Friday, May 10, 2013

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Teaching the Old Dog New Tricks


Today, I did something I rarely do........I took the day off.   It's a Teacher Appreciation gift to myself!  I got up, gave my son a ride to school, had a cup of coffee, did a little laundry, got sleepy and took a nap.  I so needed this change of pace.

Our school's Teacher Appreciation Week was so awesome.  Our school is blessed with a PTO extraordinaire.  We had a week full of praise and pampering. The best part is all the handmade cards and letters from the kids.  To me, that's what it is all about.   It was a wonderful week and I surely do feel appreciated. 

To change the subject, "change" is coming my way.  Over the past five years, every year has brought some sort of change and next year will be no different.  My beloved teaching partner is moving on (boo hoo!).  As a result, I will be teaching a self-contained third grade classroom next year.  I currently teach math, science, and social studies.  Language arts will be new to me, but I work on a terrific team that will support me through it

Have you ever taught in a self-contained classroom?  I would appreciate anything you can share with me that will help me get started on the right foot.  

It's time to teach the old dog new tricks! 

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11 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day off! It was the perfect day for napping!

    You will do a great job with self-contained!

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    1. Thank you for the vote of confidence! You are such a good friend!

      Diane

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  2. Diane - You will be an awesome self-contained teacher! The best part is the kids are ALL yours and your day is more flexible! I'd do it again if it didn't mean 3 STAAR tests to stress about, instead of just 2.

    Kristin

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    Replies
    1. Hello my friend! Thanks for the words of encouragement! There is a bill in the TX Senate (already passed the House 142-0) to eliminate the 4th and 7th grade writing tests and to eliminate the 4 hour time limit in the elementary grades. Hoping it will pass the Senate, too!
      Let's do lunch soon!

      Diane

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  3. I have!!! I LOVED it!! You really get to know the kids inside and out, form more meaningful relationships with parents because you have fewer kids, and you have a little more flexibility with your schedule! Of course, it's more prep, but I think it's worth it!! You will love it!!

    Kelly
    Koonce’s Korner

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  4. How funny! I took today off too and spent time napping...probably too much sugar this week for Teacher Appreciation Week!

    I teach self-contained and love it. It's true that you get to know the kids better and it is easier to integrate your content areas.

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Jennifer! I may need to ask you some advice in the future! I shouldn't have taken that nap because now I can't fall asleep!

      Diane

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  5. Sometimes just a little nap is all we need to make it until the end of the year!!! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week :))

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    1. It was raining here so it was a heavenly snooze!

      Diane

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  6. I have taught both blocked (in 3rd grade, the good ol' TAKS days) and self-contained (in K and 1st), and I agree with everyone who said flexibility and building relationships are the perks. Focus on those two positives and lean on your friends when you need some lang. arts tips and you'll be good to go!
    Karli :)
    Creating a Thoughtful Classroom

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  7. I haven't taught in a self contained classroom in quite some time, but occasionally I think it might be nice to do it again so that I could really work on integration. There are so many cool ways to build units across the curriculum that it might be fun. :) Good luck.
    Brandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners

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