Heather and I have been stressed to the max the last few weeks and therefore MIA. Details for our stress and changes that we are enduring will be kept to a minimum. However, we do have a few changes happening and could use some advice. 3 weeks ago, one of our co-workers made the decision to take an extended leave of absence until May of this year. Our county has been left very thin with certified sub positions available. After several weeks of managing the situation, our administration has decided to dissolve that teacher's class and split the class evenly between the four remaining teachers. What this means is that we are going from on average 20 students per class to 25 students per class (Heather actually will have 26) for the remainder of the year. We will have an assistant to share and a substitute who will float between the 4 classes and help us for large chunks of the day. This will be a new adventure as we welcome these new babes into our class. Our number one focus has been to make the transition as smooth as possible for the class and to make them feel as much a part of their new class as possible. Has anyone out there ever been in a situation in a lower grade classroom where you have had a large number of students for an extended amount of time? Are there any tips or advice you could share with us? We are excited for this new challenge and want to make this as painless and easy for our new students. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
I have been trying to keep up with some new activities. We have been working on graphing and money in the last few weeks. Last week we spent some time with coin identification as we moved into 2.MD.8. I thought a fun manipulation station for the kids to work with would be a game working with money identification as well as graphing. It is super cute and my class is really enjoying it this week. Click the picture below to pick up your own copy. The first comment left will receive this pack for free!
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Enjoy!
Wow! That is quite the adjustment---it's difficult getting one new student mid-year! Sounds like you have a great attitude towards this though, so everything will be fine.
ReplyDeleteI would love this new pack!
sunburst541@gmail.com
Buddies! Be sure each of the "new" kids has 2-3 buddies. Like a dream team who can help them acclimate.
ReplyDeleteI teach second grade also. I have 26 lovely kids this year. My three grade partners each have 25. We do not have an assistant at all. We have had them all on our own all year and have made it ok so far. I also have the smallest class (800 sq ft). We are very crowded. We don't get to do as much "fun stuff" as I usually do and I have not been able to manage The Daily Five like I had hoped to this year. It is just too many students. To top it all off, my principal has asked me to loop with my class next year. I also forgot to mention that I also have 2 special needs kids, 3 kids who are currently being tested for special services and about 9 ADD kids. They are a sweet bunch of kids however; I did have shingles this year and am not sure how I will manage another year with this bunch.
ReplyDeleteGood luck,
Jennifer
Non we've always had that many in 2nd! But I imagine its going to be tough and then feel just right pretty quick! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe had to dissolve a class at the beginning of the year and had a sub float between the classes. It has worked for us, the worst part is grading. Those extra 5 papers really do make a difference. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJess
I have 23. It is crazy. Instead of hiring a teacher for a K-1 combo, an assistant was hired who floats among 8 teachers 4 days a week and is available as needed on Fridays. I have used her as an additional person for extra practice in small groups, but would have preferred a combo even if I had to be the one to do it.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes smoothly for you and the end of the year goes by quickly!
BTW: I found you through the NC blogger link. I teach first grade in NC.
:)
Tamera
MyHeartBelongsinFirst
Kaizactan2001@yahoo.com
Hi! I just found your blog through HBBD, they designed my blog too! I’m your newest follower!
ReplyDelete✿Sue✿
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