KWLA First Year Teacher Blog

Snow Days!

Is it just me or are snow days a gift from God (above or below, he or she)? It is like some spirit is looking down on me saying, "Lucas, you need another day..." Well thank you! I hope those of you who too are out today are enjoying and being productive, and those of you in today - best wishes.

It seems as though I can never get caught up without snow days. My grading is a bit behind, the KDE is coming (supposed to today...) next week to take some pictures of my classroom for the Kentucky Teacher magazine, I agreeded to do an interview regarding our Literacy Coach, and KTIP Cycle II is in full swing - not to even mention the battle I am in with the AP Board. Everyone knows a new teacher has limited resources...I had no intention of changing up the German program all at once - perhaps in 4 years - but not now. Well our AP friends say that the book that I have (not my choice) is never going to be approved. Great! So far today - in the 4 hours I have been awake (I did have to take a little nap after I saw that we were out today...) I have successfully completed updates on KTIP Cycle II materials. This took a little bit of time, because I have finished the special needs section, and the leadership section.

]]> I need to appoligize for not blogging as often as I like. I am sorry. With the hustle and flow of secondary education, I sometime feel like I am a lost soul in the middle of the universe without a purpose. On those days, the last thing I want to do it sit at the computer and type. I appoligize again - if I ever go 2 weeks without blogging - send me an email and complain!

I hae been reflecting on the notion that first year teachers go through phases of depression, anxiety, and high stress. I do not think I have been doing this. People will ask me, "You surviving?" and I always reply, "No - I'm thriving!" I think it is all about the mindset of the teacher. If I go to work every day complain that I am there - then I have no business teaching. I am incredibly thankful and fortunate that I have the opportunity to change so many lives.

On a different note - Since my Arts & Humanities nightmare seemingly is stabalized, I have been able to focus on my German classes more. I have developed more hands on lessons, more exciting activities, and been able to successfully get the students more involved. All of this is possible - it just takes mental strength. I have been doing some TPRS based on the Michael & Sabine series by Michael Miller - I know this is mostly for middle school students - but my student thoroughly enjoy it too. I am amazed at the amount of vocabulary the students learn through doing these stories. We have done two stories now - and I feel that the students are more willing to speak in German. This is a huge hurdle to have jumpped...we obviously still have work to do though.

My German Club is doing great - one student has made it her personal mission to create a German Garden at the entrance of the school. Whether it has "German" flowers or not - it will still be fun. We plan to clean up the front landscaping of the school - and will hopefully get some good PR for this.

I'm sure I could continue on for hours and hours - but I will stop here. If you have any questions about anything - please feel free to let me know! lucas.gravitt@scott.kyschools.net

