FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL VLOG! | First Year in Second Grade Vlog!

[@katrinagraham2498]

You have to remember these second graders haven’t had a full, normal school year yet. Routines and procedures will take time and practice.

[@emilyclark8772]

I teach 1st grade, and I’ve learned (at least for the first few weeks) that I need to carve out 5 minutes before any transition to have one person demonstrate what we’re about to do. They are visual!!!! If you demonstrate the right way to do something, and then have 1 volunteer do it the same way you did, then they will all try their best to do what they just saw. And I make a huge deal out of encouraging those who remember. It can also be fun to ask a student “show us the WRONG way to do it!” because they can be silly and we can talk about why we shouldn’t do it that way. It can feel slow at first but you’ll be glad in the future that you really broke it down and made it clear what you expect. Teacher tired is real!!! Keep going Kim!! 💛

[@toschaferguson5749]

I had a similar situation this year. I went from an upper grade back to second. I haven’t taught second for 18 years. The biggest thing I had to do after the first week is 1- go slower, 2- do more activities whole group with lots of guidance. Already they are moving toward more independence. Initially, you may feel like they need to’ try it on their own’ but you will realize that they need to be more supported at the beginning. Good luck. They are so cute and so much fun.

[@christianglamour]

I made the switch from fifth to second last school year but we were virtual all year. I went into this year thinking my classroom management was strong! But it was strong for fifth graders… not second. I can completely relate. Thank you for being real and showing your reflection. It feels good to know I’m not alone! Best of luck Kim, you got this!

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

Thank you for this comment!! Yes, it's so incredibly different! 😂 Thank you for reminding me I'm not alone as well.

[@charissesantiago4930]

Hi there! First of all, you are already doing a phenomenal job! Reflection is everything:). I agree with another comment: don’t expect that they know your expectations for ANYthing. Teach every procedure and practice makes permanent! My favorite tip for transitions is music! I play a particular song, which signifies it’s time to clean-up and come to the carpet. The songs can correspond to a unit, season, or subject. Keep it long enough for students to know what to do, but feel free to change it up when/if it gets old. Miss May @OneFabTeacher has some fantastic ideas for managing littles! Also, calls and responses work for attention signals. The difference between upper and lower grades is real, but you’ve got this! Thanks for all you share!🤗❤️

[@sharontesi4273]

Ahhh! The shoe tying! I loved it when I had sweet students who didn't mind tying someone's shoes and would volunteer to help. Our librarian actually helped kids learn how to tie their shoes which was awesome-- something she decided to do all on her own. I was going to suggest pictures for what goes in the supply bags/boxes, but you figured that out-- I always projected it and that helped with supply organizing/collecting.

[@allicialuck6840]

Biggest tip I got was to never expect ANYTHING without teaching them first (ex, blowing their nose, holding their pencil, putting away supplies, etc.) Practice practice practice. Then stay really consistent. I sing for transitions and find that helpful! You will rock this! Take it easy on yourself!

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

This is such a great reminder! Thank you, Allicia!

[@ctaylors]

I love how you talked about the glows and the grows from the day! It’s so important to give ourselves as teachers Grace - especially right now!

[@emmagracejoens]

It gets so much better!! They're basically first graders right now and I can attest that first graders are literally babies lol. Keep high expectations and they will learn and meet them. You got this and I loved your transparency!!! I felt this way the first two weeks this year and it's already so much better. They'll learn. :)

[@carolynramirez6894]

It will get easier! We are going to be on day 21, and I feel like it was barely last week (day 16) that my little firsties were getting it! I learnEd that every week they need the routines and procedures modeled. Focus on that, and they will get there. I model the wrong way, the right way, and ALWAYS have the students participate in the discussion. Congrats on 2nd!!!! It is the sweet spot!

