The Emotional Roller Coaster of Teaching

I haven't posted for a while because life has been speeding by during these first weeks of school. Waking up at 5 AM, enduring the extended school day, and coming home to plan has taken a toll again, as expected. I am trying to get more sleep this year and be in bed by 10 PM!

Overall, it has been an emotional roller coaster of HIGHS and LOWS.  The highs are high in teaching, full of love and happiness from children, and of course the lows are very low, as we reflect on ways that we could be better.  Some successes and "failures" so far...I hate calling them "failures," however, when life as a teacher is always a work-in-progress.

Successes! 
(1) Despite the sheer number of little ones (32 of them!), I can say that I have a great class, and I see my "vision" for the class coming to life with the right steps taken.

(2) I made it one of goals to know families this year, and I am proud that I've been able to do so amidst beginning of the year craziness! I have enjoyed speaking with all the families, and I feel like this will be a game-changer for my kids' achievement in the end.

"Failures"! (Things Gotta Change :)
(1) Tightening up some routines and procedures! Moving down from 5th/7th grades has been an adjustment, and it is very different handling 7 year olds! They are a whole different beast :)  I need to tighten up some essential routines - dismissal, line up, etc... Ideas are welcome!

(2) My confidence. I was so positive Week 1, but it is difficult to stay motivated as the grind sets in. With time, I know I will feel successful - in the meantime, I feel like a work-in-progress!

Luckily, Phoenix makes it so easy to think about the "Big Picture" of life when I am surrounded by beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I am trying to take it all in daily and keep it in perspective. Disclaimer: Do not try to take sunrise/sunset pictures while driving...as tempting as it may be :)