This is — officially — my first week of student teaching.  The 23rd to be exact.  All of last week and the next couple of days are freebies.  I learned soooo much in how to get the procedures down that I feel very confident about applying that and keeping control of the class.  Also, the students have known me since day 1 (that is, the day 1 of Aug. 15 first day of school for them!) so it should make it easier for me when it comes to taking over the whole class.  Here’s some of what else I learned:

 *  It’s not uncommon for someone to enroll for 2 days and then leave.

*  Some students who don’t feel like coming to school don’t.  Period.  They also don’t feel the need to follow the school calendar and show up when they want to.  Example — 1 student started today, oblivious to the fact that school truly started last week.

*  Homework is expected every night — weekends included.  At least 1 math worksheet and 20 minutes of self-selected reading.  NO EXCUSES!!!!  Not even the principal will listen to them.  How does it go, Clay?  “Talk to the hand!”

*  It’s not unusual for at least 1 student to be sent to the office on the first day of school.

*  Supplies?  Optional, but helpful on the part of the teacher’s meager salary.

*  Teaching does not consist of a normal schedule.  You come in early, leave late, and you’re lucky if you get a potty break or lunch.  (I realize lunch is supposed to be a scheduled time but the majority of teachers I know work through their lunch, me included, to help ease the rest of the paperwork burden after school!)

My feelings after a full week?  I’m tired but still lovin’ every minute of it!