[@mrs.fletchersclass4684]

Kim, chatty or otherwise, love all your vlogs! You are such a sweet and positive person and your second graders are going to adore you:). I just moved from first grade to third. Model everything and have your kids demonstrate the wrong way and then the right way. I used whole brain teaching last year with my firsties and this year as well. I love it! I time them on everything and use the scoreboard. We will introduce super improver soon. The kids are very motivated by that. You are doing a great job and your classroom looks amazing. Thank you for sharing and being real:)

[@camiwilliams28]

I live your chatting because then I can like clean and fold laundry and listen to you while I work and still not miss anything

[@coffeeringsandhomeschoolth441]

"Don't yuck their yum. Let them have their fun." Oh my goodness I love this!

[@bobbigravatt8555]

Welcome to 2nd ! It is a very busy grade. Routines are very important and going over them is too. I let them play doh or a coloring sheet the first morning. Just remember it will get better. We started with kiddos last week for four days and now my whole class is quarantined. I love when you talk and share the things you do. You are going to do awesome!

[@melissalackey283]

I'm in KY and we started August 12th; so 17 school days ago. After 7 years in primary, I moved to upper elementary and they are so different in terms of independence and such. Your second graders will get there and your energy level will adjust. You'll be amazed at how more mature they'll be in the spring :)

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Today was day 18 here!! First day is so exciting! You can tell you are in your groove in second grade!! Enjoy the busy back to school season!!

[@kgaipo72]

We went back on Sept. 2nd. I was completely remote last year so it was so awesome to have kids in front of me since the pandemic began. They were all so excited to be there and did such a great job starting to know the rules and routines. I’m looking forward to getting the full routine and schedule going in these first few weeks. Have a great year you are going to LOVE 2nd grade.

[@Lucky_kit6052]

I started on 8/30 and I loved my 4-5 preschoolers by Thursday we were rocking routines and Friday we get a call that a child tested positive so we send kids home until 9/17 so back to remote.

[@laciqueen4253]

I love the chatty vlogs! It helps me know the do's and dont's that I can use/avoid. I appreciate you!

[@marywelker7054]

You are doing great! Give yourself grace too:). Take time to continue teaching routines for several weeks. We didn’t get to stations or small group for 1-2 months. Keep areas of your room “closed” until you are able to teach them how to use your things. This was hard for me at first, but so worth it. Make sure you have some sort of behavior management system where they are earning compliments or kindnesses. Consistency and follow through are key. Second graders are busy and super social, but I know you will love them!

[@kaylanimas]

Metro Detroit area here and today is my first day as a second grade teacher!

[@bethbronsten8054]

I also moved from upper (4th/5th) to 2nd this year. We finished day 12 on Friday. I could relate to many of the things you talked about in this vlog. I have been reminding myself often to slow down and give myself grace, we will get there. Laying a strong foundation of procedures, routines, expectations, and community are priority number 1. Our 2nd graders are at an amazing, magical age and I have had to stop every once in a while and take in what a wonderful opportunity we have to help these babies transition back into school and grow as learners. You got this!

[@kerryelliott2256]

I went back in Aug and YES I couldnt sleep also! Excitement and curiosity kept me up! Have a super great year! Being back in the BLDG is what we all were wishing for! Enjoy KIM

[@sophiasalas4611]

1st grade teacher here :) we’ve been in school for almost a month!!! Have a great year :)

[@coffeeandcrayons]

Starting my first next year as a combo 1/2 grade group. I get on my classroom in May and I'm going back and watching your videos chronologically. 😆

[@amy3233]

in the Uk here - we are on day 2! friday last week and today (monday)

[@marisolmartin1329]

We have been in school for 10 days in preschool, K-5 have been in school for 20 days. You got this Kim., repetitions is key for lower grades.

[@Swilliams1515]

Finished my first two weeks of teaching! First year teacher and it’s been crazy. My school is departmentalized and I just teach reading! Definitely going to use the Cool Card idea. I have a lot of students who think they are wayyyy to cool for school.

[@maddihood5866]

yes! i love love love the chatty vlogs just as much as i love the set up like vlogs!

[@carolmichael8585]

You are an awesome teacher and they will learn how much you care about them. They are still "first graders" for awhile. Just be consistent! They are so lucky to have someone so caring and creative!

