SOLO

Before the previous teacher left I quizzed her on the use of SOLO within the classroom as I know it is used further up the school. She hasn't used it so a challenge I have set myself is to start using SOLO within the classroom. Might be slightly optimistic as there are only 7 weeks of school left for the year but if all I have achieved is that the students have an understanding of the different levels and how they can help them then that will be something!

I also believe it will be a great tool for extending some and encouraging others and unless I try I don't know how it will go down! Room 14 are going to be my guinea pigs!! Bring on the hexagons for tomorrow!!

Tomorrow....

Wow, one more sleep until I make room 14 all my own! Amazing the amount of planning I have already done...probably enough to see me through the first 3 weeks but I guess that is part of the joy of being a beginning teacher - you don't really know what will keep their interest, what learning will be achieved, what level they are at, and so on, until you are in the classroom and have started building those relationships. I would much rather over plan though than under plan and look like a lemon! The students don't know what I intend to cram into their day so if it's not all achieved it doesn't really matter!

Getting excited now!!

5 days to go

5 days to go until I start in room 14 at QPS. Had a handover meeting yesterday which was amazing. One of the positives of taking over a really experienced teacher's classroom for a short period of time is the resources that are available. Will have to spend the first week not only getting to know the students but also the classroom! Still looking forward to using Twitter as a support resource but not sure how I will manage to fit in; "chitters" (twitter chats), children (mine and those from room 14) and family life without loosing the plot!! Only 7 weeks though...will have to try and limit the wine consumption too!!

My first contract

My first contract. Yay, this morning I signed my first job contract. The 7 weeks at QPS is a reality. Getting super excited (and a little scared!!).

The joys of being a BT

So the purpose of this blog is to document my progress through the pitfalls, perils and positives of being a beginning teacher. To give hope and inspiration to other BTs out there whether they are employed or as a friend said to me whether they are a "soon to be employed" BT.

I graduated in April and have applied for 8 jobs and had 1 interview since then...not many I hear you say, but I want to stay in Queenstown and so there are not 100's of schools - just 6, 2 of which are of a religious nature which leaves me with a group of 4 potential employers. All amazing schools which I would be very privileged to work at.

Until 2 days a go I fell in to the "soon to be employed" category but then I had a text message (!) asking if I would like to relieve for the rest of the term in a year 3/4 class starting after Labour day. My response was "Yes please. Would absolutely love to :-)". So after 2 terms of relieving in all areas of the school and at kindergarten I will have my own class....... in 13 days.....ahhhhh!

Needless to say I am very excited! And whilst I have nothing on the horizon for next year I'm finding I can be positive about that as who knows what will happen!!!

Happy days ;-)