Back to School Night 2015

It's been a crazy few weeks, getting back into a routine at school. With each new group, you need to reteach procedures, and sometimes implement new ones. This past Thursday we had our Back to School Night. I was nervous. I've met most of the parents before, but I was still nervous that I would mess up. I guess it will take me awhile before I don't get nervous.

This isn't a super helpful, or inspirational post. I am just excited that I get to do what I love every day...even when they are long days and even if the kiddos don't always listen.

Have a fantastic week!

-Megan

My Prezi ready to go for Back to School Night

First Day Nerves

The first day of a new school year is always nerve racking. Will the students like me? Will they listen to what I have to say? Will they work well together this year? Am I prepared to handle whatever comes my way? My internal monologue never shuts up. As I try to compose myself to go retrieve my new class, my heart beats what feels like  a million times a second.

Then, something magical happens...I see their faces, their smiles, their excitement, and suddenly all my worries just disappear. In that moment, I KNOW I was meant for this. I was meant to have this specific group of students, at this school, at this time in my life.

No matter what the roller coaster ride will bring this year, I KNOW that they are just as excited as I am for this year to begin. I, for one, can't wait to see what happens.

'Twas the Night Before School Starts

'Twas the night before the first day of school, when all through the house, every creature was stirring....including the computer mouse.


I know, it was a corny try, but I am starting my second year tomorrow. I am SUPER excited to see the kids. I keep thinking back and forth on whether or not it'll be a good year. This is what I've decided...

If I am not excited about the year, then THEY won't be excited about the year. I am doing my best to step up my game, and really make sure my students are as engaged as they can be.

My new motto for this year. I am going to Teach Like a Pirate this year.

Classroom Reveal 2015

I am entering my second year of teaching. I did a total room makeover with both the layout and the boards. I AM LOVING IT! Everything is so much brighter, and stands out against the pale blue walls.

This was taken on Monday, before the boards were truly "complete".

Also done on Monday. The top board is my "Scientific Method" board.

My Religious Board with Bible Verses.

Probably my favorite board. "Bee" a Reader! The students will track their 40 Book Challenge here.

Where we will write down our homework...and just PART of my massive classroom library.

I've moved my computer since last year, but this is my desk and computer area.

A better picture of the massive library.

My Reading, Science and Writing boards are done!

Our Writing Process Clothesline.

Slightly better picture of mailboxes, book shelf, and Scientific Method Board.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOARD!! Outside my classroom, this welcomes my students to the "Launchpad".

A better view. Loving Apollo 815 =)

My "Welcome" sign for 5-21.

Same inside the door as outside.

The posters above my closets, my closets (mostly organized), and the posters on the doors. One of the posters is a calendar of events and important dates.

Review: Maitland Simmons Summer Institute 2015

About a month ago, I was a scholar at the Maitland Simmons Summer Institute at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. From July 27 until July 31, I spent time with 20 other educators learning about the ocean, climate, and various ocean organisms. While my curriculum does not require a unit on marine science, it was still an amazing experience. We were able to connect the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to the various activities done during the week.

While there, we had the opportunity to take a boat ride. This was not just an enjoyable ride down the river, but one where we got to actively participate in trawling for various organisms. We did 6 trawls at three different sites. We also did a plankton trawl. We were then able to count, measure, and identify the various organisms. We also went seining. Seining is where you take a huge net and go out 80 feet from the shoreline, and gather organisms to count and measure. We did three different seins at various locations. It was a lot of fun.

The best part of any professional development, and especially this one, is the connections I make with the other participants. I am so blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful group. I am anxiously awaiting our reunion in October at the NJ Science Teacher Convention.


Click the link below for a video summarizing the events.
https://animoto.com/play/8i0G108kQtmMht7po1P6Vg

Year 1 Review

I haven't posted on my blog in over a year. I lost track of my Twitter chats, did not see my friends as much, and obsessively checked my email. What happened?!?!?!? I finished my first year of teaching!

It was an AMAZING year! While every year has its ups and downs, the first year of any teacher is always rough. I had to learn, not only who my students were and what they would need to succeed, but I also needed to learn a whole new curriculum, a new school, faculty, and procedures. It was rough.

I am so thankful for the teacher friends I have made at my school. They were so great and helpful during my first year. I am also so thankful that I started my journey at the school with a few other "new" teachers. We have formed a little family, and know that we can rely on each other for anything.

Even though this year was tough, I am super excited to be going back for my second year. =) Hopefully I will be able to blog more often.

-Meg

Classroom Set Up-part 1

It's that time of year again....setting up the classroom! This is my first official time setting up a classroom that is MINE!! YES! IT'S ALLLL MINE!! I finally got a permanent job. I'll be teaching 4th and 5th grade science along with 5th grade language arts to my homeroom students at a Catholic school near to home. I've been going in at least 2 times a week since the end of July to figure things out. The room I inherited has LOTS of things in it, so I've spent most of my time in the room trying to organize it, and see exactly what I have.  Here are just a few pictures from my set up. My video and more pictures will be up by the beginning of September when it is FINALLY done!