Ch-ch-changes!

Guys, I have big news to share.

As you may know, I’ve been teaching Kindergarten since starting out four years ago. It is where I struggled as a first year teacher, felt as if I knew (a little more of) what I was doing my second year, and really grew as a teacher in my third and fourth years. This year has been especially full of growth as my teammate and team leader was out on maternity leave for half the year, leaving me as the pseudo team leader for quite some time. It taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses as both a leader and a teammate. These past four years have been extremely formative in my career and I am so thankful for all that I have learned as a Kindergarten teacher. I learned that, yes, kids do poop their pants on the first day of school on your first EVER day teaching. And no, it is not mud that they stepped in on the playground. I learned that it’s really important to clarify that put your finger ON your nose when you have an answer does not, in fact, mean to put your finger IN your nose when you have an answer. And I’ve learned that freeze dance Friday is really the best way to end the week. I’ve also learned that young children are capable of truly amazing things. They are compassionate, empathetic, kind, loving, funny, and so very, very smart. They make tremendous growth in such a small amount of time and it has been the most wonderful feeling to watch their pride as they do so.

However, as much as I have enjoyed my time in K, my heart is pulling me elsewhere. I am very much they type of person who needs frequent change and challenge. I am always looking toward the next thing. At this moment, the next thing for me is a new grade level. I’m so excited to say that next year I will be teaching FOURTH GRADE! I am so thrilled, but so terribly nervous. I am excited for new content, new teaching strategies, and new challenges. But I also know that the challenges I face will be very different than many I have already come across with the little ones. It is so hard for me to leave this grade level where I feel confident and comfortable, but I know it will be a great thing for me both personally and professionally (I mean, it will be…right? Someone tell me this is a good idea!) It will be a whole new ball game for me! Well, except for the kids. My class next year will be many of the students I had in my very first kindergarten class! Cool, right?!

 

Anyway, enough rambling. Here’s where I need your help. I want to know what you love about fourth grade and what works for you! Who do you follow on social media that gives you great ideas? What are some must-haves for my classroom? Any behavior management tools that you love? What books should I add to my library? What should I absolutely AVOID? Anything you want to share about is fair game, I’m all ears! Leave a comment below, message me on Instagram, send me an email, whatever you want, just give me the low down!

I’m so excited to share my journey with you as I transition from K to 4th and I hope you follow along and enjoy the ride!