The October Grind

It has been quite a while, but quite frankly I have been pretty exhausted. We are definitely in the October grind, where there are zero days off and I’m just creating lesson and lesson on the weekend. Our first unit is coming to an end so that will be a good change. So far, the grades seem inflated, but their final two assessments will really get school kicking back in full gear. We weren’t allowed to start true curricular things until October, making this month the one to start slowly putting down the gas pedal.

I have had a few management issues, but I think since I maintain a pretty tight ship, they are working themselves out. Of course, the year is still young.

Heading into November, we will be using the scripted Lucy Calkin’s lessons. We are starting with historical fiction book clubs (in the time of Covid) which is going to be a puzzle. It will be a huge learning curve for me in terms of motivating students to read their respective books (all different ones) and ensuring they are doing the work. “Do the work” is pretty much my teaching motto. You can only learn things by doing them, again and again. The writing units pretty much play themselves out, so starting with a reading one is a bit daunting. Ultimately, it’ll be just fine. I really have to stop being such a perfectionist. It is just so hard sometimes.

Other than a few weird bumps here and there, I think everything has been going pretty well. No news is good news for sure! I am a bit nervous for the 1st marking period to be over and parent conferences. I dread being yelled at for things that aren’t true or are out of my control. I’m really hoping for a decent November. With every notch of firsts I can make, I know I’ll be able to spread my wings more and more.

I really do enjoy teaching 8th grade and am a bit sad that my contract is actually for 7th grade. Welp, when I’m a first year teacher again next year I’ll figure out that whole puzzle again!