This year, I have changed grade levels from 3rd to Kindergarten. I'm thrilled to be teaching the little ones now, and I'm blessed to be working with a team that is incredibly organized--organized to the point that I have all of my copies and projects ready from the first day of school until conferences. I told myself that this year, I was going to follow their lead. I figured it was best to do what they do until I get a better feel for Kindergarten. Then next year, I could put my twist on it. That lasted about 3 days.
A couple of weeks ago, I had asked to see their plans for the first week of school. I'm used to having a full day to fit everything in, and I wanted some guidance as to how I might fit it all in in only half the time. I really like the layout of the plans I was given, but I found that I was spending an awful lot of time walking back and forth between my classroom and theirs to ask for the words to a particular song, ask to borrow a book that was listed, or to ask about their procedures for particular parts of the day. It was exhausting (probably for them too).
Finally, I had an ah-hah moment. I'm a competent teacher too. I could sing a different song to start the morning--one that I already know. I could read a different book during that time in order to teach a concept that will be important for my class to know. I can even create my own procedures for the end of the day.
My goal now has changed a bit. I still plan to closely follow the plans that my team has laid out. They are both very experienced Kindergarten teachers who know their students well. I trust their judgment and know that I can learn a great deal from each of them. At the same time, I need to use my brain this year. I need to use the literature that I love, introduce things in the way I believe is best, and be okay with walking into their classrooms and seeing something slightly different being done.
Great point, Erin! I often find myself doing something just because that is what my team does. It is important for us to use our own creativity in our classroom. I often try new things to see if it will work and then I pass it along to my team if it's a successful lesson or activity! Good luck in Kindergarten! You'll do great!!
ReplyDeleteSpot on Erin, I found although Phy Ed. finding new assessments or ways to assess has spiced up the units. I find myself enjoying the research & I think the students dig it as well, because its not the same ole' PE class year after year. If the new ideas don't fit, them ditch em', but I dig the finding of new balances.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard when you're switching gears to go with your own plan at first. I think the fact that you learned a lot about their planning was great, but also you learned you don't have to do things "exactly" like everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI'm at a new building this year with a new teaching partner, so I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm adapting to how things are done here and my teaching partner is open to suggestions. I'm sure I'll learn new things this year, as I did last year.
Happy DAY 2 to everyone!