Tuesday September 4th - Friday September 7th
Tuesday:
It was strange waking up to see a lot of teacher statuses on Facebook as "happy first day of school" when in reality, it was my 9th day of teaching!
Kathleen received her first substitute teaching call! They needed a teacher's assistant to help out with a specific student so she willingly went in. She was thrown into working with a student that is fairly violent and difficult to control - she did a great job and she even rushed home at lunch to have soup ready for us! So nice.
I was feeling sick today, but positive and excited about being here! I explained to my students that my voice was a little bit funny because of my cold and I asked them what I sounded like. One student responded with "Hansel and Grettle" and another said "Monkey!" I reminded them about a book we had read for science about germs. I asked them "remember when the germs fight the cells in our body? Well, the germs won."
Another student added, "I'm sick too. Germs won."
We started talking about how God made us...and one student shared her theory..."I know how God made us...I've known since I was in my Mommy...He grabs a piece of a bird..." OKAY - where is she going with this?! The kids would share stories all day if they could - and to be honest, I'd LOVE to let them - but I do have a curriculum to cover! One girl said "Halloween is soon" and that sent us into a long conversation about costumes. I struggle to be firm, fair and fun all at once...I want everyone to have a chance to share, but eventually it HAS to end if we're going to finish anything!
My students are very honest...blunt...One student said to me "you're yapping too much and giving me a headache" - she motioned with her hands to show me what yapping looks like...Wow! I just looked at her as if to say "are you serious?
This same student is the one that said "angels cry when you lie" - and she lied today! Hmmph.
We had a volleyball meeting and practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays. I checked my mailbox expectantly and there was nothing there...I went to the post office to send some mail and the worker there told me that a bunch of mail had come in for me...and it was at the school. I did check in the office and sure enough, there it was. SO EXCITING TO RECEIVE MAIL! :)
The register that we have to keep updated for attendance is SUCH a chore...Ms. J tried explaining it to me and I feel SO lost!
I was still at school by 8:30 pm...I think it's time to go home.
I saw some of my students at the grocery store, so cool to have them run up and hug me. This is what I LOVE about teaching!
Wednesday:
I had to laugh at a student's innocent question today... "You don't have a lot of friends here, do you? Just your one friend that you live with? And Mr. King, he's your friend?" Another student said, "My mom is her friend!" Yes...at this point, my social network is mostly composed of staff members. Work and social life - all in one convenient location. I like it that way!
I expected that we had an 'investment meeting' tomorrow after school...but apparently it was switched to today at lunch...It was overwhelming - huge amounts of information in a short amount of time. I don't feel old enough to be thinking about investments!
I also met with my superintendent today...he took me into the VP's office and he was actually really encouraging - not overly intimidating. I felt really relieved to be chatting with him...he reminded me that "it's Grade 2, it's September, it's okay." (after I confessed that I felt kinda clueless and overwhelmed!)
This is a comment on how observant my students are, I wore two different dress scarves this week and they accused me of wearing the same scarf again!
I had to make a couple of parent phone calls today about girls with attitude...It's really awkward getting used to telling parents that their children are misbehaving in class. I usually have good things to report as well, so that softens the blow!
We had volleyball practice and I feel more like a student than a coach...I'm really learning right along with the girls! (Volleyball is NOT my sport)...I was watching today as they set up the net with hopes that I could figure it out and help out! This is funny...I had told one girl not to have her fingers TOO firm while setting...it's important to be flexible...right after I finished my 'coaching' - the REAL coach told the girls to keep their fingers STIFF. Oh boy. Fail.
I like the opportunity to volunteer and be active/engage with the older students...but yet again, it's become a humbling experience!
Regardless of my lack of volleyball skills...it sure did feel good to be in a gym wearing a tshirt and sweatpants! I've been dressing up a lot more than what I'm used to!
One of my elementary school principals emailed me and included a really encouraging quote/reminder:
"We need good people choosing teaching as a career and you are certainly one of them. Enjoy the gift of the day you have been given."
