Thursday 12 April 2012

Soon To Be.... Second Grade Garden?!

No pictures or freebies to share today... Just some *big* news in my world. I really wanted to join Doodle Bugs' 12 on 12 again this month, but my mind has been a bowl of mush lately that I didn't even think to pick up the camera once today...

There has been a lot of frustration and stress these past two weeks as things get worked out for the next school year... I thought I was going to be staying in Grade 1 at my current school, but that's not the way this cookie crumbled... I have loved being in Grade 1 so much and I have two fantastic grade partners that have been so fun to work with. But no tears -- on to new adventures, right?

I'm switching to a different school (which is a little bit closer to my home, so there's me starting to think positively) and will be teaching Grade 2 next year. I'm excited and sad and nervous all at the same time. This will be my fourth school and fourth different grade in four years.... I have previously taught 3/4, 4, and 1. I guess Grade 2 is the only thing I haven't taught yet! :P

I still have three more months of Grade 1 to plan and teach and have fun with though! But of course the wheels are already turning a bit to Grade 2... what kinds of fun stuff can I do with *them*? ;) I am going to have to stalk Amy over at Krazy About Kiddos to see what she is up to, because she just announced that she is going to be moving to second, too! If anyone knows of some fabulous second grade blogs, be sure to pass the links on to me!!

Off to take Bella for a bike ride... loving this early Spring weather!! Good night!

19 comments:

  1. Congratulations and good luck! I really like Krista at "The Second Grade Superkids." She teaches in a dual language classroom, but has some wonderful freebies (in both languages) and lots of good ideas.

    heathernnance@yahoo.com

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  2. I love the Teacher Wife, Steppin' into Second with Mrs. Lemons, and so many more! Good luck!

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  3. Congrats and agree with Rachelle, those are al great blogs!
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue SKies

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  4. Amanda,
    You will find some similarities between the two grades. I'd love to send you my Common Core Cheat Sheet for Second grade if you think this would be helpful.

    Learningwithmrsparker@ gmail

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  5. Here's a link to 2nd grade blogs on TBA:

    http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2011/04/2nd-grade-blogs.html

    Seems like a lot of you are being moved to 2nd grade this year. I've shared this link at least 4 times the last few days!


    Journey of a Substitute Teacher
    Journey of a Substitute Teacher FB

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  6. I used to do a 1-2 loop and I really enjoyed it. 2nd isn't all that different than 1st. The good news is that the kids are a little more independent, but still young enough to have fun with! I think you'll enjoy it! Good luck!
    Farming the First Grade Crop

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  7. Hi there! I have taught 1st for the past 9 years...This year I taught a 1/2 split and I love it! I was nervous at first too, and like you was at multiple schools in multiple years! But you will be pleasantly surprised at how much of your first grade stuff and knowledge you will use in 2nd! =)
    Good luck!

    Samantha
    Ms.Smarty Pants

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  8. Good luck at your new school Amanda! You'll have to let me know where it's at! I totally know the stress of this time of year, but you are VERY lucky to have found out your placement already. I never find out until June so these last 3 months stress me out like C-R-A-Z-Y! I wish our division was prompt like yours.

    http://kaleighsklassroom.blogspot.ca/

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  9. I have first and second graders right now and I love all of them, obviously, but I really enjoy second grade because they have most of the fundamentals in place and you can challenge them with higher level thinking. They are more independent too!!

    Marvelous Multiagers!

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  10. Thanks for the shout out! My mind is spinning with second grade ideas so look for some soon! :) I'm memorizing the 2nd grade Common Core at the moment. Haha!

    Amy
    Krazy About Kiddos

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  11. Thank you everyone for the kind words and blog links! I will be sure to check them all out! :)

    Happy Weekend!

    Amanda
    First Grade Garden

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  12. Woohoo! Second graders are so much fun. They can still do cutesy and cheesy, but they have a lot more independence and you can get into a little more meat in the curriculum! (But not too much- don't worry :)

    If you will be using Reading Street or Treasures, there are a few GREAT sites of resources I can share!

    Check out Second Grade Squad for lots of 2nd grade blogs. I think some of my favorites are Swimming in Second, Step into Second with Mrs. Lemons, Mrs. Bainbridge's Class, Second Grade Shenanigans, Second Grade Stuff, and there are so many more.

    You can check lots and lots out at the blogroll on my not-as-amazing-but-hopefully-still-pretty-good-for-being-so-new 2nd grade blog! :)

    Jenny
    Luckeyfrog's Lilypad

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  13. I hate you couldn't join me.. but would love to have you next year!

    I am sure your brain is spinning about next year. But, finish this year out then start the plannin.

    Mrs. Lemons is BY FAR my favorite 2nd grade blog.
    http://stepintosecondgrade.blogspot.com/

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  14. not next year.. next month :o)

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  15. Tag! You're it! See my webpage for the rules! :)
    First Class with Mrs. Mac

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  16. There are so many great second grade blogs. You will not have any trouble finding great ideas. I have been in first grade for 14 years now, so you can see that I don't love the idea of changing grades. I love it in first. But I'm sure you will have a great time there as well.

    If you have a moment, check out my Clip Art/ Unit giveaway.

    Mike
    First Upon A Time
    firstuponatime@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Wow... I just realized that I am follower number 300!!!


      Mike
      First Upon A Time
      firstuponatime@gmail.com

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  17. Good luck! I'm winding down my 2nd year in 2nd grade after being a literacy specialist for years. 2nd graders are a bunch of fun! They are fairly independent, the curriculum is good, and they are developing quite a sense of humor!!

    I'm your newest follower!

    ~Jen
    Hello Mrs Sykes

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