Wednesday, August 17 9:05 AM
Welcome to my 29th year of teaching. First day. Envisioned my new classroom for at least 6 months prior to this date. Several conversations with my principal, coaches, self-talk, colleagues. I had it perfect in my mind. Open seating, no set desks, space for supplies, and tons of open floor space. Enter 27 students. I felt like a rookie. I had never taught a day in my life. I looked up from the carpet and wondered what had I done. So many things I never considered.
Thursday morning, 1:00 AM
What had I done? How do I learn their names when they don't have assigned seats? Even though we spent all day building community - I've made a mistake. My husband reminds me, "You've got this." I am reminded of the sweetest comment after I called MP the wrong name twice, "It's ok Mrs. Caplin, it's a lot easier for me I've known you since kindergarten and you didn't know it."
Thursday, August 18 7:05 AM
Couldn't sleep, Couldn't get to school soon enough. Turned on my Jimmy Buffet CD to remind me of summer. Took a deep breath. Sat down on the couch and looked around. Changes have to be made. Moved one table out. Moved three desks out. Moved "typical" chairs out. Stacked the nesting table. 27 students arrived - more space. Better job with names (two hours looking at their first day photos last night really helped). Built bridges with pennies had a tremendous Thursday.
Friday, August 19
Starbucks Friday! Class meeting. Students share about their week. "Love open seating." "Couch is the best." "Never had nesting tables." "It's not so crowded." "I've never had a class pet." "Thanks Mrs. Caplin." I guess I still got it.Thanks to Ruth Ayres for encouraging me to Celebrate. I sure couldn't have celebrated on Wednesday, but now I realize I had three days of growth.
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| Building bridges #happyfaces |
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| #happylearners choosing their own space |
Trying something new, argh, the worries that it won't work. I imagine you were exhausted, but you thought through it, made a few changes, and now you're celebrating that it's going to work! My classroom was often a jumble at the beginning, but it did smooth out, as it seems yours is already beginning to. Have a great weekend, Maria, getting ready for more!
ReplyDeleteIt's so reassuring when I read the comments. I always find support from my virtual friends. Thanks Linda I hope you have a great week also.
Deletemaria,
ReplyDeleteThis was SO ME last year! No assigned seats, not enough "traditional seats" for everyone and then 27 kids! Yikes! Was it the number of students, the lack of traditional seats, or me? Like you it all came together and we are learned together happily ever after~
Thanks friend! Just took me by surprise I guess. Had to process it and blogging always helps me with my reflection time.
DeleteLoved the comment from the student. Seating matters. Building relationships matters more. Your class will find solutions. You will find your flow. A happy new school year!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support! I am learning to listen and allow my students to find the solutions like you typed.
DeleteLove that l-shaped seating! Did you make that yourself? Your room looks fabulous and the kids look soo happy!
ReplyDeleteIt's off my parents porch super easy to make. It has doors for storage. Underneath the cushions are lego mats from when it was in the library for a few years.
DeleteThis new open seating idea has yet to make it this far south. I'm reading a few blogs about it, though, and I'm intrigued. It would probably work really well with my small groups. I'm glad you powered through what seems to be a positive change.
ReplyDeleteWhat would we do without "My husband reminds me, "You've got this." "
ReplyDelete(I hear these words, or ones like them, OFTEN!!!)
Especially when I REALLY need to hear those words!
DeleteYes, my friend, you've still got it...bravo, Mrs. Caplin - here comes another great school year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara - always appreciate the support and leaning along with you.
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