3rd Grade Here I Come!

We have some big changes going on this summer in the Bennett household.  We have decided to move back to South Ga where all of our family is.  We have been toughing it out for 8 years without the help of family, 3 hours away.  A big shout out to God, for making this move happen as perfectly as it did.  We are not finished moving, but it is amazing how everything has just fell into place.  It was obviously meant to be.

        With that being said, I am changing schools and moving to 3^rd grade Reading/ELA.  To say I’m a little nervous is an understatement.  I was so comfortable in 2^nd grade and I had an amazing team.  I am also a big Math nerd!  This will be my first time not teaching Math. L

        As you can imagine, I will be spending my summer packing and unpacking a classroom and house, getting my family settled in a new city, and trying to learn new curriculum.  I have already begun searching and following 3^rd grade blogs and I am awaiting training on the new curriculum that my new school system is receiving for Reading.  It is going to be a loaded summer for me!

        Please leave me any ideas, suggestions, blogs, resources you may have for 3^rd grade.  I am trying to be as prepared as possible for my first day as a 3^rd grade teacher!

Talk to you soon,

Tori

Still Haven't Figured it Out!

So, I haven't quite figured out how to stay on top of everything at school and keep up with everything outside of school.  We have started the new TKES observations this year at my school, and thankfully, I have done well.  The only downside is, at what expense.  I stay after school until at least 5:00 everyday and sometimes later.  I am there a lot of weekends too.  I feel like I have to always sacrifice my family time to get everything I am expected to do done.  
My oldest son, who is 6 now, is always playing a sport, my youngest son, who is now 2, is into everything and throws tantrums just like a "Terrible Two" would, and then throw in exercise, church, husband switching shifts all the time, etc.  I know there are some teachers out there who have this down pat, so any advice would be appreciated.
On a different note, I feel like I have figured out most of what is expected of me with the new TKES system of observation.  Sure I wish I could magically make more time so I could have more time to execute strategies, interventions, and differentiation better, but I am only human and at least I know what I need to be doing (most of the time:) ).  
I like how we are getting away from less whole group instruction and more toward small group.  Of course, it is harder to manage and next year, I may wish for more whole group if I have a different type of class.  But right now, with such a diverse ability group of students, it is just what I need to do.  I have really enjoyed getting more familiar and creative with my curriculum this year.  Since it is my third year in second grade and I am more comfortable, I have started to have more fun with it!  I believe it has rubbed off on my students too!
So, to sum up things, I'm having a great year.  I feel like I have become a better teacher, but I am still having a hard time being a good teacher while maintaing the wife and mom role.  So, still waiting for that magical advice from someone who has mastered it. ;)
I will leave you with this awesome poster that a fellow teacher showed me.