C is for Challenges

Well I'm never complaining about being bored again!

I've been given a major new responsibility at my school that's been consuming all of my time. I've been asked to start a kindergarten club on Friday afternoons, as well as teach a half hour of academics after school Tuesday-Friday. Since both of these programs are brand new, I've had to do all of the background research, curriculum planning, and lesson planning on my own with no prior training.

I'm obviously honored and flattered that I was asked to do this - who wouldn't be? It means that people have a huge amount of trust and faith in what I can do in a classroom and for a school. It pushes me out of my comfort zone a little bit and challenges me to be better. I love that the people I work with think I'm capable of being better and growing as a professional.

At the same time, these past few weeks have been stressful. Very stressful. I've been overwhelmed by the amount of work that I've been doing at home each night. I didn't have any idea where to start, so I started from the end - what I wanted them to learn by the end of the year. Turns out that backward planning is an actual curriculum planning technique!

I started working with the little people this past Wednesday. They are absolutely adorable, and absolutely full of energy. They certainly had me on my toes. I know that classroom and behavior management are going to be my two biggest challenges with this group, but once they're under control we will have a great year together. I know that creating a routine and sticking to it will help them feel secure and know what is expected of them, which will help with their behavior.

Overall, I'm really excited about everything that I have going on right now. I know that the sleepless nights and stress will be worth it once I get through this rough patch.