look forward to each day. I am enjoying my last year teaching, what a great way to end my career! It is also the smallest class size I have had in 30 years, 18, not including the learning support kids.
Badunnin Hope you are feeling better soon, I had many years of catching everything that the kids got, week after week. I stopped using their pencils and wash my hands too many times a day. That has really worked for myself and others. Looking forward to hearing from others.

[Chefzhat]

Student teaching . . . does that count? :D I have five classes: US History; Forbidden Fronts - America at War; Civics; and Economics. 4 preps!! :eek: Civics and Econ are both for 9th grade, the rest are Juniors and Seniors. I definately prefer the older kids.

I like the teachers that i am assigned to, and am already taking over classes. This was our first week. So far, so good!

[Chefzhat]

Student teaching . . . does that count? :D I have five classes: US History; Forbidden Fronts - America at War; Civics; and Economics. 4 preps!! :eek: Civics and Econ are both for 9th grade, the rest are Juniors and Seniors. I definately prefer the older kids.

I like the teachers that i am assigned to, and am already taking over classes. This was our first week. So far, so good!

[badunnin]

Badunnin Hope you are feeling better soon, I had many years of catching everything that the kids got, week after week. I stopped using their pencils and wash my hands too many times a day. That has really worked for myself and others. Looking forward to hearing from others.

You know, I never catch anything! Before last month, the last time I had more than sniffles was when I was in Germany - January, 2001.

Debie - 4 preps for student teaching - yowza. I had 4 technically, but lots of support from my cooperating teacher - I started with the 2s and the 3s, worked into the 4s, and helped with the 5s. I'm teaching 3 preps this year - German 2 and a 3/4 split.

[KGL]

Hi all,
I'm not a classroom teacher but a pediatric speech/language pathologist in private practice who's just starting my 33rd year of working (YIKES!!). Although I've done many different things in my professional life over the years (worked in a hospital and a school, taught in a graduate program, ran a program in an alternative school, trained teachers), but see only private clients now. My clients range in age from 2-17 years with a wide range of difficulties (articulation, cleft palate, developmental language issues, receptive and expressive language disorders, writing, ADD, executive functioning disorders, pervasive developmental disorder, autism) but primarily I work with school-age children who have language-based learning difficulties. I specialize in written language disorders. I worked through a large part of the summer but have had some time off and will be back to my practice full-time on Mon. and I can't wait. My caseload this year is varied (which I like) and because I discharged 7 patients in May-June, I have several new children beginning as well as some continuing clients. I love what I do; I not only work with the children but their parents, teachers, tutors and therapists. The work is challenging and fascinating and it feels great to make a difference, one life at a time. I feel so very fortunate.

[Chefzhat]

Debie - 4 preps for student teaching - yowza. I had 4 technically, but lots of support from my cooperating teacher - I started with the 2s and the 3s, worked into the 4s, and helped with the 5s. I'm teaching 3 preps this year - German 2 and a 3/4 split.

My teachers this year are soooo great. I love the building, the staff, the kids . . . I wanna work there! I'm getting so much support. This semester will be as good as I could ever wish for (knock on wood!)

[helios7]

Yay! I love all the stories. Keep them coming! It's so neat to see everyone's different backgrounds and fields.

KGL - Sounds like you work with half my class! And you're not too far away from me - I'm in Brooklyn Heights. :D

badunnin - Feel better soon. Being sick early in the year is a total, total bummer.

SusanL - Congrats on such a great career. And sounds like you'll be going out with a bang with a class to remember.

Debie - enjoy the student teaching! Sounds lik you'll be busy.

Sideline - Thanks for the kind words. I only hope I can live up to them.

[AndreaU]

It's always interesting to see how everyone's year gets underway.

Debie- I hope you enjoy student teaching! Sounds like you have a great environment in which to make the most of your time there.

Bethany- Take some Airborne!! Stay healthy and enjoy your year. 38 students, though. Whew! I had 31 5th graders once after 2 years with 30- not fun.

