Back in the saddle again... well, tomorrow

I just thought this little guy was too cute!

Even though I've been going back in to work for the last three weeks, all but the last one was by choice. Last week was our first week that we had to be back. AND NOW tomorrow the kiddos are coming! Oh man, am I ready? Yes. No. Yes I am ready! All but for the new curriculum and subject that I'll be teaching this year. At my school in 5th grade, we have always done three rotations. Having three rotations helps the kiddos get ready for middle school. This means that I have a home room class, we do almost everything together as a class, but for three periods a day the students rotate to math, social studies (that's my subject!) and science. But due to budget cuts (boo!) we are down to only two 5th grade teachers and therefore one period got cut...  well, not totally cut. It's not cut out completely, just cut out of a rotations, which means... I'll be teaching math this year!!! Now, I realize that this shouldn't be a big deal, I'm a teacher after all and that means teaching ALL subjects but after 9 years (2 subbing, 7 teaching) of not teaching a subject ya get a little rusty, if you know what I mean. Ever heard the phrase, "if ya don't use it ya loose it", yep that's a true statement. I'm nervous to say the least. Not to mention the fact that the district adopted a new math curriculum for this year. So... new subject... new curriculum to use! ARGHH. This is adding sooo much unnecessary stress to my life right now. The other 5th grade teacher and I spent over TWO hours planning for ONE week of math. Will it get better?? I sure hope so. Oh, another problem-o is that we don't even have all the curriculum yet. In fact, we wouldn't have anything if it weren't for the other 5th grade teacher from last year who piloted the program. Yes, are you putting the pieces together? The curriculum is on back order, what?! How can that even be possible?? We are starting the school year without a major subject's brand newly adopted curriculum. Yikes. It's a good thing I work with some amazing teachers and have a lot of support to help me through this year. On a happier-less-stressful note, I am very excited to meet my new students and develop a relationship with them. I am anxious to get to know them and welcome them into my class and for us to feel like family! My classroom is ready for them, the papers prepared, posters hung, welcome signs ready and smiles in place. So, everyone... here's to a new year!