Smoothed Out

This morning, we got to school and I had 4 lessons ready.  I was feeling semi-confident in what I had written for today but knew that we were meeting with Sr. Stephanie so I wasn't sure if those lessons would even be worth the effort I had put into them.  After a busy start to our morning, Julissa, Sister, and I met for a few minutes and decided that I would teach certain subjects to both grades and Julissa would teach other subjects.  We went on with our school day; I only got to my reading and math lessons which was okay.  I am definitely going to have to start training them in how I teach.  Whenever I switch to a new subject, they immediately get their workbooks out and look for their assignment to start working on.  I told them today that their workbook or textbook will probably be the last thing that I ask them to pull out.  Right now I am having to rely on the textbook because I don't quite have my footing if you will for what I'm teaching but I am hoping that I will not be using it as much and neither will they for certain subjects.  We are also going to have to work on our listening and focus skills a lot more.  I think once we start this new teaching schedule, I will be able to work with each grade on how I teach.  They are definitely used to working straight from workbooks and textbooks.  I took them to library in the afternoon and that was a little bit messy.  I blame it on the rain and weather because they just went crazy by the end! My poor roommate, Patricia, was probably really overwhelmed by them!

Once school was over, Julissa and I sat down and divided up the subjects that we will be teaching.  I will be teaching Math, Grammar, Handwriting, and Social Studies to both grades.  She will be teaching Reading, Vocab, Writing, and Spelling.  We will alternate weeks on teaching religion.  This is my off-week thank goodness.  I'm glad I know what I am teaching now but I feel behind once again because I have no idea where the 3rd grade is on anything.  Tomorrow will definitely be a "tell Ms. Halstead what you have been doing" day and reviewing.  It was pouring and storming once it was time to leave school but Patricia and I braved the downpour although we were drenched.  I was so lucky to be wearing white shoes today--not really.  They are currently drying next to the door and might have to go through the washer later.  Tonight I have been doing lessons and writing a parent letter to send home because parent night is on Wednesday! I did do a little cooking though for Amanda and I.  I was wanting something warm for once since being here so I made some mac n' cheese and then added some canned chicken breast, black beans, and canned tomatoes.  It really wasn't too bad.  By no means was it something very fancy but considering we have an abundance of beans, tomatoes, and mac n' cheese, it's good to know that combo worked out.

I have to get back to my lesson plan writing now but....5 days till Harry Potter World! And I found out I get out of school on Friday! Woo hoo!

Peace and love to all of you!