Last year I wrote the dates in Julie’s plan book.  Then she planned what she was teaching to that third grade class.  This year I have my own plan book.  A plan book that will hold plans for one fourth grader, one third grader, and three kindergartners.

I don’t think I ever realized exactly what teaching these five kids would entail.  Actually, I think I still don’t fully realize what I’ve gotten myself into.   This is going to be the most crazy, fabulous, chaotic, fantastic, creative, and funny year in the history of teaching.  I will definitely learn more than my students.  But isn’t that what teaching is all about?

The last week I’ve sorted through curriculum and supplemental books galore.  I’ve combed bookshelves looking for books like In Grandma’s Attic and The Apple and the Arrow.  Bookshelves that were in a dark room, no less.  I used my handy headlamp (thanks, Miranda!).

I’ve read and reread the Sonlight manual for all three of the grades.   I’ve decided I’ll change this bit, keep that bit, and maybe not use this suggestion at all.  That I’ll use this read-aloud, but not that one.

I’ve combined the third and fourth grade history, trying to figure out how I can use the books we have without leaving huge gaps in the curriculum.  Somehow being in the middle of northern Mozambique means that you can’t just run to the nearest bookstore and find that American history novel you need.

But I’ve had a blast.  I love books.  I think my favorite books are kids’ books.  Last night I read Winnie the Pooh.  If preparing to teach school is this much fun, I know I’m going to love teaching school!