Lots Going On

Time for a little update.
First of all, I cannot say it enough that I am so impressed with my class. They are a great group of kids. I can really say that I can go and be excited to be there with them every day. They're awesome!
I have this one kid that has really impressed me with her writing. She is doing such an awesome job and is really getting in to it. I can't wait to see her finished product!
I also have some really funny kids. They keep me laughing and on my toes. I love that they joke with me, but also understand when it's time to get serious and get to work.
Friday was an awesome day. We got tons accomplished and they worked their little hearts out... but no one complained. They were excited and (I think) a little proud of themselves. It was a great day.
At the end of the day I stood at the door and spoke to each child on their way out. I told the ones with soccer games this weekend "good luck" and spoke to some about things they are involved it, worried about, etc. I told them all to have a great weekend and sent them on their way.
I'm pretty excited about Monday!

Second, this year is my evaluation year. I am excited and nervous. I started writing my long range plans today. It wasn't too bad. Another teacher on my grade level team is also going through evaluations and we are working together to collaborate and get the stuff done... and done right. I am so glad to have her to bounce ideas off of, etc.

Third, I am starting to find my "place" at school. This year started off a little rough, but I am finding friends and finding my way. It's starting to feel more like home and that makes me happy. I still miss my old kids and old teacher friends at my old school, but I am no longer feeling out of place at my new school.

Fourth, I think I am on the good side of my custodian! Yay! :) I have been working on this and I think I might have made it. We shall see. She is so nice! I am a bit messy and I think she is learning to accept that about me as I am trying hard to clean up and stay organized for her.

This year is off o a great start. Hopefully it stays great!!

Saw This Quote

"You know my name. Not my story."

I saw that quote today, and though it touched me because of things going on in my personal life, it also made me think about my "kids". That's just it. I know their names. I know first and last (and middle if I look it up) but that's it. I don't know their stories. I don't know where they're coming from. I don't know their dreams, fears, goals... what they're excited about, what they're scared of. Wouldn't you like it if everyone said, "hey, I know your name, but I don't know your story. What's your story?" How refreshing! Love it! I think that's the approach I'll take starting tomorrow morning. I want to learn their stories.

Ocoee Middle School - Gotta Keep Readin' (Parody Of I Gotta Feeling)

My kids LOVE this! I showed the video last week and they are begging to see it again!

What Is History?

What Is History?

So, we started out unit in Social Studies today. In SC in 3rd grade, we learn South Carolina History. I start with a question: "What is history?"
Cute little boy in the back of the room raises his hand and politely says, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present."

Be still my heart, how I do love children who can "quote" quotes. :)

It's Been a Whole Week!

It's been a whole week and I am excited to say that it has been a good week. We have worked hard. We have our routines down (for the most part) and are working hard to be people we can be proud to be.
We worked on a chart of ideas for writing in case they get "stuck" and can't think of any ideas... I was SO impressed! I just kept saying, "great idea! Awesome! Wow!" And, I truly meant it. I am so excited to work with the group of kids I have this year that I can hardly contain my excitement!

A Few Things...

First of all, in a moment of BRILLIANCE (if I do say so myself, and I DO) I finally figured out what we will be this year. We will be "Mrs. H______'s Hurricanes" and then our little slogan of sorts can be "taking third grade by storm". I am so excited. lol Lame. I know. But, whatever. I started my hallway display Friday and will finish it Monday and post pics of it for you. I made a palm tree bending in the wind and all the leaves flying off. Then, I made big waves in the water. I'm planning to put a hurricane and then have my laminated sheets of construction paper to hang the kids work on. Should be interesting.

I'm also pretty much done with the room. Here are a few things I added:

This is the classroom library. (Sorry it's a little blurry.)

This is where they will store readers notebooks, writers notebooks, and sign up for conferences with me.

This is where they will sign up for conferences with me or let me know what they're doing.

Here is the word wall.

This is where they will sign up for reading conferences, or reading groups, or partnerships.

This is where we will post our standards, focus, etc.

This is where we will meet in small groups.

This is where they can use computers or the listening center.

First Day Back

Today was our first day back and, what can I say, I'm PUMPED for this school year! I cannot wait until next Wednesday when the kids come back!!!!

We went over data and I got my class roll. I have 10 boys and 10 girls. I cannot wait to meet each and every one of them!

I can see that this year is going to be challenging and require a great deal of work for me, but I am READY!

ps- You know you're nuts when you smile while going over testing data for the kids you're getting this year. lol I'm crazy, but I am SO excited!!