[@lilywiley1912]

My first day is tomorrow! I’m starting my first year as a full time long term sub and a full time college student! I am so nervous but so excited! Hopefully it’ll be a great year!

[@jaimebh30]

I know you and the kids will find your groove very soon! I hope you have a great second week of school!

[@melanieshaw7577]

I like the chatting blogs because you share so many niche ideas!

[@Lipstickacademia]

Our school starts September 7th!! Canada starts a bit later!

[@brandicuffee1760]

Also have to remember they are still first graders if that makes sense. I had to keep that in mind for the first few months. It will all come together. Patience and practice. Have a great school day!

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

Yes, such a good reminder!! Thank you so much!

[@Lisa_1023]

I'm in Ohio. The teachers started on August 23rd and students began on the 26th. Thanks for the Hellofresh blurb. I need to try it. I'm worried it won't taste good. Did you and the hubby like the meals you cooked? I may have to give them a try. Thanks again.

[@brittanynorthrup]

As I’m watching this, I’m getting ready for my 4th day back to school! I’m a Montessori toddler teacher! My littles are as young as 18 months and as old as 3 years!! It’s been an exhausting week but so happy to be back with my tiny beans!!! 🥰

[@mzzzzzzday]

K-3 is another level of management. This is why I always say that people need to student teach in the lower grades, because those teachers are amazing. You learn so much!!!!Student teaching in first is why I knew from the start that I need to explain and model exactly what I want!!! Do more things whole group until you are sure they can do it independently. Show them and tell them what independent work looks like. Don't assume they can do anything, be very persistent and explicit

[@lauriev4082]

I agree with Katrina, they haven't had a full, normal school year so they have not learned all the skills they normally would by now. Try to word search again next year, some might get frustrated but I don't think very many. Just have high standards, but remember they are still end of first graders in a pandemic year. I have taught all grades from Tk to 5th, except Kindergarten and there is a learning curve with all of them. As my principal used to say, practice, practice, practice those routines, that is the most important thing in the first few weeks. Academics can come after they know the routines, if you do it that way then the academics will go much smoother. A tip for tying shoes. I had the children who knew how to tie volunteer to tie their friends shoes and teach them how to tie during recess. It worked like a charm and they loved helping their friends. Take it one day at a time! Second grade was one of my favorites! Best Wishes in the new school year!

[@tenaciousandanxious]

I 💛love💛 your talking vlogs! I'm in Graduate school to become an EC-6th teacher and am a substitute teacher in Elementary right now. Your "verbal vomit" 🤭 helps me and gives me so many ideas! Also, it's nice to know I'm not alone in my nerves!

[@biancamahan5090]

I am in school for education and I love all of your videos. I find them all very helpful. The chatty ones are helpful too!

[@meghanlang2968]

We took a week off and started the regular school year on August 2nd.

[@jiniyoo1261]

It's hard to start getting first week of school Everything is change Everything is new to you Everything is not ready yet to you It would be screwed or blew up your mind But you will be get use to it when your school in session Kim! You will be awesome

[@brittneyec8393]

We are going into week 5 tomorrow. And week 2 of Distance Learning. We started out in person, but are now virtual for 2 weeks until our numbers hopefully go down. We will see if it ends after this week!

[@caffeinated.chaos.848]

I love a mix of both types of vlogs…. You’re amazing.

[@ABernick17]

Oh my lordt, we went back on August 10th. So, tomorrow (Monday) will be day 24 with my HS "babies". But, we'll get out in May. And, we get a week off (each) for fall break, Turkey Day break, and Spring break.

