Planning Lessons

So I have sat down for a little while and did some science lesson plans....SCIENCE AS INQUIRY! EASY EASY EASY!!
Now I'm on to the biggie - Social Studies! I have no idea what to start with even with the LCC in my face. I have a book now, so i am about to begin some power points and some home made worksheets! I'll let ya know how that works out....any suggestions?? Feel free to leave them!

My Classroom is Ready

I am finally able to go in my classroom and really do some work. The teacher that had his things in there has taken them out and it looks like I am able to get in there. I really need to get my stuff moving lesson plan wise now. I sat and talked with the assistant principal for a few minutes and with the custodians. They are very encouraging with their kind words and it seems like everyone there looks out for one another. They are a family and I am feeling like I am glad they are adopting me! I know I can do this! I can't wait to have some kids in my room with me and I can move this year along....
I start Wednesday with workshops and then Monday the kids come! I am ready for a GREAT year!

Getting Ready for School

I have been to school several times now to get my classroom together for the new year, but it seems like every time I go it is not ready for the move in. I have brought a couple of things there, but still have an overwhelming amount of stuff to do there. I start on Wed and am not nearly as prepared as I have been in the past. My classroom is kind of dark in my opinion. It is painted this blue color that I am not sure about. I am hoping to be able to paint it and have a bright color in mind - maybe yellow or pink! I have a feeling I will end up with something like off white though. It looks so much smaller than my other room and I was really stoked about the closet space until I was finally able to open the doors of the closets. There is not much width to them. I am going through things I have (which is WAY WAY WAY too much). I have decided to purge my collection and stop hoarding things I do not use and probably will not. Ebay users may enjoy that!
Overall, I am feeling like an anxious kid right now! I want to start to get the beginning done with, but know that I am no where near ready! This year will be an experience and I hope that you will enjoy it with me....
Maybe I will post some of my past experiences here to share and maybe pump me up! What do you think?

Implementing Capturing Kids Hearts

Sitting here beginning lesson plans, I am thinking about my week with Capturing Kids Hearts and the way I will be able to introduce it into my classroom. Going to a new school is scary enough, but not knowing what to expect makes implementation of these things a little harder. I am trying to stay positive and telling myself that these kids are just the baby version of my old ones since they were a feeder school. I have to get past my blocks and fears first before I can sincerely open up and make Capturing Kids Hearts work - mainly my inability to be a touchy-feely person. I think I can do this hand shaking thing....I just hope I am able to be consistent in keeping it going every day all year. Maybe if I buckle down and practice self discipline, then my students will as well. We are supposed to lead by example, aren't we?

My Intentions

I have been teaching 14 years now and have some to realize that I have never been in a conventional or easy school. I have spent my career working with at risk students and feel that there are many situations that I would love to share with the world. Of course, I will change names and exact information to protect the privacy of all those involved, but I think I have a lot to share with the world. I wanted to start this in hopes that maybe I can either help someone who is having issues or even find someone who I can get some input from.
Regardless of your reason for stopping, stop by often and comment...maybe together we can get through some tough issues together.