It's so hard to believe I've been in school a month. I keep pinching myself to see if I'm dreaming but I guess I'm not. I love the beginning of a new year for a lot of reasons.
I redid a lot of my class (again...I know) and have pictures to share but, alas, the camera is at school. I promise I will get them posted before the end of the year. HA!
My permanent Promethean board was installed before school began and da da, da da, da...i'm lovin' it! There's another reason this blog has been neglected. I spend a great deal of time trying to find flipcharts to go with every lesson I do. And let me tell you, that a whole bunch of flipcharts that are free on Promethean Planet leave a LOT to be desired. I haven't paid money for any yet because they are ex.pen.sive! I'm afraid I'll spend a gazillion dollars (almost) and it will be the same crapola as many of the free ones. Anyone bought anything that can vouch for their worthiness? Or do you know of another great resource for flipcharts?
My class is wonderful. I've got 18 students with another possible on the way this week. (I'll get into that in a few.) I'm Whole Brain Teaching them to death! I love it and they seem to, too. I'm going to enjoy it while I can since the class coming up next year is incredibly exhausting.
I have an adorable little guy who had a brain tumor as an infant and requires a lot of special help because of it. Unfortunately we only have a special ed teacher for him for about 20-30 minutes a day. Remember I'm at a private school. Frankly, it isn't enough and I am left to do the rest on my own. The other kids end up helping a lot. Anyone else have that problem?
So now I'm supposed to get a new student who is coming from the public school because the parents are unhappy because their child is a "genius" but not getting anything extra. This means I'll have the largest class in second grade and an extremely special need student, a high maintenance parent and a "genius". Is that fair?
Do you ever feel like you get penalized because you're an effective/good teacher?
Okay, onto the freebie.
I had to make over the "number squeeze" game to fit my theme. I also wanted it to go up to 120 instead of 100. It includes math talk cards. You can grab it by clicking on the preview below.
Leave me a comment if you have any advice or answers to my questions.
1. Are the Promethean Planet "for sale" flipcharts worth it?
2. Where else do you find good flipcharts?
3. Do you get stuck doing your "own thing" with special needs students?
4. Do you ever feel like you get penalized because you are good at what you do?
Love the freebie! Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry you have a lot on your plate with your students. I had a very high maintenance parent last year who was never happy with what I did. It didn't end well as I just couldn't please her. I hope your new kiddo does well in your class. I don't have much advice, but I wonder if the parents aren't happy with public schools b/c their child is a "genius", then will be happy anywhere. That's what happened with my parent from last year. She wasn't going to be happy at any school or with any teacher. Just do your best and I hope he does well with you.
I would ask the Sped teacher for some ideas with your other little guy but if that's not possible then I'd say do what you feel is best for him and his learning. It's so hard when students can't get the services they need.
I do more modifications in my room for kiddos, so it seems I get those kiddos more, but sometimes we have to split them up when we have so many. I just know I have gotten a few in the past b/c I'm more likely to provide modifications for them. Not sure if I was any help....I feel for you. Do your best and look for those positives. Those kids will have a great year b/c of you.
I love the freebie. Printing it right now!! I too would ask the Special Ed teacher. It's so hard to have so many challenges in a classroom.
ReplyDeleteஐRikki
The Hive
Ditto Tiggeriffic...'genius' is usually code for trouble ahead. I had a sixth grader who 'wasn't being challenged'...but my argument was he wasn't doing the work! If he did anything, I might be able to concur...but when he produced nothing it was difficult to agree with the parents' assessment.
ReplyDeleteI am at a private school, too, and 20 is on our low side! And, yeah, I get more than my fair share of challenges because admin. says, "We know you can handle them!" (Well, I can...but seems it would be better for my sanity if I couldn't!)
Good luck and focus on the positive!
PS: Forgot to say, we play this game, too...but with a boring old 100s chart...until now! This is great!
DeleteI have been totally neglecting too! I think it is just the time of year and for me school! I am completing my masters this semester, which means my practicum!! Ugh! It is completely wiping me out! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHi Erika - I hear ya on that...but it can always be worse..Think of little ol me that has had 17-20 students for 16 years and now has gone up to 30 in So. Cal...UGH! Talk about whole brain teaching them to death. LOL You are a great teacher and you will do a fantastic job. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteVicky
Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After
Wow - sounds like your year is starting out just like mine. I hope you have a better October. If you're interested, click on my link below to see my post about my day last week.
ReplyDeletehttp://savvyteachingtips.blogspot.ca/2012/09/fall-tree-silhouettes.html
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone! Luckily it is a wonderful group of kids. I hate complaining because there is always someone who's got it worse but sometimes you just need to vent. Thanks for allowing me to do that.
ReplyDelete