Newbie Questions: Writing

Do you ever feel this way??  That is me.  I have been trying to stay positive for a long time but the past couple days have gotten the best of me.  I have realized I need some help!!

Ya'll know that I am a new teacher, so often changes in units or topics scare me as it is something new I have to figure out.  Well, writing is one of those areas that I am struggling with.  The past couple weeks we have been doing expository/how-to writing.  I quite enjoy it and have gotten my class to take ownership over it as well.  It has been a fun and major growing time.  We have discussed voice and organization and word choice.  Their writing has already progressed so much since the beginning of the year.

Generally our writing time is focused on a particular type or piece of writing and the whole class stays on the same page.  I haven't been able to figure out how to do a writers workshop yet... maybe next year.  We are able to do mini lessons that discuss the six traits and different genres of writing.  For the most part I do not mind how things are moving with writing.

BUT  the next topic in writing is persuasive writing.  I am terrified for this.  I don't know where to start or what to do.  I try to stay on the same pace with my co-teacher lady and she wants 5 to 6 weeks to work on persuasive writing.  That seems like a LOT to me.  I have no idea how to fill 5 weeks with one type of writing.  For our How-tos it is taking us 2 weeks.  What on earth am I supposed to do for 5 weeks?????

Please help!!!  How do you teach writing?  How do you teach persuasive writing?? What can I do to fill the next 5 weeks?  I am at a total loss and any advice is more than welcome!  Thanks in advance for being there and helping out when needed :)

Stressed... New Teacher Questions

So today's post is not going to be informative but hopefully you can help inform me!  I have begun to freak-out and stress-out about everything.  I have 1 week from today for everything to be ready.  Next Friday is new student orientation and everything has to be ready by then.  The first day of school is Tuesday the 14th (with Monday being a holiday).  I also have New Teacher/All Staff Meetings everyday next week in the morning with classroom prep time in the afternoons (praise the Lord!).  I guess I need some direction from you because I feel a little lost!!

I have been able to get a few things done that I am excited about.  I have my bulletin boards covered in fabric and borders.  I have my calendar and jobs board up.  I have my management clip chart thingy ready as well as my hand signals... the only picture I took of my progress today... sorry.  Also, I do have my 'You fit right in' bulletin board things ready to be laminated and hung up.

p.s. this is the font I got from Laura at Will Grade for Coffee

Tonight I am working on my Welcome Letter and First Day of School activities.  What other things do I need to be doing.  I feel lost and without direction.  I guess I also need to explain that I am not terribly satisfied with my classroom layout but I am struggling with how to fix that.  (I know you cant help me there).  But what sorts of areas do you have in your room?  What kinds of things do I need to make sure that I have for the first day?  Where should I focus my energy this coming week?  Also, what sorts of things do I put on my bulletin boards for the first week?

I know I know, I should have be a little more prepared but I think the stress has hit me and made me forget everything I know or learned!

Also, blogger question:  How should I respond to comments?  When I reply on the blog to a person's comment does that person get an email?  Should I continue doing that or should I respond to the email I get about their comment with an email response?  What is proper etiquette?  I love getting comments and want to know what you all and everyone prefers!  I guess I hate when I have to search to see responses so I should probably send it over email right?!?

Ugh. so many things on my mind.  For now (remember its night time here!) I am watching NCIS and hoping to relax and sleep!  Tomorrow is grocery and school shopping, plus laminating... Have I mentioned that you cant get things laminated at school instantly.  They have to send it out so it is almost better for me to take it to a shop to get it laminated :( boo but such is life!

Newbie Questions

So today's post is not going to be as fun as planned.  I am working on something I find very exciting but have recently encountered some trials.  So I am seeking some bloggy help! 

First, have any of you recently downloaded the font called Sassy?  It is super fun and I LOVE it. Here is a sample and a hint at what I am working on. 

The reason I am asking is because I want to give credit to her but I can't find where I got it!!  I know that I downloaded it on Saturday the 23rd and I know that I got it off of a blog!  If anyone knows PLEASE let me know.  

The second question I have is about clip art.  Where do you get your clip art?  Do you ever use the standard clip art that comes with Microsoft?  Does anyone know how copyright issues go with Microsoft's clip art?  

Any suggestions or advice for new teachers/bloggers looking to share creations?