[@emeldabonilla7529]

Thursday was our first day ! And now I enjoy the 5 day weekend :)

[@Born2TeachAndGrow]

Heading into week 3, day 9. I teach third and to me it’s the sweet spot. Although they are reading chapter books, they still love a good picture book :)

[@jennyaustin5927]

I have been teaching my little preschoolers for two weeks already (this coming week it will be three weeks)…. I absolutely love my kiddos - but I have to go slowly with them (last year I could do soooo much more with the kiddos I had): lining up, bathroom, recess, sitting for circle time, etc….. Practice, practice, practice…. I too come home at night with huge mental ‘to do lists’ not knowing what to do first….. My little bumblebee’s will get there with time (I have to remind myself this daily, hourly, and sometimes by minutes 😂)and your littles will too…… You are an awesome teacher Kim and you are going to build one amazing community in your classroom this year!!!!! And by the way - I love your chatty vlogs as well as your classroom set ups…. I hope you don’t mind if I share the Bible verse I share with my parents in the newsletter I send out in September (I have done this three years in a row now)?….. ❤️ “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

[@533groundhog]

Tomorrow will be Day 11 for us! Woohoo! I also found out that one of my new coworkers watches your videos because I saw your inspirational posters in her classroom. We both agree that you are awesome! Have a great year!

[@camaerhodes3816]

You will do fine ! 😊 I teach kindergarten it is all about procedures and repetition. They will catch on to your expectations. 👍

[@jessicagauwitz9374]

We are on day 17 now. I’m a kindergarten teacher and have taught it for 10 years. Primary grades require very explicit directions and most times you need to move pretty slow when teaching new procedures. You will do great though! I could never imagine teaching a grade level above second, so you’ve been a saint to do that, at least to me!

[@Shannon1623]

Friday was our 25th day. Find a shoe tie buddy. Someone who can tie a friends shoe. Make a shoe tie club. They join when they can tie their shoes. You may need to forgo number order for line up if you have some issues unfortunately. Repetition and time. They will get to where you want them with repetition and time.

[@bab1292]

If makes you feel better, I've been back for almost 6 weeks and my 4th graders are still struggling with certain procedures. A lot of people regardless of grade level seem to be having trouble with kids getting back into a routine.

[@veereedee]

I live in NE Iowa and today was Day 11.

[@calebwhite4493]

I love your talking vlogs! I am in my last year before my student teaching, and I learn so many great ideas from you.

[@SocialStudies401]

I start my first day of school September 9th! Year three of Middle school, here we go. Good luck this year, I’m excited for more content like this✨

[@sharontesi4273]

I taught second grade for the second half of my career (up from first). I thought it was the perfect age. I hope you enjoy it so much-- I know it was a bit of a journey to get there.

[@darolnarla9696]

Love talking vlogs ❤️

[@yr7301]

We are entering week 5. I love 2nd grade, also moved from 5th grade!

[@tammymisa5600]

Word of advice from teaching the littles....your line order doesn't have to be the same as your number order! I gave numbers just to help me but there were definitely students who could not stand next to each other in line! It is more difficult due to contact tracing for sure!

[@shaniabloomfield2333]

The biggest piece of advice I have for you is give yourself grace and do not assume that your littles know everything. Be prepared to teach them explicitly everything. Remember also that given the situation with COVID, these kiddos have not had the opportunity to build a strong foundation in school and it's all still relatively new. Practice practice practice, and take things extremely slow.

[@alyssacatherine1652]

I’m a full week in to school! Tuesday will be day 6 for us, which seems crazy!

[@MrYoTeach]

Tomorrow is my first day with students Wednesday September 8th. That’s pretty normal for us to go back after Labor Day and usually middle of the week.

[@zizzyzoot7033]

Could you link the etsy shop for the Be Kind shirt you wore on the second day of school? I didn't see it in the description box. Thanks!

[@buddyatiny]

I'm so happy to follow you for your 1st time with 2nd grade, I'm so excited to see how it's going to turn out, fighting for this new adventure💜💪

[@TheMeganOliver]

We had our first day then our whole class got quarantined 3 days in. First day take two next week.

[@ClaudiaSanchez-1991]

Good luck and you will be great!! Love your videos!!💓

[@sherichazdon2573]

Day 6 on Tuesday 9/7 Chicago public

[@Shawna_Bonana]

I was in first grade in the mid 90s. If our desks were messy, our teacher would dump the desk out onto the floor and the student had to clean it up in front of everyone. Boy have times changed. I couldn’t imagine teachers doing that today!

