K1 sounds like a mountain peak. In a way, K/1 is as challenging as mountain climbing.

I have been teaching the same class of kindergartners and first graders since last Tuesday. In that time there were three days with no classes for grade schools, but that is still quite a few days of teaching...all without complete lesson plans. When I started, there had been a sub with ful lesson plans the day before. She left me a slightly adapted, though incomplete lesson plan for my day, since she couldn't return. The teacher is out of state, caring for her mother during chemotherapy, and thus has not been able to return to give me any better plans. So, for several days I have actually had to put together my own lesson plans. As someone with no teach training other than my on the job experience, that has been nerve wracking.

At the same time, it has been great. Not only do I know where I am going every morning, but I know the kids. I know their names and personalities. I know their strengths and weak spots. I know their routines. I am also getting to know the faculty and staff, which I usually don't do. In a way, this is one of the best assignments I've ever had.

Tomorrow will be my last day. On Monday a new long term sub will take over, one with actual experience and certification to teach these kids. They are not sure how long the regular teacher will be gone, but I can't teach for an assignment of more than 20 days. In addition, I don't really know what I am doing. I am feeling my way as best as I can, but for the long term the children deserve more coherent instruction. The Principal and several of the staff have complimented me on the job I am doing, but we all know that I am just here as a stop gap measure. Tomorrow the new sub will be working with me, so that I can show her what we have been doing, and to help the kids with the transistion.

In a way it will be a relief. In a way I will miss it. I hope I can return to that school sometime soon.