Nearing the End

Dearest Blog Readers:
I am incredibly sorry that I have not written in so long. As I previously mentioned before – I have gotten into a groove. This is a good groove – I finally feel like a real teacher (even though the ladies in the cafeteria at school still try to charge me $2.25 instead of $3….What’s your number hun?). I have successfully completed KTIP Cycle I – and my high ed person quit. Yes – he quit. Well I don’t know that for a fact, but he is no longer doing KTIP. I have been reassigned. I hope it wasn’t something I did. I received a majority score of 3 – which is all I need to do to ensure another successful cycle! This KTIP thing is a breeze. I don’t even know where to continue…Oh this is good!!! Every Friday I send out Herr Gravitt’s Deutsche Zeitung – this is an informal email newsletter that highlights the positives from each of my classes the previous week. This is a great way for me to rethink my weeks – plus it give the opportunity for parents to see what it is their children are doing at school. I include a “Learn German” section and a “German Website” section. I receive great feedback from the parents and even the students about these! Surprisingly I was featured in my principals “Morning Messages” (his version of my enote sent every morning) email. He and all of the administration are very happy to see the connection to the parents. I have shared my secret with several teachers now – some new, some not new. I believe I am in a stage of re-invigoration. I have new ideas coming to mind – and I am getting excited about teaching (not that I ever wasn’t actually). This year the Foreign Language Department (Yes I know…foreign suggests something odd and strange…I can’t convince these people to change the name yet) is putting on a Foreign Language Christmas Concert. Each language has 5 minutes to sing or dance or talk about their culture’s Christmas or other winter holiday. Then this Saturday we (Germans and Japanese) are singing in the Georgetown Christmas Parade. We are extremely pumped – and I am excited to take our language skills to the community and show this town what we having going on at the High School. I know Germans aren’t big on carrying the flag – but by golly – I have student fighting over who will carry the flags! Also – the three German exchange students are incredibly excited to walk with us and sing. After the parade I am treating the students to a pizza dinner at the College (all centrally location – connections are great!). The following week – we are taking our choirs to the three middle schools in our county. We will put on a Christmas concert at each school to let the younger students know about languages! We are hoping to have also an informational something toward scheduling. I hope you all have had a nice fall – and enjoy winter as well – I will be writing more soon – but this is all for now (I must do laundry and clean!!!). Enjoy the holidays (and don’t get frustrated when trying to go to Wal-Mart for shampoo and the three million shoppers prohibit you from doing so).
Mit freundlichen Gruß,
Lucas

Greetings - Pre Conference Chat

Good Evening Friends - This week has been crazy for me! With the end of our nine weeks, I have transactive pieces to grade, open responses to finish, final exams (for my 9 week class), quizzes, tests, and all sorts of other obligations. Does it ever stop?

First off I would like to say thank you for continuing to read my blog. I hope someone out there is finding solice in my ramblings - or at least get a chuckle. I will only be at school three days this week - Thursday day I was invited to attend in Invitation Education seminar at the new (ohhh ahhh) Hilton Garden Inn in Georgetown. I am one of 3 teachers from my school going - so I will miss Thursday school. Is it only me or does it actually take about 5 time the amount of work to plan for a sub?? I am very please that I have no students on Friday anyway, because I was not going to miss Susan's presentation at KWLA conference!

Speaking of the conference - if you see me there (and you most likely will) - please come up to me to introduce yourself. I am not one to introduce myself to strangers - or put on some floaty air - but I would love to meet you! Ok - back to school stuff.

I am thrilled and excited that I will receive a digital projector. It has been a jolt to me - I was trained always having one - while student teaching I alway had one (or something similar - hi Wes!). It will make my life so much better to be able to whip out bell ringers on a powerpoint presentation - it should save board space...markers...and my sanity. Thank you Nathan for getting me one! Next week we are out of school - we get an entire week off! I will be attending a PD session on Thursday call Fall into Technology. Even though I feel rather tech savy - I still believe there is room to grow. There are also fabulous door prizes such as SmartBoards, AirLiners, Clickers, Mobile White Boards (little electronic things...not sure about this one), jump drives, etc. I am excited about that. How offen are teachers excited about PD?? NEVER!!! Well I am - so get over it.

I had a slight snafu last week when I told a young lady to cover up her exposed body. Got a call from the parents- a little disappointed that I embarassed the daughter. It fortunately worked out - I was worried to death though! I never meant to offend this student of mine. For all you new teachers out there - be sure to be as professional as possible during these little mishaps - they will happen - nothing to cry over...but be strong and professional!

That is all I have for you tonight - it is not 10:00 PM and I am going to shower and go to bed. See you all this weekend!

Oktoberfest

The anticipation is growing as we prepare for Oktoberfest. Our celebration will last two days - day one being an outdoor festival type day with soccer, football, frisbee, and sack races - day two being indoors with German food.

]]> The anticipation is growing as we prepare for Oktoberfest. Our celebration will last two days - day one being an outdoor festival type day with soccer, football, frisbee, and sack races - day two being indoors with German food.

