I have been so busy getting things ready in my classroom.  My room is really coming together, but there is still a lot to do. 

This summer we haven't been able to get into school on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  At first I was pretty bummed because I usually go in for a larger chunk of time on those days since my husband is home on the weekend and I don't need to bring the boys.  Although I was bummed about the change this year, it has really worked out.  I've been able to keep up on the housework, spend time with my family and do some work on the computer getting ready for a new year.  I tend to leave that until the last minute, but it feels great getting it done earlier this year. 

This weekend I focused on figuring out my schedule for the year.  I should say the first draft of my schedule.  I'm sure I'll make changes as the year goes on.  The first thing I did was write down all my specials for the week.  Then I checked with my 2nd grade colleagues for the times we teach math and our DI groups. 

At our building we have 4 sections of second grade.  At the end of first grade all students are tested in the area of math.  Using this data along with teacher input, some students are placed in an extended math section taught by one of the second grade teachers.  The rest of us send our extended students down to her class and she sends her students that aren't in the extended section to our rooms.  This is our third year doing math this way and it has worked out well.  So we all have math at the same time every day.

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Here's my rough copy of the times and the classes I need to plan for.

We also separate our four classes into different DI groups (differentiated instruction) for reading.  We meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 30 minutes. 

I also checked with one colleague about our spelling time.  We divide our two classes into two groups for spelling.  I meet with the students that need a slower pace and more review of short vowels to start.  We meet 20 minutes each day. 

I'm still waiting for a Computer schedule and a Library time.  Last year, I had to miss writing one day so we could have Computers.  Hopefully that will work out again this year.  It's always so hard to squeeze everything in.  I will try to schedule Library during our Read to Self time this year.  

Once I had all my times set that can't be changed, I wrote down a list of the times in 15 minute increments.  I plugged in all my set times including specials and classes I switch and are set in stone.  Next I started plugging in the classes I need to teach.  I try to keep my reading in the morning and writing and science/social studies in the afternoon.  It always seems like there is a lot to fit in and not enough time. 

                                             Here's my Thursday schedule as of right now. 

I'm concerned about where I'm putting Computers and Library, but I'll scoot some things around if I need to.  I always feel so good when I'm done with the schedule. 

Thanks for reading!
Terry
Mrshageninroom19

Today I went to the Administration building and exchanged my old iPad for my new iPad Air.  It is so nice!  Still in the process of downloading all my apps and folders onto my new one.  I can't wait to sit down and check it out.  It sure is lighter though and this time they gave us a nice case with an easel built in.  Last time they just gave us the iPad and I had to find my own case unfortunately after mine got a crack.  First one in the pilot program of course, how embarrassing!  

I also took the boys to school for a bit and had a chance to finish the back bulletin board and fix up my tree.  It's looking so much better now.  I used black plastic tablecloth in the middle where the chalkboard was.  I think it looks pretty good even though the two ends are cloth.  Now to add some owls and maybe some accents on the trunk.