Top Five

Sixth Here...

After surviving 6 days with my 6th graders and brinking on the start of my first full week, here are some reflections I have about teaching 6th grade special ed so far.

1. They aren't as big as I thought. In my mind I had towering giants with lots of hormonal attitude seeping out of their skin sitting in my classroom. In reality they are like my first graders from last year with a bigger vocabulary and more stories to tell. They're still worried about being late to class and if they'll be able to get to their locker without missing the bus.

2. It's okay to ask questions, and to ask them frequently. Something new comes up on an hourly basis that I either don't know the answer too (like how to direct a student to the band room) or that I don't know how to do (like use the 'cold' laminator *a laminator that doesn't heat up*.. I know right? I didn't know they existed either.) Someone in the near vicinity will usually know the answer or direct you to someone who does. You look sillier trying to shove your pretty new poster through the laminator for a half hour than just asking someone near you.

3. Fake it til you make it. My instructional assistant told me the other day that she had no idea I was a first year teacher. This gave me great ease and also taught me that my acting classes I took back in elementary school are paying off ten years later. I look young, especially compared to the other teachers on my team and feel like the newbie in the lunch room, but at least I look like I've got it together!

4. Most of the time I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off just trying to get by, but on the outside it seems that I can keep my poker face on. Lady Gaga would be proud.

5. My take on my students has changed every day. As time passes I'm beginning to understand them better and see what will and won't work when teaching them. The honeymoon is starting to wind down but I'm ready for next 10 month journey!