Outlook Bright

School started on Wednesday.  We had three half days.

For the first time in a long time, I had no idea what to expect.  My new position as Intervention Coordinator means that I could teach any kid in the school.  My roster will always be changing.

This position came with a schedule revamp.  Our staff had a strong interest in not having kids pulled out of core subjects.  So, I’ll be pulling kids out of fitness or the computer lab during specials.  This specials time is when grade level teams collaborate.

Our computer lab wasn’t open the first week of school.  That meant each class in the school needed somewhere to go so the grade level teams could collaborate.

I had all 600+ kids in our school come to my room during those three days and I absolutely loved it.

As you may know, I’ve worked hard to have an amazing ocean themed room.  I enjoyed the oooos and aaaaahhhs as the classes entered.  I only had a half an hour with each class to introduce the math program they’ll use in the computer lab and to explain that when their teacher said they needed to go to “Surf Lessons” instead of going with the rest of their class to specials that meant working with me.  I was able to set a positive tone and I believe kids will be excited to come visit “the ocean room”.

I’ve been teaching at the school for over ten years.  I know all the 4th – 6th graders well and it was fun seeing all the little ones.  Amazingly, I knew so many of them because I’ve taught their siblings.  They were always so proud to tell me that I taught their siblings.  I think it made them feel cool. It was fun to tell some of them that I remembered when their mom was pregnant with them.  I told a little boy about how his brother, who is now in high school, was afraid to come into class on the first day of school.

I enjoyed feeling like a minor celebrity on campus and kids would excitedly wave at me when I’d walk by.  The joys of teaching every child.

Next week, my real week will start.  I’ll have all grade levels of small groups for about 45 minutes at a time.  Having the quick turn around this week was great because those strong loud personalities that grate at you by the end of the school day are actually some of my favorites in small doses.

I’m looking forward to this year.

Whether you’ve started or you are getting ready to (or you are on the other side of the world having winter), its time for the big Back to School Sale at TPT.

This is a perfect time to stock up!  Everything in my store will be 20% from Sunday-Wednesday.  On Sunday and Monday you can use the promo code BTS13 to save an additional 8%.

This is a great time to get some of those wish list items.  Bundles are a great deal at this time.  All of my bundles are already 20-25% off everyday, with 28% after that, you’ll get a great deal.  The big sale only happens a few times a year.

Here are a few of my store categories :

Super Surfer Multiplication

Fraction Task Cards

Frames to Layer