Susan- Are you retiring after this year? Sounds like a terrific 30th year. I long for 18 students. Anything under 24 would be a start for now.

Helios- Thanks for starting this thread. As for the start to your year, relax... breathe... and do your best. As for your student with Asperger's- I've had a handful of students over the past few years (in an inclusion classroom, not a special education classroom though so perhaps not as severe). I've found that finding their interests, maybe those outside of school, helps open the lines of communication. Patience and a kind heart go a long way. A few of the students I had responded really well to humor as well. Some, however, were quite literal so many a joke was lost, but I would always try! You may not feel you're doing much for him/her but you'd be surprised in the end. Hang in there and have a super year!

Well, today we finished day 3 and (knock on wood) so far so good! As for day one being the "honeymoon," that never happened last year... they were a handful and a half from the moment they stepped through the door! This year however seems to be a complete 180. While last year's class was very capable, they just didn't do much of anything. I'd ask for a paragraph, I'd get 1 sentence, maybe 2. (5th grade, mind you.) So far in the past three days, when I've asked my students to write I can't get them to stop!! Good problem to have, I suppose. I have one boy who has been "the one" to watch out for... behavior issues and whatnot. I love him so far- great sense of humor, very bright and fairly responsible. It's all in how you approach the situation. I also team teach with another homeroom teacher- she ventured up to 5th grade after 4 years in 1st grade. She has a pretty nice class, too, and she's loving it despite a whole summer of freaking out. I also have the support of a wonderful special education teacher and teaching assistant (both of whom I've worked with for the past 3 and 7 years, respectively).

So, for now- loving my class! (Talk to me in a few months... :rolleyes: ) Seriously, I think I'm in for a nice year and I'm pretty excited. They seem excited, too. Very inquisitive and enthusiastic about learning. What more can I ask for? ;)

[jjsooner73]

Great thread!

helios--is your class more resource/pull-out or self contained? That's nice that you get to start late in the week--that way you get a break before you get them for the entire week!

Bethany--I'd be terrified of a class that large! Of course, I'm terrified with anything over 10 or so, or older than 8th grade. :D I hope you get to feeling better soon!

Susan-how great that you get to go out with such a great class! What grade do you teach?

Good luck student teaching Debie (I thought you'd already done that?) I didn't student teach because of the alt. cert. program I went through, but sometimes really miss having had that experience of learning from others.

KGL--sounds like very interesting. Have you worked much with those with apraxia? I have a student with it and it is just heartbreaking!

I'm a special education teacher. I taught MS Severe/profound my first 2 years but am now doing developmentally delayed PreK. My kids are from 3-5 years old with varying degrees of disabilities--suspected mild autism, blindness, CP, apraxia, MR, multiple disabilities. I have 7 boys who are split between a.m./p.m. classes. I am getting another boy and a girl next week. They are fun, most of the time.

We are about to end our 3rd full week of school. I had to make a referral to child protective services--the first week of school! I have one kid who is really going to make me earn my salary! He is 5 and has some interesting behaviors. His language is limited, but when asking him to identify the parts of the picture he drew, he was able to say "That's my dad's a$$." He also knows "Take a pi$$" and "Take a $hit". He doesn't know his colors, but he does know what a bingo inker is. :rolleyes:

So far, I love the elementary school. Middle school was good, but I think elementary is where I'll stay a while!

[Chefzhat]

Good luck student teaching Debie (I thought you'd already done that?) I didn't student teach because of the alt. cert. program I went through, but sometimes really miss having had that experience of learning from others.

My college requires an entire year in the field . . . good thing since the last assignment was such a washout. :) This assignment more than makes up for it!

I have one kid who is really going to make me earn my salary! He is 5 and has some interesting behaviors. His language is limited, but when asking him to identify the parts of the picture he drew, he was able to say "That's my dad's a$$." He also knows "Take a pi$$" and "Take a $hit". He doesn't know his colors, but he does know what a bingo inker is. :rolleyes:

This makes me sad. :( What some people will do to their kids . . .

