Today was another milestone in my transition from fourth to first grade: the first day of summer. Finally I could get down to the serious business of clearing out without explaining to the kids why I was separating materials and labeling them with a different room number. I could not just get the room packed up for summer cleaning, but organized for myself and the incoming fourth grade teacher.
I
brought my husband to help me. I had talked with the teacher who was
taking over my classroom about leaving the furniture and student
materials, but I still had all my paperwork and my own organizational
materials to go through. Luckily I have my files folders clearly labeled (other than a hefty "misc" pile to resort when copying piles up on me). But I also wanted to clearly label each subject area since we were moving our own filing cabinets to our new rooms.
My husband took down the bulletin board fabrics and
trim that would go in my new classroom and covered all the shelves to protect them from the cleaning solution/wax. It was a lot of work, but we made good time. I'd be taking tomorrow (Friday) to go to my mom's instead of working. Not only do I have to get my classrooms organized this summer; my in laws are coming from overseas for two weeks in July! I have my own home to organize (so limited space for storing old fourth grade materials) as well as my mom's. She has more room so they're staying with her, and I offered to help paint to spruce up the upstairs where they'll be staying.
It was painful to say goodbye to my fourth grade teammate on Thursday.
He told me he won't be in this summer so it felt very official. I
realized that it was probably the last time I'd see anyone from upstairs
again as "one of them." It seems like the time has come to let go of
fourth grade, enjoy some summer time, and then start learning about how
to teach first grade.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
My Last Day in Fourth Grade
Today was the last day of school. For weeks I thought for sure I would cry today. My last day as a fourth grade teacher. After nearly a decade of teaching fourth grade at this school. Not to mention the connection I always feel toward the kids. You readers know what I mean; those kids who others consider challenging but you've figured out what makes them tick. They're always so hard to say goodbye to. And for the first time since I've been at this school, I won't be seeing much of them next year. I won't have recess and lunch duty with them. I won't see them in passing upstairs in the hallway. I thought for sure I would get emotional.
The kids had been so much help packing and cleaning on Tuesday, they were kinder to each other than they had been earlier this month despite the heat. For the first half hour of school they enjoyed reminiscing as they created their portfolio/memory books and "Remember When" slips. After that we were given time to work in our rooms as all the kids in the school went to watch a movie in the cafeteria, (supervised by non-homeroom teachers) and the little time we did have together at the end of the half day, they just wanted to play. We played an extra long, slightly wild version of mumball. One girl did say at one point, "Wait, aren't we all going to like, say goodbye and cry and stuff?" I smiled and told her, "If you want to we can. Anyone who wants to go cry with 'Shelly' can go over to that side of the room." A couple of her friends joined her, but of course they didn't cry; they chatted happily and that was fine too.
I felt at peace as I walked the kids out. I never told them they were my last fourth grade class. It wasn't for them to know; if anyone should be told, the incoming first and fourth grades should know that they would be having a different teacher. There was no reason to break the news to this group of kids. They deserved to have a normal last day of school with their own normal mixed emotions. And they got that so I felt calm. Less happy than usual, knowing the work ahead of me this summer, but less sad too. I had already grieved and in my head started the process of moving on. I held my head high at the staff party after school.
Although in my heart I was not feeling celebratory.
The kids had been so much help packing and cleaning on Tuesday, they were kinder to each other than they had been earlier this month despite the heat. For the first half hour of school they enjoyed reminiscing as they created their portfolio/memory books and "Remember When" slips. After that we were given time to work in our rooms as all the kids in the school went to watch a movie in the cafeteria, (supervised by non-homeroom teachers) and the little time we did have together at the end of the half day, they just wanted to play. We played an extra long, slightly wild version of mumball. One girl did say at one point, "Wait, aren't we all going to like, say goodbye and cry and stuff?" I smiled and told her, "If you want to we can. Anyone who wants to go cry with 'Shelly' can go over to that side of the room." A couple of her friends joined her, but of course they didn't cry; they chatted happily and that was fine too.
I felt at peace as I walked the kids out. I never told them they were my last fourth grade class. It wasn't for them to know; if anyone should be told, the incoming first and fourth grades should know that they would be having a different teacher. There was no reason to break the news to this group of kids. They deserved to have a normal last day of school with their own normal mixed emotions. And they got that so I felt calm. Less happy than usual, knowing the work ahead of me this summer, but less sad too. I had already grieved and in my head started the process of moving on. I held my head high at the staff party after school.
Although in my heart I was not feeling celebratory.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Managing the Old Stuff and the New Stuff
One of the first things I needed to settle once it sunk in that this
move from fourth grade teacher to first grade teacher was really happening was to talk to the teacher I was switching
with regarding "all the stuff."
Most of our furniture would remain in its respective rooms. Obviously the desks and chairs were sized for different sized kids. Our teacher desks, metal cabinets, and bookshelves are interchangeable enough, so they could be left. All the grown up supplies such as tape, staples, Post Its and so on would stay in the respective desks. No sense making more work moving around generic materials.
