Glad to be in Grade 3...Goes Fourth!

I posted this meme on Monday morning for two reasons; one because I thought it was funny and two because I ended my year with an uncertain future. Usually the grade you are teaching is hashed out before leaving on summer break but my grade level faced some interesting circumstances during the year and then one week before we were to leave for break our principal announced that he would be switching schools. :( I do NOT like change! 

Two hours (and many funny outraged comments) after posting that meme on my Instagram account I get a text message from one of the school administrators asking me what I wanted to do next year; stay in 3rd grade or go to 4th grade. Did I mention before that I do not like change? Duh...the obvious choice was to stay in 3rd grade. I love teaching 3rd grade. The kids are fun, independent, and get my jokes! I've taught 4th grade before and the content is fun to teach but I like teaching 3rd graders and I had to fight like heck to get back into teaching 3rd grade four years ago. Moving grades would mean having to spend extra time studying the content throughout the year, moving classrooms...again (ugh), and leaving my awesome teammates behind. So the choice should have been easy right?!

After taking a couple of days to think things through and weigh the pros and cons of both situations I called the school and gave my decision. I'm going to 4th grade! I'm not just going to 4th grade, I'm looping with my sweet kiddos whom I have grown to love! I decided to take the more difficult road for me because sometimes in life we have to challenge ourselves to make changes that are uncomfortable. I don't want to become complacent or so comfortable in my teaching that I'm not challenging myself do things out of my comfort zone. I'm always telling my students to do things that they are not comfortable with so why shouldn't I practice what I preach. Making this decision took a huge weight off of my shoulders and I know I made the right choice for me. Now I have a new worry, how do I keep things fun, interesting, and create a totally new experience for my students. While worrying about this keeps my wheels turning 24-7 I am ready to face the challenge head on! I look forward to sharing my new journey.