One Down, ??? to Go....

Well, today was the big day (notice the lower case--Big Day would be wedding, big day is first day of teaching my very own classroom full of real, live students). :)

But, before I get to that, I have to say WELCOME to the family friend formerly known as Kitsy (it really was so sweet of you to use that name in your comment so I'd be sure to know who you were)!!! :) I cannot tell you what a FUN surprise and BLESSING it was to see your comment. Many times I write on this blog thinking mostly just my family reads it, and I tell them pretty much everything in it when we talk on the phone. Of course, some other Knoxville families have let us know they keep up with it too, but it's extra fun now to know I'm writing for someone who wouldn't otherwise know what we're up to. :) I was also JUST telling Matt over Christmas that if we ever take a trip to D.C. (he'd like to go), we HAVE to stop and see your parents. God has blessed my family so much through your family, and I think we all smile--all the way to our hearts--when we think of you. I mean, I was obviously very little in Germany, but I know how much your family means to my family and the Lord in you all is undeniable. So, thank you for reading, Kay, and please continue to read and comment as you please. :) I'll try to get a "how we met and got engaged" entry up soon, too. :) We never tire of that story!

As for my first day.... it was good, but I'm also glad I never have to have a first day ever again! Sure, I'll have "first day of school" firsts, but not my first day of my own classroom. The kids were good, it's just exhausting to be that nervous and running on that much adrenaline all day. :) I was a little unsure about my planning--would it be too much, not enough, just right? I hit the nail on the head in everything but language arts--and I lost 30 min. of that block due to an astronomy presentation. I received several comments from neighboring teachers that they had never seen my class walk so quietly down the hallway--that was a huge blessing. :) I knew that was going to be a priority. Now we just need to apply that new-found quietness to IN the classroom. I think between having been on break for 2 weeks, one group of seating assignments that was totally a bust (they talked and nit-picked all day; they're not sitting together anymore, imagine that), and the former teacher's tendency to be a little lax about talking, I have a bit of retraining to do in that area. I've been brainstorming ideas in my head all day to address it. I don't mind giving them some work times during which they can ask a question of a neighboring student in a "whisper voice," or even a more relaxed activity during which they can chat at a quiet level. But I will NOT have talking while I'm talking. It's a learning issue and a respect issue. I'm sure you'll be reading in upcoming posts about the trials and tribulation of retraining a chatty class!

I really like how I have the classroom set up; it seems to be working well for me. I also entered my first set of grades into my very own grade book! That definitely felt like I was an "official" teacher. I think it will be a good semester, and I'm excited about getting things going more. At this point, finishing up a few units the previous teacher began, I'm kind of feeling around in the dark as to how well students really know the materials as I review for unit tests. I'll be so glad to start fresh and KNOW where they stand on everything. :)

My sweet husband came home at lunch and left a beautiful rose and a card for me. And we got two packages from my parents. And Matt's dad called to see how my day was, too. :) I am feeling very loved, and DEFINITELY prayed for--thank you SO much!

I need to go start dinner now, and I have several notes students left in my mailbox asking me questions and informing me about things the previous teacher did. I told them I'd reply to any non-anonymous note left, so I have some short & sweet replies to write also.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I had a great day, but I can't help being thankful tomorrow is halfway through the week--being as nervous as I was (I barely slept last night, and consequently kept Matt up with my tossing and turning) is tiring!!

So, today marks a new chapter in cute kid stories... stay tuned. :)

Love,
Becca