The beginning of my life as a second year teacher

And we’re off! After a few days of training and preparing, we began school (for 8th grade and under anyways) last Wednesday. I was not nearly as stressed out as I was this time last year, which is fantastic. My room is generally set up, though it still needs a little work… I figure keep it simple for now, then add to it as the year continues. Last week went really well – the kids seem fantastic! I really miss my kids from last year still, and it’s funny to see them in someone else’s classroom, but I am quite excited about the new group that has come up. Only 13 of my 18+ kids were there, so hopefully those that were there will remember the general procedures over the weekend and help the other newer students this week and everything will stay smooth! Here’s to hoping, anyways…
This week I will start with my high school English class. I am very excited about teaching high school this year – I really want to challenge and stretch them to their limits and help them to be successful.
Life at home has been great as well. I love the family that I live with, and am attempting the whole Spanish speaking thing… not going so well grammatically anyways, but hopefully it will get better over the year. I’m trying to create a balance between working on school stuff and more relaxing and fun stuff, so I hope that that balance will not tip during the school year. I think that I have been able to see most of my friends here, as well as make a few new ones, which has been fantastic! Lots of food and laughter, which I hope to keep up during the year as well.

Thanks you for your prayers and messages!