Summer School

Summer schools started this week at Crestview Elementary School. Instead of doing an end-of-the-year program, Crestview does a jump start program 2 weeks before the school year. This works really for students like mine and the incoming Kindergarten students. They get a glimpse or refresh on the routines of the school. It also gives them a chance to get into the academics before the full school day is piled onto them. It's a nice ease in for them (and right now, for me!).

Technically, yesterday was the first day of summer school, however, my one student was sick and could not come. So, I sat in with the Kindergarten teacher who was in charge of the incoming students with no preschool experience. This turned out to be a great experience for me. I was freaking out the night before. I just wondered if I was truly ready and how things would go. She made it look so easy. She gave me some great ideas and showed that these next two weeks are a relaxed time to get to know some of the students. I kept thinking throughout the morning watching her, "Oh, this is easy. I can do this." She was perfect for me and didn't even know it.

Today, my student showed up. They have a really delightful personality. Definitely pushed all the boundaries they could (and probably will continue to do so the rest of the week), but did what was asked when I showed I meant business. There was very little actual teaching done today as I have quite a few goals and objectives to meet so every activity centered around assessment so I could get a feel for what I was up against. I am very thankful to have this time with them. Going into the year, I have 7 student IEPs I'm responsible for (2 of which are due in September) so getting some assessments out of the way gives me a chance to meet the other students' needs when they come in. This student will all be set up and ready to go, which gives them and me an advantage. The morning went relatively quickly and we got most of the work done. I was able to plan some actual instructional activities for tomorrow based on what we covered today. Getting through today really helped me feel better about how these next 2 weeks are going to go.

I have to admit, teaching this morning was such a fulfilling experience. I have always wanted to be a teacher and my road to getting there has been a little difficult. It felt so wonderful to do my thing without someone watching over my shoulder and constantly second-guessing myself. I was fully accountable and loving it so much. It is so great to finally do things completely my way. I write my lessons the way I want, I'm organized (sort of) the way I want...it's my show and I can't express how much happiness that brings me right now. I cannot wait for this year. I am still so excited.