DANVILLE -- It's been difficult for Emily Foresman to curb her excitement for the start of school next week.
She has spent the bulk of her waning summer, including several late-night sessions this week, working in her classroom, getting ready for a new corps of first-graders.
Organizing desks, laying out pencils and notebooks, and setting up visual displays have been among the projects on her task list.
The 23-year-old Turbotville native admits her preparation may be a little excessive, but she has an excuse: This is her first full-time classroom.
Ms. Foresman, who spent last year as a long-term substitute and the year before student-teaching third grade, is entering her inaugural year as a first-grade teacher at the Danville Elementary School.
She is among several new hires who have been frantically preparing their rooms this week in preparation for next week's big day.
"A lot of people think teachers don't have anything to do over the summer, but preparation for the next school year begins right after the last day of school," Ms. Foresman said. "I've been doing as much as I can at home this summer, and I'm still catching up. I've seen teachers in here as late as 10 p.m. this week."
Ms. Foresman recently completed a few of her major projects, which include a Math Calendar bulletin board and Word Wall display.
Over the summer, she visited yard sales in search of classroom materials, such as books and board games.
Ms. Foresman even found a small refrigerator and book shelf for less than $20.
The remaining part of this week, she says, will be devoted to decorating the classroom and getting things set up for her 14 pupils.
"My theme this year is the ocean," Ms. Foresman said of the classroom decor. "I love the beach. You need to be comfortable in your room, so your students also feel comfortable. It's one of the keys to having a successful year."
In preparing her room, Ms. Foresman has incorporated a few of her own ideas. Among them is a behavior chart listing each pupil with a color card indicating his or her behavior performance.
"Green means everything is all right, or you may have had a first warning," Ms. Foresman said of the color codes. "Colors change when something bad happens. They may miss five minutes of recess or have to talk with the teacher. Red is the last warning. It means you will have a teacher conference and a letter sent home."
Communication in and out of the classroom is very important, according to Ms. Foresman, adding that she plans to be diligent about keeping in contact with her pupils' parents.
"I believe education is a partnership between the school, family and administration," Ms. Foresman said. "Everyone has to work together for the best interest of the student. I really believe kids can get turned on or off from education at this stage. I really love education, and I would like to relay that to my students."
Ms. Foresman said the first few days of school will be spent learning about the pupils, setting the groundwork for classroom rules and establishing class structure.
During that time, she will determine how the class will be seated, determining who works well together and who benefits from a group or individual working environment.
"Every student learns differently," said Ms. Foresman, who has the seating currently arranged in three small groups surrounded by two larger group tables. "There are many teaching methods. There are also many different things students enjoy doing.
"I personally enjoy learning with my hands, working in groups and learning first-hand. Some students enjoy learning individually better, working independently. I think it's important for them to learn how to work together, while also giving them the space to be independent thinkers."
Admittedly, Ms. Foresman said she still faces a lot of unknowns heading into next week. Even though the openness of fellow teachers and support from the administration have calmed her nerves, Ms. Foresman said she remains a little edgy.
The goose bumps are only getting bigger, she said.
"I really enjoy being in school," Ms. Foresman said. "The whole atmosphere is exciting to me. Learning is exciting, and teaching is my passion.
"Each morning, I get more excited about seeing my students. I can't wait to get up and go to the classroom. I hate to even call this a job."
n E-mail comments about this article to jnorth@dailyitem.com.
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