This has attracted the attention of the local newspaper - compelted a phone interview yesterday - they are coming to take pictures tomorrow - must be a slow news week in Georgetown. My students are so excited to be able to make their own rendention of a German specialty (and the authentic specialties from my ethnically German parents).

I feel like I am starting to get the hang of this whole teacher thing. It seemed as though (just a few weeks ago) that I was in over my head - now I feel like I am swimming - I must continue to paddle - but I can at least stay afloat.

Hope you have a great week.

Lucas

Wow - I feel good!

For the strangest most unknown reason - I have a new passion for teaching. The long holiday break - plus me catching a horrible illness (out for one day) - has made me excited!

]]> For the strangest most unknown reason - I have a new passion for teaching. The long holiday break - plus me catching a horrible illness (out for one day) - has made me excited!

Here I am - sitting in the library of my school - I get kicked out of my room during plan (I like to think of it as forced reflective moments) - and it hits me! I was meant to be a teacher. With my rather oversized planning book in hand, I am getting excited. Everything seems to be falling into place. The Arts & Humanities classes are almost taking care of themselves (one class on a nine week cycle is nearing the end of unit two while the eighteen week cycle is coming to the end of unit one) - and my German classes - well...I get to speak German! I think it is much easier to plan a four day week than a five day week, which might be why I'm rather giddy (or it could be the coffee talking).

That's really all I wanted to say - for all you new teachers out there - Keep it up! Anytime you are feeling down - thinking why did I ever commit to this - remember - you are lucky as heck to have a job!

Have a nice short week.

Lucas

Day Whatever - Teacher Sleep?

Is it just me or does this gig take a lot out of a person? I get home around 4:30 or 5:00 everyday (except those days I have mandatory 3 hours workshops because some kids can't read), eat some dinner, watch the news, and take a nap.

]]> Is it just me or does this gig take a lot out of a person? I get home around 4:30 or 5:00 everyday (except those days I have mandatory 3 hours workshops because some kids can't read), eat some dinner, watch the news, and take a nap.

Where did nap fit into my college planning? I was never told that I should take a nap each day. Taking a nap ensures that I will be able to stay up until 11:00 - if I do not take a nap - I'm in bed by 9:30! I cannot believe this - me - Lucas - in bed at 9:30 PM!? Well my friends, it is true. I guess this is a part of growing up. In college I was perfectly capable of staying up until 1 or 2 AM - then getting up for class at 7:30. How I ever did that I don't know. As you can tell by the time - it is 9:31 PM now - and because I did not take a nap today - I'm going to bed. I wish you all continued luck! See you in October! (Be sure to take advantage of the early registration - must be in by September 7th - my principal was all excited that I could turn the registration form in early and save money!)

Lucas

Teaching - Days Four through Eight

Good Morning by dear friends. As you can tell - things either have (a) been extremely crazy and/or (b) teaching has gotten better. If you answered (c) all of the above - you are correct! In addition to celebrating my birthday I have been rather busy with life.

]]> Good Morning by dear friends. As you can tell - things either have (a) been extremely crazy and/or (b) teaching has gotten better. If you answered (c) all of the above - you are correct! In addition to celebrating my birthday I have been rather busy with life.

In addition to life - my German classes are going great! The German One quiz went great on Friday. The majority of students scored perfectly, but there were still some who did not meet expectations. We have moved on from the introductory information - and started the first chapter in the book. At the end of last week, my students kept asking me, "Herr Gravitt...you said we would get our books today - are we getting them?" The students were so worried about getting books. I guess every other teacher in the school had assigned books on the first day - and because I did not - the students were a little stressed out. They finally got the books and immediately began to thumb through it to see all the "cool" pictures and "long" words (both terms I find rather relative).

On Monday (my birthday) I have a variety of students bring cucumber salad, sugar cookies, brownies, cake, and a derby pie! While learning the months of the year - I casually mentioned (while talking about Geburtstag) that my birthday is Monday. Before I knew it we were having a party in every class! Gotta watch those German students.

