Realizations

I have been reading What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker. One of the biggest things that has jumped out is the way I should be treating my students. I have tried implementing one technique into my classroom where instead of focusing on the negative behavior done by a few, I let the majority of the kids know I see their behavior. For example, instead of saying, "You are too loud in the hallway" (when it was just a few kids), I'm trying to say, "I appreciate those of you who used our low voices in the hallways." Also, when I'm teaching and kids are talking when they shouldn't, I say, "I appreciate those of you who are tuned into the lesson." It's just a small change, but I've seen some differences take place because of it. Mostly with my thinking and my mannerisms with the class.

Another realization with the book is to treat each child like their parent was in the room. Imagine the amount of respect I would be giving each child!

Hooking my students...

Okay, so this class is definitely different than last year. While they use their manners (excuse me and sorry), unfortunately, they have not learned to use a Kleenex instead of digging :)

Well, to compensate this, I have a Oh Yuck! book. Well, there is a whole section about mucus, so I read it to them. And while the girls covered their ears and figured they would throw up, the boys had a grand old time. My boys this year are a bit more rambunctious (in a good way - besides who wants quiet personalities???), so I figure learning about some yucky topics might hook them a bit more. They really want to hear the section about blood...we'll see what day that section is read. Talk about building schema!!!

Woo hoo!

For anyone who is a Big Brother fan, I LOVE the show. And I love Dan...I am so happy that Memphis won the pov and used it on Dan...these are the times that I wish I lived with someone else to share in my excitement...guess the blogging world will have to do.

Slice of Life...Almost

Today marked the first day I could work out in September in the gym...and so began the challenge. Every month I am going to truly check how strong I am. After tutoring, I walked into the gym in my beautiful Old Navy skirt...and a gorgeous orange colored shirt to compliment it. I quickly changed, warmed up on the treadmill for five minutes, strapped on my black and pink gloves, popped the ear buds in and began shuffling my songs to find an inspirational pump me up song.

I decided on Healer from Casey Darnell's cd (it's a song that reminds me how Jesus is my ultimate Healer). I walked over to the pull-up machine. I grip the handle, raise myself, get my bearing and start lowering myself down. Not too far, I keep thinking (cause I have to try and get my body back up). As I lower about halfway, I decide it's time to try and go up. I begin the tremendous task of pulling myself up. I am grunting and sweating, but I try and kick my feet and bring them up a little and as I do, I feel my body begin to go higher. My chin just barely made it up to the bar and I let go. I become a bit undignified and start jumping up and down and air high-fiving no one. I almost just did a full pull-up with NO assistance. Woo hoo! It's the most I have ever pulled myself up and while it may not be the "perfect" pull-up, my personal trainer is still counting it as one. Good thing he is, because I surely am!

And for those who care, I am still working on a dip, but my bent arm hang went from 10 seconds to 12 seconds (and that's only 11 days later from trying it the first time). Next month, check in again...the goal - one pull-up, one dip, and longer than 12 seconds.

Done!

I am almost officially done with griping. It's only the first full week of school and I am amazed at how much griping I've heard from other teachers. Maybe it's because I don't want to be known for it that I'm more in tune with it...maybe there's just more this year. Don't get me wrong, I've done my fair share before, but after hearing it from others, I'm ready to turn over a new leaf and be an encourager...Thanks for letting me gripe and get that off my chest!

Bees and Wax

Today, after reading about bees on our own, we got together in a sharing circle to share what made our brains go "Wow". One of my girls was sharing about how she turned to a certain page in the book..."And so we decided to read about how bees make earwax." Hmmm.....not quite sure about that one!

So far...

Well, I've now had roughly five days with my new cherubs. Many people ask how's it going? To be honest, I can't say yet. I see some great things and am reminded of how "trained" I had my last class. I know my students love informational text and certain topics already....I can see a dragon project for the year (to keep three of my boys busy). I also am noticing how well they use their words to show politeness. I notice that they have not perfected keeping their hands to themselves yet, but we'll work on that. I have some really sweet students and I'm sure I'll have lots of stories to tell this year! They are talkative, so I am hoping that we'll be able to channel their thoughts and ideas into our workshops and keep them learning.

I do have to say that the hardest part of the year is just getting back into a routine and getting up early...ugh!