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!
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