I do not have too much to say about my Arts & Humanities classes - they are a pain - they run me ragged - but I have been assigned to teach those students and teach them I will.

I am slowly but surly getting used to the school. I still get a little confused when I am supposed to be in a meeting but I have a class during that time. Today is our first early release day. I'm sure it will be crazy! Friday we have an anti-bullying assembly (to which I do not have to go!) - and I'm taking my first group of student to the computer lab tomorrow. I'm sure there will be another post soon. Thank you for reading - let me know if you have any comments or ideas!!!!!

Teaching - Day Three

Today has been amazing! I had my first meeting with my KTIP resource teacher this morning. I realized that it will not be as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I saw a student who’s mother I am very good friends with. While walking through the gymnasium (from my meeting to my classroom) I hear “LUCAS!!!” coming from above. I thought I was being called to a better place – but it turned out to by my friend.

]]> Day Three
Today has been amazing! I had my first meeting with my KTIP resource teacher this morning. I realized that it will not be as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I saw a student who’s mother I am very good friends with. While walking through the gymnasium (from my meeting to my classroom) I hear “LUCAS!!!” coming from above. I thought I was being called to a better place – but it turned out to by my friend. I politely told her that she needs to call me Mr. Gravitt while at school – it was a little awkward. She followed me back to my classroom to tell me of her mother’s recent adventures (the student’s brother, my friends son, died is a bad car wreck a little over a year ago). She mentioned that people have already been talking about my classes and want to add me as their teacher. Unfortunately I have no space in any class!

The Arts & Humanities class went so much better – I think I am starting to like these kids. I planned a rather fun activity – they enjoyed it – all is well.

With my German III/AP class, I am still trying to figure out what they have been taught. I gave them a rather large pre-test to assess their prior knowledge. After the long summer, it seems to finally come back to them. I plan to delve into fine grammatical points that they did not understand on the pre-test. Once I catch them up to speed, we will be able to follow a more rigid regular curriculum.

I truly love my German One “babies”. They just make my day. I am incredibly thrilled that they are my last period class. They finally cut my numbers down :’( to around 30. This is much more manageable. I still see students in the hall that say, “Herr Gravitt – I’m going to try to take German again next year!” This means the world to me.

At this point, I feel that I am getting used to being a teacher. The majority of problems I am having are behavioral. I do not know if this is because of my age or because of my lack of experience. I have finally gotten together a system for marking participation, mark off if they sleep, or throw things across the room. I thank Wes for his help with the development of this system.

Teaching - Day Two

My second day of teaching was much better than the first. I was more prepared, more rested, well fed, and not so nervous. With homeroom – my first period plan gets cut to twenty-five minutes! That is not enough time!

]]> Day Two
My second day of teaching was much better than the first. I was more prepared, more rested, well fed, and not so nervous. With homeroom – my first period plan gets cut to twenty-five minutes! That is not enough time! By the end of the planning period, I know about what I am going to teach that day – and Miss Georgia (the copy lady) doesn’t have enough time to run my copies! I’ve gotten better though. The wise advice from my KTIP resource teacher is to plan at least one week in advance. My goal is to get through this week – much less plan for next week. So far – I like to have rough plans set for two week periods – I know what I will do with most of my classes next Friday (it’s a quiz…)- Except the German I students – who will be quizzed this week.

Speaking of the German I class…did I mention I have 38 students???? Even though I want to build the program to create a full time German position, I would prefer to have smaller classes. The principals are furiously trying to cut students out of the class (for which I am saddened). They have already taken out all students who ever have had a C or below in any class – and now they are cutting freshmen who are not in honors English (which I think will take away 2 or 3). I have been doing a series of introductory lessons that I borrowed from my dear friend and mentor Susan (Thanks Susan!). The students love the incorporation of American Sign Language with basic German vocabulary. It gets their blood flowing – and up off the floor (yes…I know…students on the floor is usually a bad sign, but I only have 30 chairs and 38 students minus 30 chairs equals 8 sitting on the floor). This is where Susan kicks in. The idea of having the students up on their feet is brilliant! Why sit down? The students never complain!

