Home Visits

I recently just started doing home visits to my students' houses. I've only done two so far, but I can't wait to do more. The first one lasted an hour and the one I did today was for an hour and a half. Home visits are not supposed to be academic at all. They're just supposed to build a connection between the school and home. The teacher visits and sees what the child's home life is like. We're also supposed to ask about hopes and dreams the parent has for their child. It's so fun seeing what the child does at home and seeing what their room is like. It's also fun seeing their relationships with their parents and siblings. We're only supposed to stay for about half an hour, but I've enjoyed them so much that I've been staying longer. The parents, child and even the child's siblings and I just end up talking a lot. It's fun! It makes me feel good about my job. Home visits seem "old school" to me...But they're becoming more and more prevalent. It's so late in the year now, I wish I would've started earlier...Then I might've been able to get two done in the year for each child. I can't wait to schedule more!

More of Alexandra Sofia

P.S.

I just realized I haven't blogged since my niece, Alexandra Sofia was born. She was born on January 30th. Here she is...

(I bought her these Vans for Christmas!)

Good News

So I heard some really good news today! I'm going to try to explain what it means, but to those of you who aren't teachers, it might not make much sense. Anyway, when I applied for my kinder position last year, my principal and other teachers at my school all thought that my position would be temporary. That means I'd sign a one-year contract, teach the full year and then have to re-apply for my job come next September. Well, it turns out everyone was mistaken and I don't have a temporary position. I still got a pink slip and have an unlikely chance of getting my job back next year because of other teachers who have seniority over me. But, if the district somehow overestimated the budget cuts and teachers start getting their jobs back, I'd have some rights...I wouldn't have to re-apply. It probably doesn't sound that great, but it is. Anyway, it made my day, so I thought I'd write a blog about it.

As far as the Little Darlings go, they're doing really well. Some of them are starting to read and spell short words and sentences. They used to be a pretty chatty group, but that's getting better too as they get older and become more used to school. They still say funny things and make me laugh everyday. Oh yeah, I'm also going to start doing some home visits to find out what the kids' lives are like at home. I have my first one this Thursday! I can't wait! On another note, one of my favorite things in my class is our Friday art project...Here are some sample projects...

Anyway, I'm happy with the way things are going. I just hope I get my job back next year. I'm hoping I'll get to teach summer school so that should help me out, financially. Wish me luck!