Thursday:
So hard to believe it's ALREADY Thursday!! I suppose it's a good thing that time is flying...I felt more anxious than ever this morning. I spent a little more time on the phone than with planning...and was reminded the hard way: if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. There has to be a change in my time management and in my planning for this to work!
My mom has been so helpful and supportive...she talked to my former principal and then she emailed me with some great literacy suggestions (and encouragement)! A friend reminded me of the song "turn your eyes upon Jesus..." then the things of earth truly do grow strangely dim...in the light of HIS glory and grace...<3
I drove to school in the morning and the beautiful sun was streaming down...I drove past a Canadian flag on one of the houses and I was just feeling overwhelmed with thankfulness to be living in Canada... My Sidewalk prophets CD was playing... "HALLELUJAH - He is moving all around!" I love the reminders that God gives to me...especially on my most anxious days.
I told the teacher across the hall that I'd been on the phone REALLY late the night before...she said "good!" She was glad for me...I was catching up with a friend after about a week without communication...(once I catchup on my Blog...this significant phone caller will come into the story a little more often) ;)
Despite my late night and less planning than usual, the day was GOOD! My kids are SO cute. One of my little boys: "Teacher, I have a hole in my pants." What do you say to that?! I have a few little girls that are already really into clothes and accessories...I caught one of them asking a boy in our class, "Are you looking at my earrings?!" Of course. Of course he was interested in looking at her earrings. (It was funny at the time.)
One of my girls that was giving me a hard time yesterday, she was helpful today and gave me an "i love you teacher" sign! Miss C came in and sat at my desk for a bit... she helped me out by writing the due date on my book orders. We showed her some of our routines and the "CHOO CHOO" math game...the kids seemed eager to share the few things that we had done together. We sang a couple of songs for her and showed her our promise board. We started working on an activity and it was so sweet to have Kathleen in as an extra set of able hands to help out. It makes a big difference to have two adults in the room! Kathleen sat at the front of the room and I gave the students an opportunity to ask Kathleen questions they might have for her. They asked for her favourite colour and when she said red, they made the connection - it's both of our favourite colour! It works well for house decor! :)
"Teacher, you have big feet!" I do...and it didn't bother me that this child pointed it out, either...I really appreciate their observation skills and the fact that they say whatever is on their minds!
This next story I'm going to share is difficult to describe...but we were doing a language activity and discussing what the students want to be when they grow up. I listed a bunch of jobs, some kids were chiming in...one of my smallest girls put up her hand, with a funny look on her face, she said "or a killer?" Ughh....I did NOT know what to say! I was stunned! That's not the first 'career option' that pops into my mind...I don't even remember how I reacted and then another boy added to her suggestion with "a moose killer?" Oh my.
In my becoming-a-Saskatchewan-citizen news, I figured out that I'll be able to get my licensing stuff done in Meadow Lake if I bring in all my paperwork...We're going there September 11th for my first professional development! Exciting!
Kathleen came back into my classroom at the end of the day...ACCEPTING THE JOB! :) She told me she got an offer and would be accepting the position of "Community & School Recreation Coordinator!"
I did a bit of running around to talk with other teachers about insurance, pension...called SGI to make sure my vehicle safety check doesn't expire...I talked with the sweet Grade 3 teacher about year plans and she really reassured me...She showed me an example of hers and it really doesn't look too complicated. I didn't spend a lot of time on unit/year plans during teacher's college - so this is all new to me! Long range planning kinda scares me...
At home on this evening, all four of us were actually home for the first time together. We thoroughly enjoyed watching a funny youtube video: "Twighlight with voiceovers..." It was hilarious to us at the time and we actually laughed SO MUCH. It felt good to let loose and giggle with the girls after another stressful few days in the classroom. The others kept telling me to go to bed because I kept falling asleep.
Friday
I LOVE Fridays AND the number 7...and September, come to think of it!
Gah..I also love my roommate! "Mars, do you want banana bread in your lunch?" Umm...heck ya! Is that even a question? She's amazing...and so is banana bread!
Wednesday:
I had to laugh at a student's innocent question today... "You don't have a lot of friends here, do you? Just your one friend that you live with? And Mr. King, he's your friend?" Another student said, "My mom is her friend!" Yes...at this point, my social network is mostly composed of staff members. Work and social life - all in one convenient location. I like it that way!
