Thursday, August 23, 2007

"Harry, we're really doing it!"

So school has started. I have children who ask millions of questions, many of which I have no idea how to answer. I feel overwhelmed and excited and already somewhat burdened with how I can bring the reader out of some of my struggling children. Been reading like it's my job (oh wait, it is), and soon discovering that there are so many things out there to try that I can't expect to get to them all.

At the new teacher orientation I watched a video on the increasing need for more technology and it moved me. Our world's a changin' and it's hard to admit that most of my students are coming to me with more technology experience than I can fathom. Watching elementary kids mastering their little palm pilots and smart boards and alpha readers was quite humbling.

Still working on getting a computer with Internet in the old classroom. Then, we conquer the world.

Monday, August 6, 2007

The quiet before the storm

I'm in my trailer, setting up my classroom listening to the radio and dreaming all the great things my students will do this year. I wonder how I am supposed to begin the planning process. Started looking into student blog sites for my little readers to use to discuss their books. Realizing how little I know about technology, trying not to become intimidated. Also wondering how in the world my great classroom blog will get off the ground with the single, lonely computer in my room. When will students have time to post if 25 of them are fighting over the one computer? I'm eager and overwhelmed and ready. Probably like most teachers in my novice position.