Year Two In the Books!

Friday was the last day of school. Year 2 is in the books and over. Technically, I have been working in schools for 4 years (2 years at my first school and 2 years where I am now). However, I was simply a "TA" at my other school. At my current school, I'm split as a teacher and a TA because of the situation with our enrollment size but HOPEFULLY I will be full time soon...somewhere. Over the rainbow. Just kidding. (I love where I am so I want to be full time there!)

Now that the second year is over, I have been thinking this weekend about things about this year compared to last year. And what better way to represent my thoughts than some teacher memes!

One thing I have to say is I felt more organized this year. Sure, I redid all my power points from last year but I *actually* typed up my lesson plans this year as opposed to last year....when I only did it when I was observed. HA! So bad. I actually created a binder and sectioned it off by quarters with dividers. Then I wrote what topics I covered each quarter, how they were assessed, etc. Not everything I have in my binder is what I used but I am constantly trying to find new ways to keep my students engaged.

These memes/pictures also represent my thoughts:

 How is it possible that the kids CONSTANTLY LOOSE PENCILS? I swear, I have to tell kids in sixth grade to put the pencil away before they walk out of the room, simply so they don't lose it. I always buy the ones from the $ spot at Target or 97 cent ones from walmart. They're in a cup on my desk and if they need one, they get it. For 2 weeks, I had a kid take a pencil every single day ebcause he simply lost it. Emailing his mother to tell her he needed pencils worked.

Because I *love* repeating myself...said no teacher ever. My favorite is especially when I have said it, repeated it, it's on the paper in front of them, on the Smart Board and they STILL ASK WHAT TO DO. Not rocket science!

I get that in 6th grade, they are getting used to having multiple teachers after having 1 teacher all day for their subjects. However, if you can't write your name on the paper, why should I not take points off? I did that a few times and it actually works! 

I am one that believes homework is good reinforcement, especially when learning a language. Do I give homework almost every class? Yes! They have it every other day so sometimes they have up to four days to complete an assignment. It's on the front of the Power Point, listed on my website, and they see it on the slideshow when I share it with them. So it annoys me when they are like "we had homework." However, I am fair. I let them make it up for half credit. I have even done it towards the end of the credit because my philosophy was "Half credit is better than no credit." Ugh, maybe next year's group will learn.

If I wanted you to do it in English instead of French or Spanish, it would say! Try it in German next time. ;)

Ahh, one of my biggest pet peeves. Sometimes the kids wait for a signal from me to sharpen it but then there are those few that just don't. I wish they made pencil sharpeners that were silent. #agirlcandream

My class this year, for some reason, ALWAYS had to go somewhere before the bell rang. Many of them have lunch beforehand (beauty of knowing their schedules) and either had to go to their locker, get a drink, put their lunch away, etc. After awhile, I made it a rule "if you're not in your seat by the time the bell rings, you are late." They learned real fast, haha!

 

I love when they do this....especially when you get observed. 

This is ALWAYS my biggest pet peeve. Mainly because the boys bathroom is at the other end of the hall. 

Considering in 6th grade the language classes are every other day, they have at least 2 nights to do homework. Sometimes 4. So my biggest pet peeve is when they don't have it done, considering its not super difficult homework. The past 2 years I was pretty lenient with homework, even letting them make it up until the end of the quarter for half credit. Next year, that has to change. 

I honestly could go on and on about this. In the two years that I have had my own class(es) while still functioning as a part time TA (while keeping my fingers crossed that I will *eventually* have a full fledged teaching schedule), I have learned so much about myself. I have become more organized. I know I am making my class enjoyable after the end of the year survey I got back from my kids. I have learned what works and what does not...yet understand each class can be different. Despite some days wanting to rip my hair out of my head, I truly enjoy what I do. And as I have the summer to enjoy and recharge, I have these as reminders that I know teaching was the right job for me: