Sunday, August 17, 2008

Going to School

On Friday I spent a few hours at school. I got to see my teaching space for the first time. I'm in a room shared with two other teachers. The room is divided into three sections with folding walls so that three teachers can work in the room at the same time. I'll be teaching special ed and this is often the set up for a special ed room or resource room.

This is the view from my desk. The blue wall is the folding wall. And the wood door heads to the hallway.
This is the view from the hall way door into my room. The open doorway heads to an OT(occupational therapy) room. I'm hoping it isn't used as a pass through since that will be disruptive. In my little space I have two boxes of materials, a desk, computer, table, chairs, 2 filing cabinets-one is broken and a computer for a student. I'm planning to head back on Monday morning to add a little bit of personality and to bring in my own materials as I know I'll need them!!!!
The little fake window above my desk is going to be turned into a cork board and will have things that inspire me like family pictures, favorite things and a sign that says "Progress not perfection." To remind me that everyday I should make a little more progress but not to strive for perfection. It's a lesson I need to learn! Finding a balance between home and work will be my biggest challenge this year.
In the afternoon I'm teaching a preschool class that will be held in a different classroom. I haven't seen that space yet and haven't talked to the administrators or other preschool teacher about what that program will look like. Good thing I have some experience and can fly by the seat of my pants because I think that's what I'll be doing for the first little bit! Of course eventually it will all come together, it always does.
I start teacher workshops this Wednesday. Nature Girl is excited and can't wait for me to go to work so she can go play with her friends next door! That's not the reaction I expected but I'll take it!!! It seems I'm the last one who was ready for me to go back to work but here I go. Wish me luck!

9 comments:

jovaliquilts said...

I do wish you luck, but it's your planning, experience and good sense that are going to make this work! It's so hard to leave your kids for work when you first go back, but it can work well for everyone. You've given Nature Girl such a good foundation that she's excited to take the next step on her own!

Anonymous said...

Nature Girl will be fine....YOU'LL be the one who doesn't want to 'go to school!'

You ought to wear an apron each Friday or something.....the kids would love it.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Your new work area looks great - can't wait to see it after you have put your own stamp on the place! Hope the transition goes smoothly for you all - good luck!

Pattie said...

That room will be perfect, once you make it your own. You're going to do so well with the kids, Jill - both the special ed gang and your pre-schoolers. Your warmth and creativity will rock their worlds!

I'll be sending thoughts of success and happiness your way this week.

Beth said...

Good luck. I love your quote - Progress not perfection. It is something my daughter needs to learn. She is a perfectionist. I am going to try to gently enter that phrase into our lives...Have a great week.

Barb said...

Sending lots of good wishes your way. I can't wait to read about your new adventures.

Anonymous said...

Good luck! The beginning of the schoolyear is exciting. My 1st grader is nervous starting at a new school on Wednesday.

Craft Matters said...

All the best when you get going back at work - I am sure you are going to do a great job & it looks like a lovely environment. Nature Girl is going to do great of course, she'll miss you but I am sure she will have fun too.

jacquie said...

ooooh, good luck, good effort and all that! i'm a bit envious...i do miss having a classroom and students. have a ball!