Day 87: January 3, 2017
I blinked and Christmas break was over.
It was back to the grind today. I’m happy that my district has a teacher work day prior to the beginning of second semester. Starting the second half of the year organized creates motivation for me.
I spent my teacher work day updating grades, cleaning out my file cabinets, organizing my classroom, and planning some upcoming units. It was a productive day. I need more days like this!
I wore dark jeans, a school-spirited hoodie, and a navy puffer vest from J.Crew. It rained and stormed all day as I worked. It’s unusual for January, but I’ll take it over snow.
Day 88: January 4, 2017
I was anticipating today being one where the students were quiet and mourning the end of their Holiday break. Instead, the students were lively and talkative from first period until the end of the day. This is the first day that I can remember where the students have returned after break excited and buzzing about the new year. Several students even expressed their resolutions to do better in school.
In English we picked up right where we left off in the reading of Not a Drop to Drink. We left off at a cliffhanger so it was good to get to a major plot twist in the story.
In Honors World History I introduced a new unit with a map, political cartoon, vocabulary.
In both classes I decided to give the sense of a fresh start and changed up the seating arrangement. It’s great to be back into a routine and I’m excited about all the things I hope to accomplish in my classroom this year.
Today I wore a new tunic from Old Navy, a kimono from H&M, and Lula Roe leggings.
Day 89: January 5, 2017
I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow on the ground. The weather blew in from the west carrying two waves of snow today. One hit just before school and the other just as school was letting out. Most of the days students complained that we didn’t have an early release, but I’m glad to hang on to our precious snow days until it is really necessary. After a long break I am ready to settle back into routines and snow days (although I appreciate them) deter regular routines.
In English today my students brainstormed for an informative piece. They have to name five items that the main character of our book needs to survive in her post-apocalyptic world. I used an article about a zombie apocalypse from the Huffington post as a model for what their informational piece should look like. This assignment balances creativity, writing, and reading comprehension skills.
In Honors World History, I lectured about the Age of Imperialism. I introduced the idea and gave some brief examples that we will explore later in the unit.
Today I wore black pants, a new tunic from Old Navy, and a cardigan from Primark in England. My Sperry boots kept my feet warm on this wet and frigid day.
Day 90: January 6, 2017
We had a delayed start to the school day this morning. It was nice to stay in bed a little longer and my energy level was higher. Most classes were shortened to half an hour and so things seemed to go quickly.
In English students were reading and working on a new essay assignment. In Honors World History we analyzed a political cartoon.
Today I wore a Lula Roe top, a vest from Old Navy which I received for Christmas, jeans from The Limited, and my brand new Nike Free Runs.
It was a short week, but it has been good to re-establish routines. I’m excited about the second half of the year in my classes and my goals that I am working on creating.
Which look was your favorite this week?
The Ameri Brit Mom
The Ameri Brit Mom 