Slice of Life 2013 - you know you're reaching your students when....

Today was rough.
Today was not what I anticipated.
Today came with smiles and tears,
with kindness and heartbreak.
with singing and stern, serious conversations.

But today also brought one small message of hope and encouragement.
In a moment that almost slipped by unnoticed, a student surprised me and reminded me why I chose this path.

For when his mom asked which friends he wanted to request for his class next year,
he mentioned only two,

and one name was mine.

pick pocket no. 1

As a teacher of young children I am often handed lost items and returning items to their homes. More often than not these items end up in my pocket and make for and interesting find, when I go to do the laundry.

Here is today's findings: a dry erase marker, colored pencil and keys. Can't wait to see what I find tomorrow!

Slice of Life 2012 - 17

St. Patrick's Day has never been a holiday that I get overly excited about. I think I got off the boat the year someone pinched me for not wearing green. I mean, really? Pinching is
NEVER okay in my book. But this morning offered a unique weekend morning with both of us home and nothing planned. Se we decided to embrace the fun of the day by making green pancakes with kiwi on the side! And now that I'm a teacher, I guess it's time I set a reminder to wear green each year on 3/17, mostly for the fun of it, but also to avoid any chance of a pinch!

Slice of Life 2012 - 16

Today I had a new perspective. As the class walked in I smiled and gave directions in a quiet and warm voice. I made an extra effort to point out students who were doing their job, especially those who often do not fit this category. I watched their interactions, what seemed to interest them and how long it kept their interest, what or who distracted them... It is so easy to let things slide since they are the last class of the day, but today I learned from them and I pondered how this 20 minute snapshot reflects the rest of their school day. They are fun and inquisitive and made me excited for a new adventure that is beginning to come into focus.