Off the subject of foreign language (yes we still call it foreign language here at Scott County…) – my Arts & Humanities classes are getting better. I’ve found that the more you give the students to do, the better their behavior becomes! A novel idea isn’t it? I still need fun and creative A&H lesson ideas – PLEASE HELP!!

Teaching - Day One

Who allowed me to become a teacher?
I arrived at school this morning about 45 minutes early. I realized that I needed to copy syllabi, copy in class work, and copy homework. Miss Georgia in the front office prefers to make the copies – so I entrusted her with my job. Needless to say – I got 2 out of 3 things copied correctly. Homeroom was horrible.

]]> Day One:
Who allowed me to become a teacher?
I arrived at school this morning about 45 minutes early. I realized that I needed to copy syllabi, copy in class work, and copy homework. Miss Georgia in the front office prefers to make the copies – so I entrusted her with my job. Needless to say – I got 2 out of 3 things copied correctly. Homeroom was horrible. Luckily, the school had enough sense to use the teachers who do not have a homeroom to help the new teachers out a bit. “Mr. Gravitt, where is room 170? “ “Well kid…to tell you the truth, I have no clue.” That went over well. Every student in that school seemed to think I should know how to get to the trailers. No. They are outside somewhere…just look for them. They are big! After homeroom I had my plan period. Hadn’t I planned enough? Why do I need this addition 25 minutes? I quickly realized that I only printed 3 out of my 5 classes’ worth of syllabi (not counting the 1 class that was messed up). First period plan went by faster than I would have ever imagined. The day got better after plan – my German III/AP students arrived. Finally I found some people to whom I could speak German. That is what I was trained to do – and I wasn’t able to do it until almost noon on day one! That class period went by way too fast. I realized that last year (would have been German II for some, and German III for others) they only got about ¼ of the way through the textbook. This means they are one year behind! And they expect to take the AP Exam? Hah…think again. In that class I also have one senior who needed German II to graduate – but because of the unchanging band schedule – couldn’t take it in the normal slot – just to add another dimension to my day. He was pleasant though – and we found a common bond through trombone playing.
After my glorious second period came the most dreaded period of the day – Arts & Humanities. I was not trained to teach Arts & Humanities – I assumed with my relatively strong background in music and theatre I would be fine teaching it. Think again! The students were rude – they kept telling me that they wanted to switch to a different class. I kept making hall passes to usher them to the Guidance office. If they don’t want to be in my class, I don’t want them there. I scuffled through A&H (my personal short hand) only to realize that I have yet another section of it! And this time – it lasts ninety minutes!!! What will I ever do for ninety minutes? It turned out that I talked for about the first thirty minutes, they ate lunch, and they sat for the next hour. It just so happened that the air conditioner stopped working my room classroom – so it was hot, stuffy, students were complaining about the heat, I was sweating, and I was hungry (I decided that I would take the 25 minute lunch period to plan for the rest of the day).
German two was next. Even though this class should be something I enjoy – I do not! There is one student who is taking German II for the third time – my goal is to have him pass! I never want to see him again! He blurted out the F-word, the S-word, and the D-word all in two sentences. What am I going to do with this kid? I found out also that this class got about ¼ of the way through their German I text – which means…you guessed it, one year behind! I surely have my work cut out for me.
After German II, the glorious German I students came. In my classroom that seats 30, I had 38 students. The school originally had 42 registered for German I (this is what happens when the high school doesn’t talk with the ninth grade school). They say some of them will eventually drop out of my class. I began instantly using the wonderful technique of TPR (thank you Susan!). This strategy worked perfectly, because I had 8 students sitting on the floor – why not do a standing activity? I breezed through the first day’s worth of words – and they all left the class saying, “Auf Wiedersehen Herr Gravitt!” I knew my day was complete.