Well we are already four weeks in and hopefully it has been a great start of the school year for everyone. I am now teaching a grade eight class, teaching math, science, history/geography, language, art and drama. I was overwhelmed at first thinking about all of the subjects I would be responsible for but I […]
First Week Reflections
Bloggers reflections on their first week of school
Helping parents transition to school
Hi everyone. My name is Tammy Axt and I am a music teacher in the Peel District School Board. On the third day of school, which happened to be the first day for our kindergarten students, I went to do my duty at 8:05. I opened the door and observed as our students entered the […]
It’s like September all over again
Have you ever walked into a classroom and did a double take? Trying to gather your bearings, did it feel as if you’d been in that exact same spot and the very same moment before? I know it’s happened to me and wonder if other educators feel this way? Returning to the classroom in September can be […]
Something’s Old, Something’s New
I am at a new school this year and so I am once again learning new routines of the collective culture of the school community as well as the various cultures of the individual students. We have a big crop of Junior Kindergarten students and a handful of Seniors. So far, it is rolling merrily […]
Getting Started With Music
Hi everyone! My name is Tammy Axt (formerly Tammy Gallant) and I am a music teacher for students in grade 3, 4 and 5 in the Peel District School Board. This is my fifth year as a music teacher and I hope to be able to assist those new to the planning time role in schools across Ontario. My […]
Experienced teacher tackles Kindergarten for the first time
With the generous help of colleagues, I made it through 2 whole days of Senior Kindergarten this week. It is all so new to me! As it was, I still felt as if I bumbled my way through a lot – still not sure how much to slow my speech down for the wee ones […]
The First 20 Days of School – Connecting with Students is a Great Place to Start
Teaching is always new! With a new group of students, fresh reflections on practice and the opportunity to start from scratch, as it were, the start of the school year provides teachers and students alike the opportunity to create new beginnings every year. Knowing this, what might some important considerations be to make it a great […]
Sharing Your Passions Early and Often
When you are passionate about something, whether it is spending time in the natural world, cooking, art or music your excitement is palpable. It is also contagious. I have used this belief for the last three decades in my teaching practice. Every September my initial plan for developing a learning community and establishing relationships with […]
This is not a drill. We are live.
It’s the first day. I’m alone in my classroom. Wow! It’s so calm in here. And why not? It is nearly 2 hours before the first bell of the new year. Why do I feel so excited? Yet, at the same time like butterflies are barfing in my stomach? We’ve all thought about it, dreamt about it, and for many, […]