You know what’s amazing about social media? I have learned some amazing new things from people I wouldn’t even know existed. Can’t even describe how many things I’ve learned and how many amazing people I’ve connected with.
Some teachers have been doing some amazing things- even during their summer break. And they seem to be soooo on top of it. All year round. But you know, I have some confessions to make.
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1. I don’t read ANY professional development books. You know what, they’re just not my jam. I hated reading them in grad school and I don’t like it any better now. Many teachers have touted the wonders of books like Teach Like a Pirate
INSTEAD, I’ve been doing some reading FOR FUN. I’ve read so many things:
like Cinder, the first in the Lunar Chronicles
and, (because I loved all of Gillian Flynn’s books-Sharp Objects
Okay, I could talk about books for days, weeks, YEARS…but…
For professional development- I take courses because I like to be interactive. And I use Pinterest. Obviously.
2. I don’t buy a fancy new planner for the school year. Because I’ve tried that before. And I’m just too type B to keep up with a regular lesson book, or planner of any kind. They’re pretty and adorable and I fill in the first week, and then they just sit on my desk and take up space. Or sometimes, they go into my teacher bag and just hang out there. Until June.
If you’re into that, there are a million GORGEOUS planners on Teachers Pay Teachers (I didn’t make any…because, well, obviously, I’d be terrible at making those). Also, you amaze me. I wish I had that kind of discipline. What I do to plan is occasionally use a template in Google Sheets that I love (very simple), or just write myself some notes on long 4″ x 6″ Post-it® Notes.
3. I don’t have a cute classroom theme. I have posters, bulletin boards, and decorations, but I don’t have one connecting theme, besides, well- this is 4th grade. Hope you love it! And check out some fun things that Mrs. Veise likes- like my Harry Potter quote on my desk (please ignore our ugly floor).
I’m not a theme person in any way. When I got married, my girlfriends asked me, “Cait, what do you want your theme to be for shower & bachelorette?” Um, theme is “Cait is getting married.” Obviously. And in my classroom, I put up things to show my love of literature and words and writing. Motivational quotes, book recommendations, Dr. Seuss ABCs
4. I’m okay with not being perfect, or doing any of the things mentioned above. I’m not disparaging anyone who does those things. That’s great. Sometimes I wish I could do those things. But I’ve learned that I need to be true to myself as a teacher.
Whew. I think I’m done confessing for now. What are some of your #teacherconfessions? Share in the comments, or on IG and tag me! @caitscoolschool. I’d love to hear what you have to say 🙂
The first FIVE days of lesson plans for the beginning of the year.