I've officially survived my first week as a teacher

First day at school: Don't think I've ever had so many people actively praying for me--
multiple parents of the students told me today they have been praying for me. One couple sent me a long email to welcome me, too!

The first day went well-- there was nothing to do but dive headfirst-- the headache hit me at the end of the day, proving I was in go-mode and not relaxing as well as I need to. We covered all the beginning of the year staples: class policies, new rules, jobs, room setup... they caught on well to my hand signals and though they were rowdy, they were also pretty patient.

We met Snuggly, the traveling class bear from Mrs. Strout's first grade class at GPCS in Maine. Read her description on him and all the fun places he's gone!

We talked about summer vacations, discussed season changes, decorated leaves that Missy sent with me, played get to know you games, learned about Groundhog's Day, and learned my version of the Lord's Prayer-- set to a vinyasa yoga sun salutation.

First reactions: the kids are so cute they're hard to teach because they're hard to discipline! I want to cuddle them forever.

Second Day:
Teaching exhausts me.
I need to work on pacing, asking questions, classroom management, simplifying, and visuals.
I do not like Tuesdays with my back-to-back Social Studies classes at the very end of the day.
Highlights: I still have a voice.

Wednesday:
Amazing improvements in teacher-student relations!
Highlights: Snuggly Poem made of (semi-) rhyming couplets;Extinct vs Endangered Animals- surprisingly excited response to this lesson, "Miss, can we finish at home? I want to do more!"

Thursday:
Light's shining through the end of the tunnel! The weekend is almost here. Every day is better than the last.
Highlights: "Good Advice Obstacle Course" in Bible, going to a student's birthday party after school :]]

Friday:
On cloud 9! In such a good mood all day! I love my kids. And I love not being around them for two days!
Highlights: Pin the Part on the Letter in Language Arts, Cave Art in Social Studies, 3 kids stayed on "green" (good behavior) all week!

As I said on Facebook: "Finished my first week as a teacher and I'm ready to adopt all the kids in my class! I can say this because it's the weekend and I don't have to see them till Monday.. "And it's true. I'm sick of them, they're sick of me, but I think we already love each other!

At the end of the first week at school I'm amazed by how much I've learned about teaching. I feel like I've still got a long ways to go, but I'm getting there poco a poco. I have a pretty good feel for each student-- how they respond, what we need to work on, and how to motivate them. Problem is, each student is different and there's just not enough time to help each one individually.

The other teachers are great resources-- they give me advice when I ask and they're good models for hands-on teaching. I love watching them interact with the students. It's never angry or whiny or begging. They have very concise conversations with their students and the point gets across.
Not to mention, Mrs. Strout has been actively offering me resources (created by herself and by others), time, and ideas! It's incredible. And remember my great friend Missy?! She's been a big support this whole time. She could've chosen to be bitter or snobby that I'm teaching even though I didn't study education (her major), but instead, she's been a true friend to me.

All in all, I'm well taken care of.
During the week I get really exhausted but I'm hoping I'll get a better hang of it in time, just knowing how much energy to give, when to pull back, etc.
I've seen improvements in my pacing and in my interactions with the students though. Thank you for continued prayer! I need it, but don't we all...