Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Lesson Planning, Time Management, Work Life Balance......

I have so  many things that I want to improve very soon!!! This is my first year teaching, and it has been quite a struggle so far. Lesson planning seems to consume my life! I think that my attention to detail is a downfall in this area. Because the lesson planning is taking over, there has been very little time for administrative work, and for my family. My kids say "Mommy is in class, again".  This has been quite an adjustment that I was NOT prepared for. I knew what was expected of a teacher, but I think I under estimated the extent to which it was expected. Does anyone have any tips as to how to survive the first year?

2 comments:

LRS said...

The first year is tough, I'm not going to lie to you. It's a a struggle between balancing work and home. I went home crying and stressed to the max many times. And even when I got home, I was still working and planning for the next days. Tasks that I planned to last for an hour the students were flying through in 20 minutes or less and I was left unprepared and "winging it". It got a little better for me once I got the hang of it, but as a 2nd year teacher I have room to make improvements. The thing that was a saving grace for me was the school assigned me a mentor and we had collaborative plannings. I learned her style and routine which was very helpful and I knew I could count on her for advice or even to vent. I also sat in on her class a few times and watched her teach and I felt so much better to see that some of the problems I was facing we not only 1st year teacher problems but also veteran teacher problems. I would suggest looking into a mentor and maybe even a connection in your same field to help you with the lesson planning. Hang in there!

Shirley said...

I have to agree with having a mentor! That can be a huge help. Although my mentor works at another school, just knowing I can call on her for help is a plus.

Your post sounds like my life last year and a little of this year. I must say by taking the NTI classes, I have learned more about class management and timing my lessons...HUGE BONUS! As for my personal life, my family has to remind me that they exist as well. But for some reason, it all works out and students still learn in the midst of our quest of being a successful teacher.