Lesson Planning

Lesson planning has been tough, especially because I haven't really gotten the chance to chat with the other teachers in the department.  Our school has a pacing schedule, which I'm not really used to and not completely sure how to follow.  Plus, the book we're using is very different from what I'm used to teaching out of.  Last year, when I was student-teaching, we used CPM Algebra Connections.  This year I'm teaching out of McDougal Littel.

I actually learned math using McDougal texts when I was in high school.  However, my M.A./credential program had a slant toward the progressive end in terms of math curriculum, so it will  take some getting used to to teach out of a more traditional text.

There are so many good ideas I've read about/learned about, but I'm beginning to realize I'm going to have to take a couple of good ideas at a time.  Especially this first year, I'm feeling overwhelmed and I haven't even really started yet.

I'm still debating on how to start the year off.  I feel so nervous because I've heard so many things about how the start of the year is so crucial.  I'd really like to do some community building and getting to know you things, but the pacing schedule seems like it doesn't leave me any time.

I'm getting more and more nervous each day.  3 more days until I have orientation!