Classroom

Ahh, school days. Each day has ups and downs. For instance today - one runny nose. How do you teach a child the "right" way to blow their nose?? By the time I was done, all the make up that "had" been on my nose was now on my kleenex I was "pretending" to use. My pupil probably thought I really had a dirty nose!! ;) ha ha

For 2 full weeks now I have been tying one of my student's shoes. How is it, the same 2 shoes come out of a double knot tie 20 times a day!?!?!? Last week he said to me, "My mom said not to worry, by next year I'll be able to tie my shoes!" I know she was just trying to encourage him -- but my word!! NEXT YEAR!!!??!?! I said, "Uhhhh, how about next WEEK!!" His eyes got really big, but I encouraged him - and you want to know something, he doesn't WANT me to tie his shoes now, unless he's playing in the gym, b/c even though he doesn't get the laces real tight - he CAN tie his shoes now!!! :D :D (Yes, I am slightly beaming with pride here -- it's the little things you know!) He was so excited to tell his mom. It was great! I can't take full credit - he's been very determined at EVERYTHING he has put his mind to learn thus far.

At first I thought this lad was "behind" b/c I never had to tie the other kids' shoes, but in over hearing them discussing the whole topic, I learned NONE of them know how to tie their shoes. I took a quick inventory and sure enough - 2 boys w/Velcro shoes, and 1 boy with cowboy boots!!! So it's not that this one student was "behind" at all - I just took notice b/c he was constantly coming up to ask me to tie his shoes - but he was the only one with laces to tie!!

The one thing I'm having a "hard" time with is "sticking-to-the-rules." I was homeschooled - the rules of school were the same as everyday life for the most part. We didn't have "inside shoes - outside shoes" to keep our floors nice, we didn't have to say, "Yes, Ma'am" (it was usually, ok mom - we had to show respect but we didn't get a demerit or anything if we didn't). In my "head" I understand that rules are there for a reason. The church/school is trying to install Godly character in these kids, but sometimes I'm just a pile of mush. I have handed out demerits, and it is getting easier - but the Pastor has taken the time to point out being "just" in whatever punishment we give. (No, pressure or anything.) I've always thought a "Teacher's Assistant" job title would be more my cup of tea. I could do all the prep work - and fun activities - and be thought of as the "Fun Teacher" by the kids. In reality though, this isn't a popularity contest. It's hard to say, but I'd rather these kids think I was the hardest teacher they ever had - but then years down the road, look back and see it was for their own good, so they could grow and mature and become the best they could be.

Thankfully, my boys have been manageable so far. From what I gather last year they were swamped with homework, and that was hard on them and their parents. This is more of a farming community and these kids really do help their parents out at home, so my goal has been to send them home with as little homework as possible. It's hard b/c sometimes I want them to work harder/faster than they can. They're picking up fast on -- if I get it done in class, I don't have to do any schoolwork when I get home. I'm a little afraid that I'll go completely grey before the year is over though b/c this curriculum is jammed packed with work. At the end of last week and now this week I can physically feel the pace starting to quicken up. Just to lay out how advanced it is - they teach cursive writing in kindergarten!!!! :O Wow!! It definitely is a challenge - and I enjoy challenges, so I guess this is perfect. I just hope I don't "grow" too many wrinkles in the process!! ;) ha ha

Today was an exceptionally good day. Work was done quickly, correctly, and quietly. Ahhh, a teacher's dream!! We had extra time for lunch to "Play outside" (I didn't play, but I did do a little dance b/c a wasp got in my skirt!). Today was a beautiful "Indian Summer" day. At the end of the day I had one of the boys read a "fun" book from the library to anyone who was done with their work. Needless to say I got a good shot of all the boys sitting down reading a story. Ahhhhh!! One of my first Kodak moments with this class.

Soon we'll be going to a pumpkin patch on a field trip. I'm looking forward to it.

Now tonight I have my work cut out for me. Look ahead for tomorrow and grade, grade, grade. I've always enjoyed stickers and now they are an everyday part of my life. I put stickers on anything and everything that doesn't have a - (minus) mark. (Well -- sometimes they get a sticker if they miss one or two -- depending on how hard they tried.) Ahhh, 1st and 2nd grade -- all the colorful problems, and fun stories to read. I'm hoping to post pictures soon.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Stay posted for more stories.