PHOTO PROMPT : Get out your camera and take up to five photos of things or people of note around you. Tell us about them.

So it's not all that exciting, being a teacher, but I thought it sort of an interesting idea and now you know my professional life I suppose. Not that you wanted to know. It's quite boring and I apologise in advance.


-This is the school I teach in. PS 70 in Astoria. I have to admit that while we're not the greatest, in fact we're not even close, but it's like home in a lot of ways. We're cramped and overworked but hopefully that wont be for too much longer thank goodness though admittedly I don't think we'll ever truly get to the point where I'd like. While the addition is nice, and so is the gym, we still need a lot more resources on top of space. But I suppose that's every PS in the city really.




-This is my setup this year which really isn't bad. It's better than previous years as I didn't think, nor did I plan, on working here this year. They gave my classroom up to the second grade as part of the 'shift'. It's worked out well because it's got a decent amount of updates. I've even got a smartboard this year which has proved quite handy. It's a shame we can't have them in all the classrooms.




-This is my classroom setup this year. It's a lot different than previous years as I've got a much bigger class size. One of the downsides to getting the better classroom. I wouldn't mind if I had the proper resources but since I don't it's proven to be quite a challenge. I've had bigger classes though so I know exactly what I need to do to make it work. My students this year are quite brilliant though, which makes it a lot easier than past years.




-This year, as well as last year, with my best workmate Trina we'll be doing the gardening program, provided we get enough funding by spring, which I'm very excited for. It's a great, hands on, experience for the kids and they seemed to really enjoy it last year. They keep what they grow in their own garden boxes and it's interesting to see what things the kids pick. It keeps them busy after school too which is great all things considered. I'd love for the whole school to get on board but sadly I don't think we'll ever have the ability too.




-And last but not least my planner. I'd be absolutely lost without this, especially now, and I know every teacher in the world would agree with me. Without this it's chaos. Utter chaos. I usually make them out far before school even starts with some new things and bits from my old planner and lesson plans.