Being a 1st Grade Teacher
Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 
11:15 am ()
So, it is official - I am a first grade teacher. Thank God the school week was only three days this week. Three days was an eternity! 
I don’t even really know where to start! I have 21 students enrolled in my class. Two were new students that showed up the first day. School supplies were everywhere. Transportation was crazy. I’d had bus duty. I’ve only had half of my planning time two of the three days. I only eat yogurt for lunch (the first day I didn’t even eat anything for lunch). Some kids I thought would be behavior problems aren’t, and kids I thought would be fine have behavior issues. My special education student is hardly ever in my room. Doing arts and crafts with first graders is insane. My kids are basically still kindergartners right now. Many don’t know all of their letters, sounds, numbers, etc. It’s going to be a challenging year (especially having to do my internship over again), but I am excited about it all and I know it will get better as each day goes by. I feel a lot more organized this time around. I have more support. I actually spend my lunch time with other teachers and enjoy myself. It could definitely be a lot worse overall.
I woke up this morning with a sore ear and sore throat. I am hope I am not getting sick already. 
I’ve gotten home around 5:00 each day so far. Colin actually came after school on Wednesday to help me sort through supplies and everything. 
It’s going to be tough keeping up with everything though. I am going to be so busy. I have new teacher meetings every month at the board office. I have special meetings with the director of elementary education every month. I have to spend so many in class and out of class hours with my resource teacher. I have to manage the school website as well as my own. I have to lead the technology committee, and I am a member of another committee as well. Oh yeah, and I have to teach first graders! It’s going to be crazy I tell you!
I may start writing some password protected posts. I don’t want to share any personal information about my students, but I probably would like to just comment on a general issue or something that’s happened. In that case, I will probably password protect certain entries just to be on the safe side. I’m still working on my classroom website, and when it’s more finished I’ll post a link to it here.
I’m tired. I have a lot to do this weekend though. Not having to wake up at 5:45 or 6:00 this morning was nice though. 
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Filed in: Education, Work ()
14 Comments so far
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Bubs scribbled this note on August 9th, 2008: 
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*hugs* Hope everything settles down soon! I had a sore throat this morning, too
Feel better! -
Oh wow, you are a really really busy bee.
I’m not sure how you handle your entire work load. You probably aren’t sure. Think about it: you have to teach twenty-one students, work on all of those committees, go to thousands of meetings, handle two school-related websites, help out with Q*bee duties, and post on Rainbow Stuff!You are crazy. And I love it. You better drink lots of coffee, because I guarantee you that first graders have more energy than you.
Don’t worry too much about it, your schedule will even out eventually.
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Wooaah. *sends energy*
Anyway I’m sure it’ll get better
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It sounds like a hectic first week of school! Is this your first year teaching? If not, is the first week or month always hectic trying to get the routines started? And what is bus duty. I never heard of that before.
I don’t know how teachers can handle everything that they need to do. I’m so scared that it’s going to destroy me. I know how much energy a grade 1 class takes from you because I did two practicums with them last year. Good luck getting everything organized! I look forward to reading about your experiences as I complete my final year of the education program.
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I wish you luck my dear & hope you are not one of those teachers who say ‘it’s just a stage’. I doubt you are but if you need an eye from a mom who has ‘one of those kids’ just email me & I’ll be happy to let you in on that side. Yes I am so full of myself.
School starts the 25th here. My youngest will be a 1st grader. His k teacher taught him good & he knows basic math & can almost do paragraphs already. The school they go to won’t bus kids any longer. It would be nice though. Good luck & I do hope things will settle down with you soon! -
semes like ur really stressed. -
Congratulations on becoming a first grade teacher!!!
21 six-year-olds are way too much for me! You have patience, girl! Good for you! -
congrats!!!1 first grade teachers are so cute! i know you’ll be the bestest ever. sounds awesomely busy!! i love being busy as long as what i’m busy with is stuff i love ^^ It sounds like your just really embracing your life and living it to it’s fullest. Don’t forget to take time for yourself too my dear *hugs* and if you need help with anything ever, i’m here for you
It’s easy to off set a cold too, drown your self in vitamin c, eat ginseng and garlic, drink tea and make sure you sleep ok. and you’ll get rid of it before you get it!
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Wow! It sounds like A LOT of stuff
It sounds like you like it though, so, I’m very happy for you!
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That sounds pretty challenging! I’m sure if you’ve chosen this as something that you want to do then you will start to enjoy it and see how happy you can be
As long as you’re enjoying yourself that’s all that matters. -
I always felt bad for my 1st grade teacher. Kids picking their noses, stapling each other’s heads (that really happened), and so many other horrific things.
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Yikes, no wonder you’re tired
And you’re brave too, I would never set foot in a room filled with first graders *lol*
But I’m sure you’ll be an awesome teacher and have lots of fun with the kids once you get to know them and get a hang of the routines. Just keep your cool and remember to take care of yourself. Congrats and good luck! -
Hey Ashley, a huge congratulations for being a first grade teacher
*salutes* I really respect those whose career involves education because you know what, you’re moulding the future of the nation - you’re the forefront, the first person in contact with the brightest stars of tomorrow. I hope you’re coping fine though, since my mom works as a tuition teacher for kids and I know how kids can sometimes pose a huge challenge when it comes to handling them. Take care!Most importantly, get enough water and sleep! Those two will keep you away from diseases. See you around!
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WOW, Ashley!!!
I hope your life has calmed down a bit since you posted this. I’m still so super excited for you about being a 1st grade teacher officially, YAY! I hope it’s still fun and your kids are good learners, etc!I’m sending lots o’ hugs and well wishes to you in all the stuff going on with you now! I miss you! Hope you’re having a fabulous time at school. Make sure you take the time to relax when you can, ok?
*HUGZ*
bob scribbled this note on August 11th, 2008: 
Trish scribbled this note on August 20th, 2008: 
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