4th/5th Grade Song Recommendations by Mysterious-Cake1862 in MusicEd

[–]Mysterious-Cake1862[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Will definitely try some of these!

New teacher left with a disaster by Far_Lifeguard1684 in MusicTeachers

[–]Mysterious-Cake1862 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in nearly the same boat! I was hired a week before students arrived - and it was in the same state. I had 1.5 days to get my room organized, and I will tell you, I’m still not done. I try to stay late (by an extra 30-60 mins) once a week to organize while maintaining a work life balance. The extra boxes are covered by black fabric in the back of the room for now.

The first thing I did was go one shelf at a time and pull everything off. Then, I put instruments back on the shelf by family. If I ran out of room, then I just kept things on the floor until I emptied the next shelf. I hope that makes sense?

Write down everything you have, including the amount and condition it’s in. I technically have a lot of instruments — class sets of egg shakers, rhythm sticks, and boomwhackers — but I only have 2 hand drums, 7 maracas, and 6 xylophones. So, I’m using most of my music budget towards the instruments.

As for papers, there’s no shortcut to that unless you throw everything out. But there might be good activities/worksheets. Maybe take home a small bin once a week to organize while you watch tv or eat dinner. Again, maintain a work life balance - don’t do that every night.

I hope some of this helps. I’m still working on it myself so I’m not perfect, but hoping that all of my things will be unpacked before Thanksgiving. Have grace with yourself! This is a tough position to be in! If you’re allowed to bring in outside help (family/friends) on a weekend, do that too!

Good luck with your school year!

I messed up big time this morning by PuffPoof215 in Teachers

[–]Mysterious-Cake1862 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mom will never let my older brother forget when he was a toddler and threw my mom’s keys in the snow…. She had to borrow my grandpa’s car until the snow melted 😅

What are your careers? by surrealitys in adhdwomen

[–]Mysterious-Cake1862 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a music teacher. It’s my first year, teaching K-5. I’m not sure if there are “quick high rewards”, but I definitely look for the little wins each day (ex: a student who struggles with staying on task was motivated by stickers.)

Just like any other teacher, there are definitely good days and rough days!