First Day of School

Today was the first day of school! I was so excited, but also a little nervous for a couple reasons. I had gone to a country concert the night before, and I wasn't sure how much energy I would have. It was also my first time having a class to myself, so I wasn't sure how it'd go. Overall, it was a great day! I loved meeting my students, and I'm really excited for the rest of the year. As always, there were a few hiccups, but nothing too bad. My two tenth grade classes went really well, and the students seem like they're up for the challenge. (At least I hope the class is a challenge!!) All of them were polite, and even seemed to genuinely laugh at my silly jokes and slight sarcasm. One of my classes is *huge* by school standards it seems, but hopefully they won't add anyone else to it. If they do...well, I'll figure it out. We may have to stack students on top of each other in order to fit!! Haha. My Public Speaking class was also pretty smooth. The students looked like they were working well together, and I'm excited to start listening to their speeches. My ninth grade classes were where I had the hiccups. The first ninth grade class decided to push against me at the end of class to see what would happen. I did my best to hold on, but tomorrow they aren't even going to know what hit them I'm going to come in so strong. I tried to be inviting and warm so they'd feel welcome to the new school, but I think they took my jovial personality to mean I'm an easy teacher. [Obviously, they've never met me before today.] So tomorrow, they're going to get the lay of the law and wonder if I'm the same teacher. My other ninth grade class wasn't too hiccup-ey, but I unwittingly put four talkative students all near each other. So I had to reprimand them in class, and will be moving everyone's seats soon.

Funny story of the day: I called someone by the wrong name, and horribly mispronounced it. And, with my nerves and adrenaline high, my speech impediment kicked in. I went to say "My fault," and continue on. Instead, my "l"s and "r"s mixed themselves up as they tend to do, and I said "My fart." Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. I was so embarrassed. And when I told my sister (who is a third year teacher) this, she just laughed so hard and said "Welcome to teaching!!"

Lessons learned for today? See the following:

• If you're not used to a 50 minute class, they go by crazy fast! Make sure you have things planned for the first couple days that are short segments so that if time ends earlier, it's not interrupting an activity.
• Have your welcome speech outlined. Otherwise you may be like me and either read the syllabus aloud to students or be a little flustered and all over the place. 
• If you're going to wear heels today - be prepared for sore feet. You won't be used to being on your feet all day yet, so I can guarantee you will be feeling it at the end. Sneak a pair of Toms or flip flops into your car or under your desk to change into at the end of the day - your feet will love you.

I'm looking forward to the next couple days! Let's go teaching!!