Back to School

Back to school,
schedule, routine...

I'm feeling pretty crummy about last year - over all, in many ways, my worst year teaching - because it was mostly self inflicted - when I was excessed, that was the worst - but I had no choice in that, but yes, that was the worst year - but last year, my personally worst as a teacher.

A learning experience. So many things that happened that I will not let happen again.

So now, here is my new year, a fresh start, a chance to try again.

Thursday morning - so nervous - as always, to start a new class - to make a good impression, to make the right impression. I think I did ok. By nine, the nerves were mostly gone, only to resurface slightly Friday morning.

I am looking forward to when I know all my kids, when I feel comfortable coming in... the first few weeks are always like putting on a new pair of shoes - and knowing that soon, they will be soft and comfortable, but for now they still feel a bit stiff and awkward.

I also have so many ideas to plan better lessons. My GOAL this next week is to really go slow and explain procedures carefully - how I want assignments done - and to really have higher expectations for my students. I really want to try to instill a sense of pride in my students regarding their work - always a week area of mine - and not accepting mediocre is something I am going to try.

So - we'll see where this year goes, right?