Monday, August 27, 2007

1st Day of School


I am back home after teaching my 6th first day of school. This day is fun for me. I love that the students are on their best behavior and that you get to set the tone. I know that some teachers get very nervous about this day and have trouble sleeping the night before. Not me. I don't understand why I don't get nervous, but I'm glad I do not.

My favorite part of the day is going over all of the students' names. I knew all of their names by the time they left class today, so that is good. I won't remember them tomorrow. Once my rosters are left alone, I will give them assigned seats and that will help me out tremendously! Since I teach 80-90% Hispanic kids, I really try hard to pronounce their names with the correct Spanish. For instance, Martin is "Marteen." I found out today that I had been mispronouncing Ruiz my entire life. At least this student said that it is pronounced "Reez." Unfortunately, there are some students that I will never get their last names correct. If I'm having trouble with their first name, they will usually give me a nickname I can call them. I really try hard not to get to that point. I told them today that their names are part of their identity, and I hate discovering in April that I have mispronounced their name for almost the whole year.

I only met my advisory class and 6th and 7th periods today. Tomorrow, I get to meet the rest. I have an awesome young lady that is my aide this year. So far, she has done more than I was expecting, so that is great! She is a hard worker and a people-pleaser...perfect for a teacher's aide!

I thought about all of the parents out there that took their child to school for the first time today. I hope you didn't cry too much! I can't imagine how it will be to take Audrey to her first day of school. How scary! Let me know how you handled your child's first day of school.

5 comments:

Heather said...

Glad you had a good first day...I thought about all of the teachers returning to the school room and learning a bunch of new names...hope the rest of the year goes just as well!

Lynn Leaming said...

Your kids will be so blessed to have you as a teacher! May the Lord just bless you as you are His presence to them! I also pray that He gives you the energy you need because of your pregnancy. Hopefully Audrey will enjoy these days of school as well!

Stephanie said...

Glad you had a good first day too! I hope you have a great year!

Shannon said...

I think the name part would be the hardest also!

Glad you had a good first day. I had a hard time choosing between teaching and nursing. I've always thought it would be fun to get the classroom ready and buy lots of school supplies:)

Catherine said...

I am sure you are such an encouragement to those kids!! I know the kids I got to meet loved you!! And look at you already thinking 5 to 6 years in advance. You funny girl, you!! :)