Howdy! Today was our first full day of kindergarten. I. Am. Exhausted. 8 hours of Kindergarten is a very very long day! People, yes, 8 hours! We are an “enhanced option” school which means an extended day and smaller class sizes. This is the result of a federal lawsuit years ago which decided minority and poor students weren’t receiving an adequate education. The program started with an optional 20 day extended year program but participation was so low that they did away with the 20 days and extended each day by an hour…hence 8 hour days!
Here is my daily schedule:
745-805-Arrival, morning journals
805-820-Morning Meeting
820-1005-Literacy
1010-1110-Specials
1110-1210-Writing/Word Study
1210-1240-Lunch
1250-105-Recess
105-120-Quiet Time/Silent Reading (Responsive Classroom)
120-250-Math
250-315-RTI (one on one reading)
315-330 Closing circle/afternoon meeting
330-Clean up and dismissal
So that’s our day! And that equals exhaustion. But lots of learning and GLITTER!
So you know how exhausted I must be…so here’s a little freebie I worked up for our morning journals!
(Graphics: Melonheadz Illustrating, Ashley Hughes, Mr. Magician)
And some encouragement from Justin Timberlake!
And today’s outfit!
Shirt-Old Navy
Pants-H&M
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10 comments
Thanks for the schedule, Greg! In my district this year, we are switching from Journeys rdg to ” modules” which have just been written. They focus on oral language , vocabulary, and letter sounds( before names). We have over 3 hours of ELA( which includes enrichment/ intervention AND has been promised to have integrated science and social studies), 1 hour of math,30 min lunch, either one or 2 specials daily( 40 minutes each), 20 minute recess( heartbreaking), and every other day an extra 40 minutes of guided reading and writing. I am hoping I can find ways to fit fun /play into my centers!
I think this is the shortest post I have ever seen you write! I couldn't imagine being in school till 3:30, the kiddos leave at 2
I LOVE how the CEO is totally admiring you!
8 hours is insane! I thought 6 was bad. Bless you!
you should be in bed. we haven't even gotten our math yet and we start next tuesday. not helping my jitters, AT ALL! vhair61215@gmail.com
That's the longest day ever! How do the little ones make it? How do the teachers make it? Good luck!
Sally from Elementary Matters
Thank you for sharing your schedule. Eight hours! That seems long but there is never enough time in a day with a shorter day. What do you do in your morning journals?
8 hours and only 15 minutes of recess?!? That's a lot for kindergartners.
Dude….that's a LONG day!!!!
xo
I feel you on the 8 hour day with kindergarten!!! I do 7 and 1/2 and teacher day is 8 1/2! Very exhausting! We go until 4:45!