1st Grade Teacher: Lindsey Rieves

Happy Teacher Interview Thursday Everyone!

I skipped last week because to be honest everything is pure craziness. One thing that always keeps me going and staying positive is the awesome teacher grams like Lindsey from Reading with Mrs. Rieves. Not only does she have an amazing TPT store filled with incredible resources but her Instagram page has some amazing ideas for a 1st grade classroom. Here is Lindsey’s interview:

1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When I was a little girl, I did gymnastics and I loved singing in my children's choir at church. When I grew up, I wanted to either be an Olympic Gymnast or a professional singer!

2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?

In fifth grade, my sister was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was really hard on my family and I remember my teacher, Mrs. Boyce, offered to bring me home a few times that my mom and dad needed to be down at the hospital. She also cooked dinner for us a few times. I remember realizing that her being my teacher was more than just the academics...she was making an impact in my life because of being an awesome teacher in the classroom, no doubt, but it was far greater for her to build a relationship with me and be there in the ways I needed her outside of the classroom walls.

3. How long have you been teaching, what state do you teach in, what do you teach, and what did it take for you to get there ?

I teach in Houston, TX. I have been teaching 1st grade for 7 years at the same school and I absolutely love it. I actually graduated and took the Praxis exams in Chattanooga, TN. When I moved back to Texas after graduation, I had to take two state tests here before my teaching license transferred.

4. What is your go-to tool you use for your class and why?

I find with younger students that visuals are SO helpful. We have a voice level meter in the classroom that sits on my white board. 0 is voice off, 1 is whisper, 2 is normal, and 3 is speak up. I have a finger magnet that I move to tell my kids the expectation. I love that I can have the kids interact and ask someone to change the voice meter or point it out when it is getting too loud in the classroom. Another super helpful visual tool is my hand signals tool. It shows kids what hand signals to show when they need a tissue, a new pencil, to use the restroom, to go get water, etc. It is extremely useful when I am in the middle of teaching to have the students show what they need and for me to respond in sign language instead of having to stop my lesson and say yes or no or ask what they need.

5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?

Small group learning is one of the accommodations I've found to be so helpful. Once something has been taught in a whole group setting, I like to pull kids in smaller groups to review what I've taught. During that small group time, I am able to pinpoint my kiddos that may be struggling to understand or have a misconception. I feel like kids learn the most with me during small group time!

6. I saw you have some awesome TPT resources, how hard is it to sell items on TPT and any advice for teachers who want to start?

Well first of all, thank you! I realized I was making things to use in my own classroom and decided that they were resources others might benefit from as well. I personally enjoy taking the time to create resources, but it can definitely be time consuming. I think learning how to become a seller on TpT was a little daunting at first. It is a lot of information. However, their Seller's Forum was extremely helpful in finding out some of the basic things on how to become a seller, what to think about now, how to get started, etc.

7. Any advice for a new teacher?

I will never forget something my mentor teacher told me my very first day as a teacher. I was so nervous about meeting my kids for the start of the school year and how the first day would go. She told me "Lindsey, today you need to worry about two things: One, making sure these kids eat lunch. Two, making sure they get home at the end of the day. That is it! If you do only those two things today, it has been a successful day!" It was the most accurate advice!!! First days can be challenging. Nerves can take over at times and distract us from what matters most. First years with all of it's learning curves can also feel exhausting and challenging. However, it is good to cut yourself some slack and remember that God placed you in this position to be with these kiddos for a reason. Be present in the moment, show them you love them and want to get to know them and all of the other academic stuff will fall into place! We are in a profession that requires us to be life-long learners. I had to accept that I wouldn't know everything there was to know in my first year. I had to be willing to grow as a person and as an educator and give myself grace in the areas I was growing in!

8. What does your district's fall look like for teaching?

This semester and most likely all year, parents have the option to send their kids back in person or to stay with a virtual online option. For the parents who have chosen to send their kids face to face, each class is being treated as a family. We have increased cleaning procedures and all those over 10 years of age in the building must wear a mask or face shield. However, there simply is not room to social distance within our classrooms. So our class moves as a family. We do not mix with other classes in the school during recess, specials, etc. Any place that we do have to be with other classes, we practice social distancing, like in the cafeteria for lunch. However, because we are working as a family unit, things inside my classroom have relatively stayed the same and for that I am thankful. The kids can move around the room, work in partners or groups, etc.

9. A lot of people have been saying they hope things start to change in education since this Pandemic, do you think anything will change from it?

I'm not sure. I have heard people suspect that virtual learning could continue as an option, but I personally think most kids learn best being face to face with social interaction with their peers. I am so glad to be back in the classroom setting, with a daily routine, and with my awesome kiddos!

10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hmmmmmm...great question! I hope my husband and I will have a few kids of our own. I love where we live and where I teach now and personally, I don't like change much HAHA so I would be okay if I was still teaching first grade at ESE!

Thanks so much for your interview Lindsey!

Happy Teaching :)