Quick update!

I am 2 days into my first week as a teacher, with 2 more to go.  The first day went well, but yesterday went even better.  I have been quick to build rapport with my students and they have been quick to learn the routine and expectations of my classroom.   My favorite class so far is the one I was most worried about.  They are a group of DCD students who are nonverbal.   Even though they can't talk, I haven't had a problem understanding them or keeping them engaged.   Yesterday I gave them hand held magnifying glasses so that we could go outside and investigate rocks.   They held those glasses like real Scientists and hunted for rocks with great enthusiasm for 50 minutes!  They were giggling and squealing and they we so proud to show me all of the rocks they found.   The aids that come with them have been really kind to me and keep saying things like "thank you Ms. Nolte for teaching us real Science."  I know that I am going to have to work really hard to make sure that I have activities that  are at their level and keep them engaged.   It's going to be a huge year of learning for me! 

Despite being so tired I could fall over after a day full of constant motion and lots of adapted instruction (no two classes are the same!), I have actually been really busy after school.  

Over Labor day weekend, I went to Philadelphia, PA to visit my good friend Britt.   I was reluctant to be out of town before such an important week for me, but now I am really thankful that I booked my plane tickets and went.  It's so important to make time to invest in the people you love!

To further my friend investment, I went to see the show Wicked on Tuesday night.  It was clearly really important to my friends that I was there so I am thankful that even though I was exhausted, I was able to spend some time with them. 

Last night I went over to a fellow Science friends house to watch some instructional videos related to the curriculum we teach from.   It was good to connect with him and hear about how he has been teaching some stuff.  I told him that I was going to steal all of his ideas and adapt them in a way that Sam the Scientist could teach.   He just laughed and said that he could never pull off a "Sam".  

Keep praying for me.   There are many hard aspects of my job, but there are so many rewarding moments throughout the day.   I love how big these kids smile and I love how much they enjoy exploring.   My classroom has been destroyed by a few kids each day "look Ms.Nolte, I used these tools to fill this up with water!" "Oh. . . good investigating, please go back to your seat!" I'm not really attached to anything in my room yet so I haven't been sad or bothered by this just yet.   We're all learning the ropes together :)