RELAX, relax, relax

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Home : 2002 : January : 13

RELAX, relax, relax
By Cathy-Dee

YOU ARE GOING TO DO FINE!

Ok, now that I've said that....

Don't worry, things will fall into place after the first few days. It sounds like the school had to get this done quickly so they are not as prepared for a new
teacher either and they'll be understanding. Your NEW students will know most of the routines and I'm sure once you arrive to school you can get the basics - time tables, etc., at that time or once the other grade 1 teacher arrives.
I would ask her for her year plans, time table for now so that you can at least get started on how the day goes. Plan to do a lot of reading, writing and

math this first week and don't worry about science or social studies until you have time to look at them.

Find out where supplies are kept, where you can get things like math manipulatives, and other center type items. Don't worry about asking questions, that's how you'll figure things out quicker.

You'll have fun and by Friday I'm sure you'll feel better about the whole set-up, where you are going, etc.,

Tomorrow will be your hardest day

- it will be like the first day of school for your students as well - new teacher and all
- reverse things a bit from the beginning of the year
- start your morning with an introduction time. Have each student share their favorite colour, TV Show, food, toy, subject in school - you could work this into a graphing session as well. Tonight if you have paper at home - make up some large graphs - then fill them in at school together.
- tell them about you
- have them take you on a tour of the school
- read several stories to them
- have them read as partners and walk around listening to them - you'll begin to get an idea of how they are doing with their reading
- if the weather is nice - go outside to play for a short while
- sing some songs
- spend 20 minutes brainstorming with them - ask them what they have learned before Christmas - write down everything they say - this will help you see better what they have covered. It's amazing once they get started how much they'll remember.
- do an art activity - have them draw a winter picture for example - easy to plan for.
- do some math

the day will go by quickly and then you will have a better idea of where to go next.

- as far as the classroom - if there's not a lot in the school here's some ideas of things you can find to add to the room that shouldn't cost a lot either.

- buttons
- beads
- film canisters - just go to Wal-Mart and ask for empty canisters - they usually just throw them away
- large boxes - they can make houses out of them
- fasteners from bread - check out the grocery store
- trays for meat - nice for painting, glue
- popsicle sticks
- puzzles - Walmart often has ones at good prices - 80 to 100 pieces are good for Grade 1 students especially if they can work on the puzzle for a few days. Ones with less pieces are good as well.
- checkers
- dominos

In the next month or so, watch for garage sales,
you can find
- books, games, puzzles, fabric,

Good luck with your new job and enjoy your class!

Feel free to email me if you have more questions.