[@lipps1997]

We are starting our 5th week of school

[@ShaFisherful]

We are in day 22!! In second grade for the third year!:)

[@emilyhennessey8294]

Heading into week 5.

[@NikkoleHeavyShields]

Yay!! I’m so excited watching this! My first day of teaching grade one is this coming Tuesday ☺️🎉👩‍🏫

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

Have a wonderful first day!!

[@jessicaseipp859]

I LOVE the chatty vlogs!!

[@teach.love.earn.5269]

Your classroom looks gorgeous!!! I’d love to be a student in your class 😍😍 Fantastic job done!

[@ChristyatNepenthe]

I'm going from 12th grade to either 5 or 6th (they haven't told me which yet) and I'm so nervous! I've taught 6th before, but never 5th!

[@vandot5463]

Chat is great! I prefer. Also, you have a unique group of seconds...they may not have had a traditional first grade experience.

[@myjunkdrawer8014]

Something to bear in mind with your lot you have this year (which you likely already know so I'm preaching to the choir) is that they were so young when Covid hit and things like tying their shoes which they may have naturally picked up earlier in the real world they may not have.

[@christinelee2229]

Yep, have 20 days in my pocket...starting week 5 tom

[@carolynhaines8048]

Tuesday will be our 11th day.

[@upbeatcreativeteacher4850]

I teach Pre-K and we are on day 15 of the school year. I use a lot of Whole Brain Teaching in my classroom. There is definitely a lot of shoe tying and cleaning noses( in my world).

[@jordanwheeler1469]

Girl same!! Lol!

[@ZelymarieRodriguezJimenez]

Im starting day 20 on September 7th

[@amberhillis_9]

I love chatty vlogs! I mean I wish it was FaceTime to I could chat back haha. Also, 2 years ago I tried a word search with my kiddos and had the same issue 😂

[@lcelis2298]

SA Texas we’re going week 3

[@bartons2007]

We're going onto Day 13 on Tuesday :)

[@amandamorrison1977]

Texas 7th grade ELA teacher here! We went back on August 12. :)

[@xoxofox232]

I love these types of vlogs

[@emilycarter9477]

When I saw those block heels and heard 2nd grade I KNEW you would regret it 😂

[@arianam9628]

I just started my first year as a 4th grade teacher and I think we’re on day 8 or 9!

[@elleo2521]

Kim, what printer do you use and would you recommend it? Any teachers have a printer recommendation? Mine isn’t working well and it’s frustrating to have to print things and not be able to.

[@iAlexis3]

Any HP printer (so you can enroll in HP instant Ink!!)

[@elleo2521]

@@iAlexis3 thank you! 😄

[@tstami]

Tuesday will be day 18 for us!

[@TheChroniclesofTeacherTay]

OMG I need the Hannah Montana shirt 😂😂🎼 happy first day, Kim!! ❤

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

YES you most definitely need it!! We can twin!

[@ClaudiaSanchez-1991]

I just finished on Friday(September 3rd)my 15th day, I teach 6th grade!!!

[@jengiolando4159]

Yes do it.

[@kaitlynshuler3395]

I’m going into week 5 of the year. :)

[@bEAuTiful_Selah13]

Sooo, elementary school counselor here, can I get a whole video about the cool card? I have lots of questions & ideas! My counseling lessons could definitely be a safer environment if we had a ritual like this!!!

[@katiemiller4160]

Do not take the behavior/lack of school knowledge personally. I am an assistant principal at an elementary and our first and second graders are by far our most difficult groups. I think a lot of it has to do with how school has looked for them the past two years.

[@denisewright6095]

Our Grandaughter who is in second grade is not allowed to wear shoes to school that needs to be tied unless they know how to tie them. The school says it's not the teachers job to tie shoes all day. I am not a teacher but thought that was a great rule.

[@witherswriters4563]

Math is difficult, but I am on about week four of school!

[@memoirsfrommiddleschool9938]

We’ve been in school for 3 weeks. I actually just posted a Vlog about the 3rd week of school because I swear it felt like the LONGEST week of my life! 😵‍💫