I live in a City, I find it hard to sleep in the city. I like to go hiking. I had a hard time finding a job after school. I like reading. I have just started a new job as a teacher. I am going to teach at high school. I am reading the Dune book series. My favourite genres are fantasy and sci-fi.
My name is Sarah. I live outside the city. I teach 5th grade  near Oakville, NY. I like the lakes. I read every weekend. I prefer to read autobiographies, non-fiction and memoirs. I like tennis, golf. I am interested in learning about Serena Williams.
I started my new job. How's it going? And congratulations, by the way! Can't remember if I said well done or not yet. You did and thanks.  I think it's going well.  I'm still nervous but I hope that will quickly go away.  The kids are great and very receptive to me.  9th grade English might be easier than I first thought!  Any advice on how to control the nerves and win the students over? Just be yourself! Kids can smell two things  - fear and fakeness, lol. Nothing worse than a teacher trying to be someone they're not. They'll love you! Also Dune is pretty cool nowadays, talk about that. Ok, no fear and no fakeness.  Got it!  I'm thinking of offering extra curricular reading actives to expand off of the mandatory reading list.  I was thinking about Dune but need to get it ok by the principal first.  Did you enjoy the Serena Williams bio? I loved it! I'd recommend it for any kids into sports, too - wasn't too advanced or adult. Expanding off the reading list is a great idea to add a bit of personality to the curriculum and get the kids excited! That's what I thought.  I want these kids to enjoy reading and I hate to admit it but some of the books on the list are EXTREMELY boring!  Let's face it, what's more exciting: Shakespeare or Instagram?  You are so lucky that your 5th graders don't have smart phones.  Or do they? Oh the horrors! Thankfully not, but the kids not much older do so I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Jeez they're still making them sit through Shakespeare?! I love The Bard but at 15 I was NOT in the right frame of mind to enjoy it, lol! I know right?  I'm all for the classics.  And I think everyone should read them.....but I think it's better to save that for 11/12th grade.  I'm sure you don't have trouble with your class though.  Everything is still new and interesting to them right now.  I know you teach it all but what's your favorite subject to teach them? Science! It really blows their minds, and you can see it happen live! Watching that wonder really never gets old. Makes every long day worth it, you know? I know!  Maybe I chose the wrong grade!  LOL.  But I get where you're coming from.  Not everyone like's reading but every now again I know I'm going to come across a few students that it will just click with them.  That day will be so rewarding to think that maybe we're inspiring a new round of future teachers!  Have you made the erupting volcano yet? Not yet. I think I underestimated the amount of work. And when you find those kids who are budding authors who really flourish in your class, you'll be so sure you did the right thing. I'm sure of it!