It's been a week since I turned my own world upside down. Not only did I move schools, but I went against some sage advice I received years ago from a seasoned teacher - I moved schools and I changed grades. She always told me, "Change grades in your current school or do the same grade at a new school. That way something is familiar." Well, I guess I went for the gusto.
So here I am, in a 1/2 class. The upside is that I know a few of the students from last year, as they attended the school I used to be at. (It's complicated, but in a nutshell, my previous school was in a neighbourhood that had no children yet, as there were no houses built. We had to ship them in from a neighbourhood that had kids, but no school yet.) I think I've achieved rock star status though, as I am waved at and stared at from students from every grade as I walk through the halls.
This is brand new territory for me. I've never taught grade 1. I've never taught grade 2. And I've never taught a split. I know - I'm crazy. But what a great opportunity to learn along with my students and to think mindfully and authentically about their learning. We are all in it together and I couldn't be happier. I'm a little frightened, but I'm also doing a lot of learning. The current pile of professional reading keeps growing and growing. Will I find my pot of gold? Will I reach the end of the rainbow and know that this rainbow leads to educational wealth and knowledge? Only time will tell.
So I will continue to journey on. I will keep you abreast of what's happening in my new class and how we are fairing.
Mindfully yours,
Pam
