Day Four

I am happy to report that I have learned the names of all the students in my class. I was nervous about this task at first, but after the second or third day I had them memorized. It helped that on the second day of school I had to take individual pictures of all the students as they came in in the morning for a project. I checked their names off after their pictures were taken and this helped me review the names. I think knowing and using student names is really important so I try and say hi to each of them every day by name.
I think I am also learning policies and procedures pretty well. We had a practice fire drill on Wednesday so I learned what door to use when exiting and entering. I also learned about the Grab and Go bag that has to be taken during fire drills and field trips. The bag contains supplies from the nurse, epipens and asthma inhalers. I also learned where to take the students at the end of the day to catch the bus, and where walkers and students who get picked up go.
I am trying to meet the other staff members in the building as well. It can be hard being the new person in the building. Especially a student teacher! I have gotten to work with the other fourth grade teachers a lot. I have also met all of the teachers in my hallway. They have been really nice to me. One teacher even made extra copies of a bunch of worksheets and materials that she thought I might want to use someday. I did some observations at Lake Harriet last year so I had meet some of the educational support staff and middle school teachers as well. I hope to get to know more people as the weeks go on.  All in all I am starting to feel more comfortable in the building, which is nice. It has been very helpful and comforting to have Meggie there as well! I am sure I will be sad to leave by the end of the semester!