What I didn't want to leave was my file cabinet, which I spent hours spray-painting and cleaning up after last year. I acknowledged it was selfish of me to ask her to clear out her old filing cabinet to be moved upstairs, as well as to ask the custodians to move them for me. But I felt like I had to make my own silver lining and it wasn't really hurting anyone. The classroom decor (bulletin board fabrics and trim, letters, table numbers, and so on) were also items I spent time and money on that I felt the right to keep. Design is down to personal preference, after all so I felt like maybe she would feel just as good keeping her own (though she didn't say so when I mentioned it...oops?).
The student organizational materials were harder for me to let go of. Part of me felt like I had spent a lot of money to make all my bins uniform only just last year, and a lot of time printing new labels for them. On the other hand, they were full of fourth grade items. I wouldn't want her to dump her items whereever in order to take her bins. No, I had to bite the bullet in order to maintain a good working relationship. Goodbye new bins, we had a glorious 10 months together.
I also let her know I was leaving all the papers and games and anchor charts that I made. What else was I going to do with those? They're not applicable to first. I told her that since I was taking my file cabinet I would lay them all out in neat piles on the windowsill shelves and label them all.
I told her that we should "tour each other's room" before the end of the year so that we could get a good sense of the furniture layout. Of course we'd decide if we wanted to change things, (we would draw "classroom maps" for our new rooms for the custodians) but it's helpful to see what works first as opposed to starting from scratch.
Most of our furniture would remain in its respective rooms. Obviously the desks and chairs were sized for different sized kids. Our teacher desks, metal cabinets, and bookshelves are interchangeable enough, so they could be left. All the grown up supplies such as tape, staples, Post Its and so on would stay in the respective desks. No sense making more work moving around generic materials.
What I didn't want to leave was my file cabinet, which I spent hours spray-painting and cleaning up after last year. I acknowledged it was selfish of me to ask her to clear out her old filing cabinet to be moved upstairs, as well as to ask the custodians to move them for me. But I felt like I had to make my own silver lining and it wasn't really hurting anyone. The classroom decor (bulletin board fabrics and trim, letters, table numbers, and so on) were also items I spent time and money on that I felt the right to keep. Design is down to personal preference, after all so I felt like maybe she would feel just as good keeping her own (though she didn't say so when I mentioned it...oops?).
The student organizational materials were harder for me to let go of. Part of me felt like I had spent a lot of money to make all my bins uniform only just last year, and a lot of time printing new labels for them. On the other hand, they were full of fourth grade items. I wouldn't want her to dump her items whereever in order to take her bins. No, I had to bite the bullet in order to maintain a good working relationship. Goodbye new bins, we had a glorious 10 months together.
I also let her know I was leaving all the papers and games and anchor charts that I made. What else was I going to do with those? They're not applicable to first. I told her that since I was taking my file cabinet I would lay them all out in neat piles on the windowsill shelves and label them all.
I told her that we should "tour each other's room" before the end of the year so that we could get a good sense of the furniture layout. Of course we'd decide if we wanted to change things, (we would draw "classroom maps" for our new rooms for the custodians) but it's helpful to see what works first as opposed to starting from scratch.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Transitioning to do List
I love lists.
When I'm overwhelmed, writing out a to do list helps me get all the noise out of my head. I can focus on one manageable thing at a time without worry of forgetting the other stuff. So of course when I found out I'd be moving from fourth to first grade, I started a to do list. Well, really it's more of a to do packet.
Here are the sections:
And then of course I added in:
When I'm overwhelmed, writing out a to do list helps me get all the noise out of my head. I can focus on one manageable thing at a time without worry of forgetting the other stuff. So of course when I found out I'd be moving from fourth to first grade, I started a to do list. Well, really it's more of a to do packet.
Here are the sections:
- Decor ideas
- Current materials (large items such as furniture) I own
- Current materials I'm "inheriting"
- Questions for kindergarten teachers
- Questions for first grade teachers
- Items to make
- Materials to purchase (unless I find I've inherited them)
- Materials to organize
- Themes (to add to Pinterest and create physical folders for)
- Online tasks
- Prep for first day/week
- Classroom map
And then of course I added in:
- Class roster (annotated with notes thanks to the kindergarten teachers)
- Curricula (3 page overviews for each subject)
Introductions: Moving From Fourth to First
Hi Everyone,
Although this is a new blog, I'm not new to the blogging world. I've been blogging in one form or another for over ten years. This blog is dedicated to my first grade classroom, which I will be starting in September. However, I'm not new to teaching either. For 4 years I've taught third grade, and for the past 8 years I've taught fourth grade. I love teaching this age, and I have a successful blog and Teachers Pay Teachers store all built to help other upper elementary teachers. Now, I feel as though I'm starting over and it's scary.
I know I'm not the first teacher to be reassigned to a new grade. And I was moved for the "right reasons;" my administrator needed a strong, veteran teacher at that grade level. And I'm looking forward to working with my new grade level partner (even though I enjoy working with my current partner too). But this move still came as a devestating blow to me when I found out 5 weeks ago.
