Back to the "Real World"

Ok so after two years of not being in the classroom, I have mixed feelings about what I'm about to do.  This year I am taking the full leap back into full time teaching, and I will have my own sixth grade class.  This stirs up many emotions for me!  As most of you know, I have been teaching K-8th grade computer part-time the last two years.  While I would not have traded that time at home with Lainey for anything, most of you know I was MISERABLE in that position!  Whether or not we would have moved this year, I knew for certain that I would be teaching in a classroom again.  That is where my heart is...that's what makes me happy!  That being said, God, of course, knows my heart and knew this is what I needed.  He gave us a clear sign that we needed to move to Nebraska, and we made the decision and took the leap of faith.  After deciding to move to Nebraska (jobs or no jobs) at the end of April, I was offered a position the very next month with one of the best school districts in the Omaha area.  God is so good!!!  Just goes to show what can happen when you put your trust in Him and follow where He leads! 

We've had a crazy busy summer so far, and since we moved three weeks ago I have put in some quality time at school trying to get my classroom ready.  I LOVE this time of year!  I'm the big dork who gets all giddy when the school supplies come out at Target.  I walk down those aisles every time I'm in the store...and that's A LOT!!  So needless to say, I have enjoyed getting my room ready for my new set of 6th graders.  You could say I'm not your normal upper elementary teacher...I tend to have a little but of Kindergarten in me!  My room always has some sort of color theme, and of course I like the matchy matchy.  This gets difficult when you're talking about decorating a room that will have 11 & 12 year old boys in it!  I've decided that at the end of the day, I'm going to make my room look fun and exciting, but also put enough girly touches in it to make Mrs. Tosic happy every day!  Here's a preview of my new class.  It's 93% finished...now I just have to start the undoubtedly difficult task of public school curriculum and assessment!

This is the view from my front door

Another one from the front door...

This is by my door when the kids first walk in.  This is where they will answer a daily question for me to track attendance, and where they will tell me which lunch they are having that day. 

Another view of the front of the room and my guided reading table.

A more close up picture of their morning stuff

My calendar that I am in LOVE with!!  This was the first year I actually got to use my Cricut for the classroom, so I made my calendar numbers, months, and holiday markers.  Come to find out though that I also have another calendar in which I have to do calendar math, so this is just my personal pretty one to look at! :)

Another view of the room.  I have a great big window and a door that leads outside to a little reading area with benches and tables.  How I lucked out in having a big room again in my teaching career, I don't know, but I'm not complaining!

Back of the room.  This would be where the other 7% that is not finished would be!  I have NO clue what's on those shelves and what I need on them, so we're saving that until I actually start back next week.

My desk :)

And of course my "must have"...a Huskers football schedule poster!  I can't express to you how fun it is to see red EVERYWHERE you go!!!  That will never get old!  To give you an idea, I had training for a special sixth grade Outdoor Education trip we do, and 3 out of 5 teachers had a Huskers shirt on. :)

            

So there's a preview of Mrs. Tosic's 6th grade class!  So far everyone here on staff has been incredibly nice and helpful, and I really feel blessed to be part of such a great team of teachers!  I miss my CDS friends, but am obviously being shown daily that God had a plan for us to be here. 

In unrelated news, my brother is coming tomorrow!!!