Back in the saddle again!

I officially started my new job as an English language specialist this last Monday and already I feel like I'm getting to know the kids pretty well. I already know who will be talking non-stop, who can't sit by eachother, who likes to hit, who likes to help, and so many other quirks it seems like it should take longer to pick up! I had a pretty good week for being the new girl in town. I took the time to introduce myself to many of the teachers, but haven't been able to remember too many names...there are like 50 I swear! I even think I may be coming in half an hour early and not realizing it?? I'm not sure, have to look into it next week I guess:)

Basically what my job entails is meeting with small groups of English language learners at various levels and providing further instruction to accompany what concepts are being learned in their home classrooms. I work with kindergarteners, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.

Here is kind of what a day looks like for me...I wake up at 5:50 a.m.-an unGodly hour made worse because it is pitch black outside, and I'm out the door by a quarter till seven! I'm low-maintenance lol, what can I say. I also may enjoy a stop to get coffee:) I get to work at around 7:10, check-in and head to our room to prep for the day. At 8:00, in strut my 5th graders-who are quickly becoming my favorites;p I work with them on writing for 45 min. At about 8:50, I am graced by the presence of my four 6th graders-let's just put it this way...I've already had to lay the smack down. At 9:30, 6th graders roll out and I have about ten minutes until I pick up my a.m. kindies-a very, very sweet and eager group of four! I work with them until 10:00 then have my prep time for an hour! Pretty awesome I know! I usually eat a snack around this time since I don't have a lunch. I see my 5th graders from 10:55-11:10-another short, but useful time to get things done. Are you keeping up?? I move around A LOT. At 11:15 I pick up my p.m. kindies-small group of six, but numbers don't hinder them AT ALL. After 20 minutes of managing (good thing I took about 10 courses on classroom management!) I have another little break until my final group of 4th graders at 11:55. This group has 11 kids, which may not sound like much, but keep in mind I'm teaching them in a mostly whisper voice using half of a classroom. My teaching partner, Katie, has the other side of the room and also has groups during part of this time. The are a busy, but intelligent group. I can already tell who my lazy kiddos are:) At 12:45 I'm off the clock for the day! Anyone tired yet?

The planning has not been too horrible yet. My 4th and 5th graders are basically working on the same writing program-a prep for state testing, and I teach both my kindy classes the same curriculum. I'm becoming quite the arTIST HAHA yeah right, my artwork stinks, but I do my best because visuals are so useful with English language learners. I think it is going to be an interesting rest of the year and I'm eager to see what's in store!