[eas11]

Not a teacher, but just started in a large Collaborative as an ETL (Educational Team Liasion). My caseload is interesting- we are called ESIS: Educational Services in Institutionalized Settings. All of our kids are in DYS (Youth Services), DMH (Mental Health) or DC (Dept of Corrections) residential programs and our collaborative provides the educational component. I have been meeting our wonderful and dedicated teachers since last Wednesday and visiting my sites-all locked units. These are pretty damaged kids :(
This week I'm crazy with organizing all of the paperwork and getting the IEPs. Don't even have any IEP meetings scheduled as yet. I am really not an organized person, so I am working REALLY hard to develop systems to handle things well :eek:

Helios, I've worked with many kids and adults with Aspergers Disorder. How old is he? What are his "narrow interests?" I've had success using a childs expertise in "their" subject in a variety of ways. Time to go to work now, so more on ASD later!

[jjsooner73]

This makes me sad. :( What some people will do to their kids . . .


I know. . . My TAs and speech person comment on this almost daily. The parents are YOUNG and appear to try, but really don't have much of a clue. It's hard to overcome all of that in the 2.5 hours we have with the boy daily, but I have seen progress in his behavior.

[AZLorena]

I am one of the ones who has already been back for a little while. I am completing my 3rd week today. I teach elementary school music to all of the students in my school from Kindergarten up to 6th grade.

So far, things have been going well. I have a lot on my plate already. I have a student intern this semester from Arizona State University. I am coaching 2 teachers that are in their 2nd year. (I started with them last year.) .....and I am the Lead Music Teacher in my district. The last 2 things earn me a little extra money......so, any little bit helps.

So far this year is going well. We have had a couple of scheduling difficulties.... I am learning names of all of kinder and 1st grade. That is always a challenge. As for the rest of the kids.....I have been at this school for a long time, so it is really easy to just slip right back into a routine with them. The all know what to expect of me...and I know most of their little personalities. It does make things pretty nice.

I am glad to see everyone else if off to a good start. Keep up the good work! :)

Lorena

[cherylopal]

I saw this thread and had to check it out. I have a great class- the best in a few years (those have been retirement classes :rolleyes: ;) ) but I am sooooooooooooooooooooo tired- my kids started tues. so tired. i must be getting old. :mad:

[helios7]

Yay! I'm glad people are sharing stories.

Today went much better. I'm reading a book called "Parenting Your Asperger Child" by Alan Sohn, Ed. D and Cathy Grayson, MA. I'm really finding it helpful. While I'm not a parent of such a child, the book is written in a way that is very usefull to me in a classroom. The second author is a special ed teacher, and the first is a psychologist. The book combines both interests, and I'm finding it fascinating (but kind of hard to pick up after a long day at work). Last night I did, and read about a boy who sounded very much like the child in my class. Reading sample dialogs that showed how to define rules for the child, make expectations very clear and how to ask questions in a way that then allows me to further define the "rules" really seemed to help. When he pushed someone, I was able to see it, and delve into why he was pushing the person ("it feels good") and then go into the fact that pushing kids is against the rules in the hallway. It was by no means an immediate cure, however I felt like I saw a difference. Maybe it was a fluke, but I'll keep reading!

eas11 - So far his interests seem to be pretty academic. He's performing at a much higher level then the rest of the kids, so I'm thinking that some kind of challenge folder containing work on his level might be an effective incentive for him. We're also managing behavior with a points system (basically a token system) and he's very intently keeping track of his points. Another incentive may be allowing him to total each child's "points" for the day as a "teacher's helper".

[MKSquared]

I've been absent from the boards for the past few weeks because school started! It's my first year as a full-time teacher, and holy COW, am I logging a ton of hours. I have one of the best classes this year, teaching 8th grade in a private school. I have 35 in my homeroom, and there's 34 in the other that I also see. I'm teaching three math classes, two social studies classes, and religion. Nothing like 5 preps to get you started!