Now that some time has passed and I've been built up again by my husband and colleagues, I've had time to process, and I'm bringing my final year in fourth grade to a close, I feel like it's time to try out this new role, and start calling myself a first grade teacher.
And yet, I'm just not comfortable changing everything (classroom materials, blog, or TPT store) over. I'm not totally ready to shut the door on my former identity as a fourth grade teacher. I don't want to confuse my readership or start posting things there that just aren't applicable to them. So just as I've agreed to leave nearly all my fourth grade materials in my old classroom and start from scratch in my new classroom, I've created this new identity, new blog, and new TPT store. I'm not sure if and when I'll be ready to create first grade products for TPT. I feel like I have more to learn than to offer right now. I really just want to use this identity to start following/commenting on other first grade blogs. I'll probably be buying more first grade products as opposed to making products to sell for some time to come.
On the other hand, I have realized that maybe I DO have something to offer in the way of blog writing. Although I may not be creating, I will be trying out products, so I can certainly write product reviews. I am looking forward to decorating my new room to be similar to my old classroom, but with a younger feel. And who doesn't love classroom makeover photos? And most importantly, I've realized, by way of the TPT seller's forum, that I'm not alone when it comes to being forced to transition. I'm sure next year other teachers will be in this situation too. So by writing about my experience, I hope I can help others get through it.
So my plan is to stay positive, but "real." I know I have a lot to learn, and I'll probably make mistakes along the way. But if you're changing grades, read on. I'll let you know how I manage and give you advice on what to do, and what not to do.
Although part of me is still clinging to the idea that I could request a move back to upper elementary in the future, (even if it means transferring to another school in the district) I am really hoping I can make this transition work, and that I find things about this grade level that I love. As you all know, teaching isn't just a job; it's part of your identity. You invest so much time, thought, research, and money into your class and I'm planning on doing more of that this coming year than I have in a long time since this year will be so new for me. So even though I'm not convinced that I'll spend the rest of my career in first grade, wouldn't it be sweet if I found out that I love the littles even more than preparing for MCAS? (Hah!) Here's hoping!
Although this is a new blog, I'm not new to the blogging world. I've been blogging in one form or another for over ten years. This blog is dedicated to my first grade classroom, which I will be starting in September. However, I'm not new to teaching either. For 4 years I've taught third grade, and for the past 8 years I've taught fourth grade. I love teaching this age, and I have a successful blog and Teachers Pay Teachers store all built to help other upper elementary teachers. Now, I feel as though I'm starting over and it's scary.
I know I'm not the first teacher to be reassigned to a new grade. And I was moved for the "right reasons;" my administrator needed a strong, veteran teacher at that grade level. And I'm looking forward to working with my new grade level partner (even though I enjoy working with my current partner too). But this move still came as a devestating blow to me when I found out 5 weeks ago.
Now that some time has passed and I've been built up again by my husband and colleagues, I've had time to process, and I'm bringing my final year in fourth grade to a close, I feel like it's time to try out this new role, and start calling myself a first grade teacher.
And yet, I'm just not comfortable changing everything (classroom materials, blog, or TPT store) over. I'm not totally ready to shut the door on my former identity as a fourth grade teacher. I don't want to confuse my readership or start posting things there that just aren't applicable to them. So just as I've agreed to leave nearly all my fourth grade materials in my old classroom and start from scratch in my new classroom, I've created this new identity, new blog, and new TPT store. I'm not sure if and when I'll be ready to create first grade products for TPT. I feel like I have more to learn than to offer right now. I really just want to use this identity to start following/commenting on other first grade blogs. I'll probably be buying more first grade products as opposed to making products to sell for some time to come.
On the other hand, I have realized that maybe I DO have something to offer in the way of blog writing. Although I may not be creating, I will be trying out products, so I can certainly write product reviews. I am looking forward to decorating my new room to be similar to my old classroom, but with a younger feel. And who doesn't love classroom makeover photos? And most importantly, I've realized, by way of the TPT seller's forum, that I'm not alone when it comes to being forced to transition. I'm sure next year other teachers will be in this situation too. So by writing about my experience, I hope I can help others get through it.
So my plan is to stay positive, but "real." I know I have a lot to learn, and I'll probably make mistakes along the way. But if you're changing grades, read on. I'll let you know how I manage and give you advice on what to do, and what not to do.
Although part of me is still clinging to the idea that I could request a move back to upper elementary in the future, (even if it means transferring to another school in the district) I am really hoping I can make this transition work, and that I find things about this grade level that I love. As you all know, teaching isn't just a job; it's part of your identity. You invest so much time, thought, research, and money into your class and I'm planning on doing more of that this coming year than I have in a long time since this year will be so new for me. So even though I'm not convinced that I'll spend the rest of my career in first grade, wouldn't it be sweet if I found out that I love the littles even more than preparing for MCAS? (Hah!) Here's hoping!
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