Greg here - and I'm about to get real! I have a confession to make. I know I might take some heat for it, but it needs to be said. I don't work as hard as Becky. In fact, I bet that most primary teachers work harder than I do. I've spent time this summer scheming projects, making connections, and building ideas for what could possibly get accomplished in my classroom. I am extremely excited at what I have planned for my students! But primary teachers don't have that luxury. They also need to spend countless hours preparing their rooms for that magical first day of school.
Over the past 9 years, I learned that this is the most stressful time of the year for primary teachers. There is so much to get ready! And when those children finally make it to your classroom on the first day, you have a constant barrage of activities to keep them engaged (so they won't miss their mommies). I like to keep things moving in my classroom, but I indulge in the 20 - 30 minute activity every now and then.
Over the past 9 years, I learned that this is the most stressful time of the year for primary teachers. There is so much to get ready! And when those children finally make it to your classroom on the first day, you have a constant barrage of activities to keep them engaged (so they won't miss their mommies). I like to keep things moving in my classroom, but I indulge in the 20 - 30 minute activity every now and then.
For two days this week, I worked in Becky's classroom to help her prepare for the beginning of the school. Here are two pictures I took on Monday morning.
For primary teachers, this site is not new. Unfortunately, MANY MANY people do not understand what goes in to preparing the primary classroom for students.
Here is a quick review of a *few* of my jobs.
folder and pencil box prep
That's right - labels on 23+ folders, plus additional stickers inside of each folder. Pencil boxes prepped with the appropriate equipment for each firstie to tackle the most difficult craftivity!
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DESK NAME TAGS
Seriously, Really Good Stuff's tape strips are where it's at! 23 desks prepped and taped!
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math page tear fest
Altough I thoroughly enjoy the Houghton Mifflin math series, their perforations do a number on your fingers. Since the first graders can't tear the pages out of the book (neatly), I do the honors. I've done this job for 9 years - it's tradition!
I have learned that it takes a village to get ready for the kiddos. There is a serious labor of love and attention to detail that is impressive. If you want to see all of my hard work (and Becky's too), stay tuned for Becky's classroom reveal post in a few days.
This post is really a thank you! Thank you for all of the extra time and hard work that you've put in over the summer. I understand it's a great deal of energy that may sometimes go unnoticed to those out of the education world.
Best.
Best.
