Day Two-September 10th, 2009

Today felt so much better. I felt like I had a handle on my own nerves which translated into how I came across in the classroom. I got to school extra early and turned in my health insurance and W-4 forms finally so that felt nice. I feel like it’s a bit unfair the way all the new teachers have had to fend for themselves in terms of getting and figuring out HR procedures and information. We’ve done most of that work ourselves.

After that I ran down to my room and opened everything up before going out to and watching the gate. The morning went much more smoothly in the cafeteria. It’s still a little hectic since students didn’t necessarily remember their teachers and couldn’t know where to go with the location change but it still flowed well.
1st period during prep I went down to the Kindergarten CTT class to do a name song/game. I don’t get to see that class but I was glad to be invited in for some morning music anyway. 2nd period I did a quick run through with my kindergarten bilingual class of procedures and expectations in the music room and that also went very well.

After a mid morning tech period, I finished the morning with a 2nd grade general ed class. They were great! The class went as smoothly as I could have wanted. I was firmer, more patient in waiting, prompted discussion in creating class rules/expectations, and managed to still do song and movement. The class was fun and I like the way the environment felt. Walking to lunch was something a little different. I’m still amazed how much 1st and 2nd graders either don’t remember how to, or were never expected to line up and walk through the building. It takes so much time to get the class up and moving and we cut into their recess. That being said, most teachers were going through this as I was not the first or last to recess so I think it’s an interesting school-wide work in progress.

This is where my day got a little rough. I had to pick up a class I’d never met from lunch/recess for their music class. It was a 1st grade bilingual CTT class. Upon entering the playground yard area, I was informed by the Paraprofessional for the class that she would be taking her lunch since there was a problem with her scheduled lunch time. This left me with a class that normally has two teachers and a Para by myself. She did help me get the class back to my room, which was fun. I was told by another principal in the building to get the kids off the playground because “it was her time”. Meanwhile I had students running through other schools’ children. George in particular was uncontrollable. He remained this way the entire way into the building. He ran all over the minigym, all over the place and was not listening to me, the Para, the assistant principal, one of the ESL teachers and another teacher. He was sliding down rails in the yard, etc. I was terrified. I genuinely wanted to cry. I could not believe I wasn’t even going to have a Para.

I finally got all of the students to the class and seated. After speaking to George quietly in the hallway on the way he wasn’t as unable to channel his energy, or he was motivated, or something, but the class actually went really well. I was very relieved. We had some wonderful discussion about music and got to dance, sing, and even played one of the Orff instruments in addition to going over and developing the procedures of the room.

Last on the docket today was a first grade general ed class. They were also a lot of fun. They had their own characters as all the classes do. The class again went as well as I would have hoped. The lesson was similar to the 1 CTT lesson. One student sticks out in my mind though. Bill. He was so interested in the instruments the entire class. When we finally went at the very end to take a quick turn on one of the Orff Xylophones, the class was not ready. Part of being firm and patient meant that if the students were not following the rules/expectations that we had all JUST set forth, I wasn’t going to budge. They missed the opportunity because time ran out. Bill was so upset by this, completely in tears. It broke my heart. I asked his teacher if I could have him for an extra minute (since it was the last period of the day before the 20 minute wrap up/ pack up time) and she said certainly. I spoke to him and we played the Xylophone and the piano together. He seemed so happy and comfortable. I’m really glad he got to experience that. I was made aware that he was new today and also has a certain IEP so I don’t know if I’ll see him again but I hope so or I hope he gets music. He was so at home in those instruments.

After today I feel so much better. I feel more confident and I’m happy with how well today went. I’ve also come to understand that it’s the first week of school. All of the students are adjusting just as much or more so than the staff are. They are learning routines, building community, and getting used to being away from home and back in school. I know that I shouldn’t stress too much about getting onto the curriculum this week as I get to know the students. This is about the music classroom community and environment. This is about framing and affording space for free thinking and musical ideas/expression.

I still know that there is a lot to get done in starting the year like finishing Orff set up, some paperwork, and more that I want to add to the room, but these things will happen. I’m new and it’s ok to be new. I’m excited to start talking about our goals, working on our expectations, and transitioning into the curriculum next week. I’m also excited for Friday and happy hour…