I've been waking up at 5 AM -- the first week was horrible. I didn't sleep at all because I was so wound up. I'm sleeping easier now but I'm still way busy. Luckily, we've finally jumped far enough into the curriculum that I can have students working most of the time instead of ME working most of the time!:D

We had our first quizzes today, and I didn't take it easy on them. They all have incredibly high standards for themselves because they don't think they did well, but glancing at most of the quizzes, they were fine! We're getting to the stage where personalities are really starting to show, both individual, homeroom, and grade-level wise. They make me laugh even though they frustrate me already! :)

[LakeMartinGal]

I'm not a teacher, and never have been: I just wanted to pop in and say Bless all of you! My children were not a picnic in school, and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you who care and teach! :D

[memartha]

Preschool teacher checking in!

I met my students and their parents this week, and today we had a "mini day" where they came for 45 minutes. The entire class looks wonderful and I'm very happy. I love meeting the new kids each year and getting to know them. I teach 4-year-olds; I co-teach with another woman and we have 13 children in our classroom.

On my way out today, I ran into several mothers of my former students who were bringing their younger children for their first day of preschool (the 3-year-olds). It was great to see them, too, and hear about how their "big kids" are faring in elementary school.

[helios7]

Popping back in to reply to jjsooner (Jennifer's) question. My class is a self-contained classroom. And yes - TGIF has new meaning for me today! I'm wiped. Welcome to the elementary world - I was always intrigued by the ages which you've taught. I only do the littlest ones, and I'm happier that way. But sounds like you're really enjoying Pre-k, despite the parents who make it harder for everyone.

Isn't amazing what some parents deem "permissible"?
I can cite one of my kindergarteners held over from first so really a 6 turning 7 discussing the transformation of Darth Vader from the 3rd Star Wars movie last year as an example (one of many). He described the fire scene at the end of the movie accurately enough that I knew he'd watched it. So sad.... definitely not appropriate for a first grader.

Anyways -happy weekend teachers!

[cherylopal]

I've been absent from the boards for the past few weeks because school started! It's my first year as a full-time teacher, and holy COW, am I logging a ton of hours.


You go girl! Congratulations and Good Luck!

The First year is the busiest! I made some changes in how I teach this year and I'm right with you getting up at 5 etc. I spend 6 hours in the room yesterday (sat) redoing the bookshelf. I do miss the ease of routine right now but that will come.

[cherylopal]

So... today was our first day of school. I know, crazy! I think about the districts that have been in for almost a month already, and it just seems nuts. But there it is.



Thanks for asking. I did get some rest this weekend and feel I can talk! Well, some rest. I went in yesterday to redo my bookshelf (I teach first grade) and all of a sudden it was 6 hours later- although I did feel as tired as I did Fri pm. My first day with the kiddos was 9/5. I think I have a great class this year- they get along so very nicely and that makes a big difference in how the year goes.

I have had several asperger kiddos. I can pm you later today- om me if you have any specific questions. I tutored one boy this summer that has aspergers- he started 4th grade and I taught him in first.

susan - i even have my own soap dispenser!

badunnin- sorry to hear you got sick already. bummer. and the noise- I hear you! I start right away teaching about quiet work voices, how we think and learn and remember better without the noise clutter and I have carpool as an example. it gets loud and then the kids can't hear their names being called- works as a very concrete example- they get it. don't know if that will work for you.

KGL- good for you. i used to be an OT but went back to a classroom teacher. love it except at parent conference time! good luck this year.

question for everyone we now have a resource teacher who is available in the mornings. the director would like her to be in the room more and pull out less. does anyone have experience with having a resource teacher? I am wondering how to have her have the most impact with kiddos. the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers are giving her a reading group but i don't want to do that. i want to teach reading to all the class and hope that she will help the ones needing extra help and challenge those that need a bit of extra challenge. She will be in the room every morning (mon-thur) for about 45 min. Thanks for any suggestions :)