Precious Pumpkin

One of my sweetie pie girls brought in this precious pumpkin for me. she painted it herself. I was so impressed! What a sweet thought!

Impossible

While learning about probability, we discussed things that were IMPOSSIBLE. They wrote their ideas on dry erase boards.

"Miss Hall will be ugly."

Apparently this is what I would look like to be ugly. Very creative! :)

"Dino licking man"

Team Work

Most teachers work on a "team" with other teachers in their grade level, department, etc. I do. I work with 5 other awesome third grade teachers. They rock! We work hard very day to make sure our students receive exactly what they need to be successful. Here are the awesome ladies I work with:

(I am the first on the left.)

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. :)