Solo Week!

Today was the first official day of my solo week for student teaching. I can't believe how fast the day flies and how you really never get a single second to reorganize, grade a paper, or take a breath. I am exhausted, but so so excited to blog! We did so much last week and now we are moving onto lots of fun things starting this week. Here is what we have done so far!

We finished up the subtraction unit and moved onto the time unit. 

We began learning about our planet, continent, country, state, city, and school for geography. 

By the end of this unit, we created these "Me on a Map" projects which Tammy from Forever in First showed me. They turned our really great and really put the concept into perspective for the students. We also used Google Earth on the computer and zoomed in and out from our earth to our school. 

We started to do "How To's" in writer's workshop. 

Today, I made the kids some pink lemonade and then we wrote a How To to show our steps. They absolutely loved it and everyone got a glass to go with their snack. I can't wait to see what they have to teach me!

As you can see, this week has been nothing but busy but also so so much fun. I can't believe I only have 9 days left with my first graders. I cry every single time I even think about leaving them. My boyfriend thinks I am insane but I just can't help it. I am in love with them and I wish I never had to leave them. I can't imagine going through this each and every year with every class, but I know it is something I will have to get used to. 

I have gotten nothing but awesome feedback, support, and advice so far in this placement. My teacher mentor had a muffin on my desk this morning with a note that said "Have a great first day!". She is the sweetest. I had the whole classroom to myself and the only thing that I messed up was forgetting to send two kids to reading at 12. Oops! We have kids coming and going all day long so it makes remembering who goes when SUPER difficult. I actually only have all of my kids in the classroom on Fridays from 1:30 - 3:00. That's it! That has to be the hardest thing I have dealt with so far. My professor mentor from my college came and observed my geography lesson today and she said it completely exceeds expectations and that I am on the right track, so that made my Monday awesome. 

I am sorry this post is all over the place, I just have so many thoughts. I hope you all had a fabulous Monday and enjoy the rest of your week!