Preparing for Kindergarten

My first week as an intern was quite an experience.  I did not realize the amount of preparation, organization, and hard work that goes into a classroom before students return to school from summer break.  My first day back to Rivesville was Tuesday and my kindergarten student's first day of school was on Friday.  I thought that I was going to be bored by Thursday, but wow was I mistaken.  Mrs. Barnhart kept me busy from the moment I stepped into her classroom on Tuesday.  Some of my jobs included: preparing the take home folders, fixing the computers, creating a bulletin board, etc.  I was impressed with "THE LIST" Mrs. Barnhart created to keep Mrs. Furguson, Mrs. Lemon, and myself busy and organized for three days.  

The first day of Kindergarten was a bit overwhelming.  The first task that we had to overcome was having a twenty-fourth child show up for class who was not registered.  I loved how Mrs. Barnhart had an activity for the students to do as soon as they sat at their tables.  These activities kept the students from thinking about their parents.  I discovered the importance of having rules and staying consistent with those rules.  Overall, the first day of Kindergarten was a blast and extremely exhausting.  I am excited for the rest of the seven weeks I have with my young students and with Mrs. Barnhart.  

This week I learned the importance of being flexible as an educator and to never assume anything.  My action research was not supposed to start for another four weeks, but now I have to start it tomorrow.  I kind of freaked out when I first heard the news, but I have to make the most out of my situation.  My mentor teacher and I created an action research schedule which has helped me become more organized and confident about my research.  I have learned through this experience that I cannot dwell on issues that I cannot control and to make the most out of the situation.