Weeks 9 & 10

I'm sorry I didn't blog after my P/T conferences. I think by the time they were over I was so ready for October break that I didn't even want to think about school.

P/T conferences went really well and as I sat there listening to the moms in my class tell me their whole life story I created a new sense of patience for my students. I couldn't believe how much the parents of my students were willing to tell me and although you may think I was annoyed, I was the exact opposite. It all made sense. I was given an insight on to how my students lives were and I actually felt like I could provide a sense of regularity to what seemed like their crazy lives. My hope was that I wouldn't forget the way I felt after the conferences and that I would remember the things the parents shared with me so that I would be more sensitive to my students.

The week off flew by and I couldn't believe that I had to go to school monday morning. I was completely exhausted when I woke up but I realized I had to fight through it because I had twenty children counting on me to provide support for them. Monday and Tuesday flew by like a charm. They were quiet and worked their butts off. I finally felt like I was getting through to them.

Wednesday was a little crazier, however, our classroom schedule was completely thrown off so I know that made my students different then they had been the two previous days. Thursday came around and again they were quiet and worked very hard. Friday was the same way! I finally feel like they get it. Like they know what I expect of them. I am determined to keep my expectations high as I plan on making a difference in my students lives.

After school friday I decided to completely rearrange my classroom and boy oh boy what a disaster it became. I was pressed for time because I wanted to get out of my school before it was dark, however, that didn't happen. I think my room is semi-prepared for this coming week but we will see. Juan came into my room to give me some guidance and he made me realize something. He made me realize that my classroom is for my kids and the least amount of space my stuff takes up the better. So I have condensed my space dramatically and have given my students a few more feet of work room.

Anyway, I'll let you know how the work in progress is coming along this week. Until then...