Introduction

Hello Readers!

I'm so happy that you have decided to check out my blog! Here's a little bit of information about me.

I am a first year teacher working in a suburban elementary school. I teach fifth grade English Language Arts and social studies to forty-four students. Reading, writing, and grammar are my specialties and I love getting to spend the majority of my day sharing my passion with students. My favorite part of the school day is reading aloud to my students. Even though they are "big" fifth graders, I think sitting on the rug and listening to me read is one of their favorite activities too😉

Now for some truths and the reason behind the blog.

1) Navigating through my first year of teaching while taking graduate classes part-time is probably one of my most difficult life experiences. Last year, I was a long-term substitute in grades two and three. The hands-on opportunities were priceless and definitely helped me prepare for the multi-faceted, demanding task of being a classroom teacher. Afraid that I wouldn’t have a full-time teaching position come the fall, I applied to graduate school in the spring of last year as a back-up plan. However, as it turned out, everything fell into my lap at the same moment. All of a sudden, I was a fifth grade teacher and a grad student. Juggling the two responsibilities has been a daunting undertaking to say the least, but has certainly afforded me with several benefits such as having my own class to try new ideas with.

2) To say learning opportunities abound every day is most definitely an understatement! From dissecting new curriculum to meeting new challenges presented within my own classroom, I am constantly learning something new. In my first year of teaching, I have come to the conclusion that there is always more to learn. I will forever be a student seeking more and more knowledge.

3) My goal for this blog experience is to authentically document a little piece of my first year journey. I am five months into the school year, so this is the perfect time to begin a regular reflection. My class and classroom are fairly settled and I am at a place mentally where the blog could serve as a positive outlet for my thoughts.

Fun Facts:

· My favorite novel is The Giver by Lois Lowry.

· My favorite children's author is Dr. Seuss.

· Naturally, my favorite picture book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

· My dream grade that I hope to teach someday is first grade.

· Reading for pleasure is one of my favorite hobbies.

Until Next Time,

~A