Week #1 Done.

Well, what can I say, but I survived. What a world-wind week of firsts, and the only thing I can really say is, it was an experience. I wish I had, had more energy so that I could have written every night, so that I could remember every detail of everyday of the past week. But there in lines the problem, as that each full day pretty much kicked my butt. I was exhausted. I like to blame it on the fact that I have been pretty lazy and unmotivated all summer, but I'm pretty sure, I just wasn't prepared for the special thing called "teaching" that really does take a special person to do.

(Soap Box: I don't think people really know how much it takes to be a teacher, all the planning that goes into it - outside of school. I have done so much work just this week outside of school, that should constitute a second paycheck! If you have never been a teacher or even close to a remote position of a teacher, you know how hard it is to balance your work and your homelike as well as just taking care of yourself - and right now it's just me and Chad, I could NOT image having to come home and take care of kids and pets too!!! So please next time you see a teacher, who looks stressed out, it's because we always are. We don't do it for the glory (or the money), we do it because we love when children "get it." So carry on AND thank a teacher: End soap box.)

To Review for you:

Monday - I had duty 7:35am-8:05am - easy peazy. Stand in hallway make sure kids, don't go back out. Then during 1st period, I have planning, so I made the copies I need and prayed. 2nd period is my first Comprehensive Art class. It is a full class and they came in rather quiet (I don't know if they were tired or scared-haha) I handed out all the forms and we quickly reviewed them and the materials. 3rd period, I have Ceramics & Sculpture. It is a smaller class, full of upper clansmen, so that's nice. Then crazy, but I have lunch! I know10:30AMish, I eat lunch for 25 minutes. I ate in my room, and Ms. Udell (the chorus teacher, across the hall) ate with me. 4th period, is my second Comprehensive Art class and it is a full class as well. They were more lively, but not wild. I have to review the student handbook during 4th period, and they HATE that. 5th period is my AP Studio Art AND my Select Studio Art. It is a class of 11 total. Very small (I love it!) They are all older students and seem to miss the larger chairs and drafting tables, but are excited about having a new teacher. 6th period is my finally Comprehensive Art class and probably my most wild. It is a full class of chatty Cathy's. Finally, the day ends with 7th period - Drawing & Painting. It is a small class, like my Ceramics & Sculpture, but all upperclassman. All day, I repeated myself, passing out papers, reviewing the syllabi, materials and expectations.
I left school for a while, but had to return at 7PM for a school-wide coaches meeting!

Tuesday -  More going over papers in all of my classes and beginning to discuss more rules, procedures, and expectations. During my 7th period class, my principle came in to observe. THAT'S RIGHT, the 2ND day of school, I GOT OBSERVED. It was very nerve-racking. I don't get nervous and I didn't feel very nervous while he was in there, but after he left, I kept thinking about all the things I did wrong, or didn't do. Ugh! Hopefully, when I see the observation notes, it will all be good. I gave my Comp. Art classes and D&P classes their first projects: Name Plates and Mini-books about themselves (respectively).

Wednesday - I began notes in most of my classes about the Purposes of Art / Realms of Art / Different Art Media, etc. Just the basics. I also gave Pre-Tests in my Comp. Art classes

Thursday - Is the day I have chosen to Art History. I think it is hard to accurately incorporate Art History without having a lesson directly focused on it.  Every class, except my AP and Select Studio class does Art History. My Ceramics & Sculpture focus on the Sculpture History and my Drawing & Painting class focus on particular artists.

Friday - I have to say, I understand why they say "TGIF." By the time I got to Friday, I was so exhausted, I came home and slept. And slept good. I had my Comp. 1 classes turn in their Name Plate projects as well as my D&P class turn in their Mini-books!

This Weekend -  Has consisting of sleeping and TAX FREE WEEKEND! I have been grading projects, planning the semester, setting up my class binders, complete with standards and handouts. Still left is to finish grading projects, and creating my supply list of supplies that need to be ordered as well as create 2-3 presentations for next week.  On the bright side, Cheerleading Tryouts are Wednesday and Thursday AND One-Act auditions are Monday and Tuesday (I was roped into judging auditions) AND if my student's do not bring back their signed forms on Monday, they will have detention on Tuesday afternoon! I guarantee I will at least 3-5, hopefully not more!!! I'll keep you posted.

~Mrs. Brown (the Art Teacher!)