Last week we held "phase-in" days for my students. On Monday about half the kids came in the morning with their parents to attend the Boo-hoo Breakfast and see what the classroom routine entails. The second half of the students came in on Tuesday.
Wednesday was our first full day with all of the students. I think it's safe to say I was exhausted by the end of the day. It is hard to remember at times that these kids need to be taught the basics: how to stand in a line, move through centers, walk quietly in the halls, listen quietly when someone else is talking, etc. The classroom could have been described as hectic on the first day. However, I see light at the end of the tunnel! The kids are so sweet and surprisingly eager to be at school (for the most part) and are learning to follow their new rules.
Just within my first few days with the students, I have seen reprimands of the poverty in this area. For one, some of the clothing worn by the children and blankets brought in for nap time smell as if they have not been washed for weeks. A few of the students have complained of their heads itching and needed their scalps examined for lice. Also, I have already had to escort a small 4-year-old girl to a meeting with CPS. I am wondering if these types of things will affect my teaching in any way.
