A Little Rearrangement...

I moved the desks back into groups. We shall see what tomorrow holds in store for us. We may be back in a U-shape by the end of the day, but I'm willing to give it another go.

I added the green paper to the cabinets today. As the kids finish their current assignment they are hanging them on the green paper. I'm thinking it'll look pretty good and also incorporate their work into the room.

 I moved my computer to the back of the room so the kids can use it. I just couldn't figure out a way to have a computer work station and only have one computer. I am hoping that I'll be able to afford a laptop soon and then all of my computer issues will be solved.

 I've been posting work station assignments and descriptions on the chart paper on the right of the board. I've also been putting morning work on the board as well as other things for work station time.

My desk looks so cluttered without the computer... I need some organizational tools or something. I'll get there eventually.

I told my students today about our Donors Choose project being funded. They were thrilled!! They wanted to know when we would get it and they were shocked that it is being shipped. So funny... the world through the eyes of seven year olds. They were mostly concerned to know if it would be coming in a box and whether or not they could help open it. You've just got to love their pure innocent excitement over opening a box! :)

Just a Poem I Wrote

I am a teacher.

I am a teacher.

I have my kids’ best interest at heart.

I give hugs and high-fives.

I can tell handwriting apart.

I am a teacher.

My expectations for my kids are high.

I teach reading, writing, and even manners.

I never let a cross word get by.

I am a teacher.

I love what I do.

I work hard for other people’s children.

I make a difference. Do you?

Donors Choose

My Donors Choose project was fully funded yesterday! I am thrilled! I was so excited and touched by the generosity of others that I cried! It is so nice to see that people do truly care about education and want to help. It is so refreshing to know that others see that there are difficulties, but know that I am trying to do what is best for my kids, and are willing to lend a hand. I am so touched.

Let ME Tell Ya...

There was a mouse in my room today.

Enough said.

Tell Me How You Really Feel

So, I'm sitting at lunch on Friday and as we're about to leave this little girl looks at me and says (fill in student's name here) is mean. I said, "tell me how ya really feel, why don't ya?" She just smiled.
I would have questioned her about it, but to be honest I know said child is mean to other children so why push the issue. Haha! They're brutal honesty cracks me up.

I Spend Half My Time...

counting down. lol That's a huge part of my classroom management, so I spend lots of time going "by the time I get to one (fill in the blank). Five, four, three, two, one." Well, I'm sick of counting down. So now when I count down if I get to one they lose a minute off recess. They lost 8 minutes today. Perhaps they will do better tomorrow. We shall see.

So Much Extra Stuff

Have you ever noticed the insane amount of extra stuff to do? I never knew my life could be so consumed by paper work, grades, making things for my class, etc. I am constantly living in a state of "overwhelmed". It stinks. I hope that next year will be better! I have heard by the third year things tend to calm down. Let's hope so!!

You know, I am constantly reminding myself that I chose this job. I had other offers and I chose this one. I know it is where I should be. I am just feeling like I am working super hard and getting no where. I will say that the kids make it worth it. They always say just the right thing at just the right time. LOVE them! They are, after all, the reason I'm there!