end of week 1!

Have you ever done something that just felt so right? I was so nervous before I started my job, then in the classroom it all felt so natural. It was as if my experience, education, and who I am came together in perfect harmony.

My students are fantastic and my colleagues are so supportive. I couldn't ask to teach in a better environment.

One thing I really love about special education is that while it's kind of a mixed bag, students will take care of each other. Today several students grasped the hands of their peers to help them walk through the halls. And I smiled when one of my students made himself door guardian to prevent wanderers from leaving. It's so great.

Now... planning, planning, and more planning. I know I'm going to make myself very sick of my computer. I'm off and running, especially with my first IEP being due in 15 days!

"It's the truth universally acknowledged, that the moment one area of your life starts going OK another part of it falls spectacularly to pieces." -Bridget Jones

Balance has always been a struggle for me. I've never been very successful at keeping all the plates spinning. Here I am at the beginning of a huge transition and my confidence is nil..... I've come to the uncomfortable realization that in the past year while my outer self has been thriving, my inner self has depreciated.

a quick tour

I'm beginning to feel much more confident and excited. I can do this! My classroom is really coming together. Enjoy a few of the pictures of the process below. Also if any of you have materials, organizational skills, creative leanings, or just some extra time... I'd love the help! :)

Welcome to Ms. Jenny's room 64!

the doorway to the classroom and the back wall

part of what will become the reading and listening center... definitely need more books and cd players...

Our tree of values! The apples have values written on them: kindness, fun, respect, learning, growth, as well as "try, try, try". Symbol representations of the values are in the works.

Focus wall and my lovely palm trees

Bookshelf and table for materials and student exploration activities

a view of the back portion of the class. yay for the sunrise!

And there's my domain: my desk in the back corner and my instructional podium. Note the fancy technology... woohoo!