First of all, apologies for the lack of posting this week. It has been one of the toughest weeks I've ever had as a teacher. Moving to a new school is always challenging; getting used to a new staff, a new school routine, a new building, a new route to school, usually a new class level, and new children and parents. But this week, I had some personal stuff going on too, and me, being a natural worrier, found myself quite anxious and uptight, and low and behold, woke up Wednesday morning feeling like death!! I never EVER count down the days to the weekend, but I could not wait for 2.40 on Friday! Straight to the chemist and stocked up (Thanks to the lovely girl in Lloyds Pharmacy on the Crumlin Road for giving me a hand) and slept for about 15 hours. Woke up this morning like a new woman :)
So the week started really well - Croke Park hours on Monday. I got to meet all of the staff in my school - who are a fabulous bunch! Got some more time to sort my classroom and my school supplies and felt like I was ready to rock Tuesday morning. Here's a picture of my library set up and some of my classroom - My phone decided to die earlier in the week so most of my pictures are on that and can't get them - so apologies for that!
Tuesday went really well. I was wrecked tired and so were the kiddies! They finished at twelve and this meant got some planning time with the other class teachers, which was great :) I spent a lot of time on Tuesday and Wednesday teaching the children their routines (lining up, going to the toilet, classroom management, behaviour, etc) and I feel that this time was really important, as it will hopefully make things run really smoothly and this year.
We did lots of revision of Maths and Phonics this week to refresh their memories, we sang some songs and nursery rhymes, we revised our colours and numbers, we practiced handwriting and cutting and we had lots of structured activity time, particularly when the little ones were tired (and their teacher too!) So overall, a great week - the children seem to really understand the behaviour system I have in place. I am being consistent with my rewards and my sanctions. I am keeping the day very routine so that the children feel safe and secure in the classroom. And most of all, the children are happy - which is the most important thing. I was so glad when I asked on Friday did they have a good week, and what they most enjoyed. Each child said something different and they all said they had a great week - which was lovely to hear. They told me they couldn't wait for school on Monday - how sweet!
Our job is so challenging, we have such responsibility, we bring our work home on a daily basis (if not physically, then mentally) and we are constantly being asked to do more. But we do it because we love it - we love the sense of pride when a child achieves something they've worked hard for, we love to see their faces light up when you praise them for something, we love to see smiles on children's faces, we love to see them happy and safe.
So while I was counting down the days til Friday this week, it certainly isn't the case for me most weeks. I love my job, anybody who knows me knows that! I had a tough and stressful week, with lots of physical and mental challenges, but I woke this morning with a bright and positive attitude. It may not always be easy, but I promise you, it will be worth it! :) Really looking forward to week two!