I expected that we had an 'investment meeting' tomorrow after school...but apparently it was switched to today at lunch...It was overwhelming - huge amounts of information in a short amount of time. I don't feel old enough to be thinking about investments!
I also met with my superintendent today...he took me into the VP's office and he was actually really encouraging - not overly intimidating. I felt really relieved to be chatting with him...he reminded me that "it's Grade 2, it's September, it's okay." (after I confessed that I felt kinda clueless and overwhelmed!)
This is a comment on how observant my students are, I wore two different dress scarves this week and they accused me of wearing the same scarf again!
I had to make a couple of parent phone calls today about girls with attitude...It's really awkward getting used to telling parents that their children are misbehaving in class. I usually have good things to report as well, so that softens the blow!
We had volleyball practice and I feel more like a student than a coach...I'm really learning right along with the girls! (Volleyball is NOT my sport)...I was watching today as they set up the net with hopes that I could figure it out and help out! This is funny...I had told one girl not to have her fingers TOO firm while setting...it's important to be flexible...right after I finished my 'coaching' - the REAL coach told the girls to keep their fingers STIFF. Oh boy. Fail.
I like the opportunity to volunteer and be active/engage with the older students...but yet again, it's become a humbling experience!
Regardless of my lack of volleyball skills...it sure did feel good to be in a gym wearing a tshirt and sweatpants! I've been dressing up a lot more than what I'm used to!
One of my elementary school principals emailed me and included a really encouraging quote/reminder:
"We need good people choosing teaching as a career and you are certainly one of them. Enjoy the gift of the day you have been given."
Thursday:
So hard to believe it's ALREADY Thursday!! I suppose it's a good thing that time is flying...I felt more anxious than ever this morning. I spent a little more time on the phone than with planning...and was reminded the hard way: if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. There has to be a change in my time management and in my planning for this to work!
My mom has been so helpful and supportive...she talked to my former principal and then she emailed me with some great literacy suggestions (and encouragement)! A friend reminded me of the song "turn your eyes upon Jesus..." then the things of earth truly do grow strangely dim...in the light of HIS glory and grace...<3
I drove to school in the morning and the beautiful sun was streaming down...I drove past a Canadian flag on one of the houses and I was just feeling overwhelmed with thankfulness to be living in Canada... My Sidewalk prophets CD was playing... "HALLELUJAH - He is moving all around!" I love the reminders that God gives to me...especially on my most anxious days.
I told the teacher across the hall that I'd been on the phone REALLY late the night before...she said "good!" She was glad for me...I was catching up with a friend after about a week without communication...(once I catchup on my Blog...this significant phone caller will come into the story a little more often) ;)
Despite my late night and less planning than usual, the day was GOOD! My kids are SO cute. One of my little boys: "Teacher, I have a hole in my pants." What do you say to that?! I have a few little girls that are already really into clothes and accessories...I caught one of them asking a boy in our class, "Are you looking at my earrings?!" Of course. Of course he was interested in looking at her earrings. (It was funny at the time.)
One of my girls that was giving me a hard time yesterday, she was helpful today and gave me an "i love you teacher" sign! Miss C came in and sat at my desk for a bit... she helped me out by writing the due date on my book orders. We showed her some of our routines and the "CHOO CHOO" math game...the kids seemed eager to share the few things that we had done together. We sang a couple of songs for her and showed her our promise board. We started working on an activity and it was so sweet to have Kathleen in as an extra set of able hands to help out. It makes a big difference to have two adults in the room! Kathleen sat at the front of the room and I gave the students an opportunity to ask Kathleen questions they might have for her. They asked for her favourite colour and when she said red, they made the connection - it's both of our favourite colour! It works well for house decor! :)
"Teacher, you have big feet!" I do...and it didn't bother me that this child pointed it out, either...I really appreciate their observation skills and the fact that they say whatever is on their minds!
This next story I'm going to share is difficult to describe...but we were doing a language activity and discussing what the students want to be when they grow up. I listed a bunch of jobs, some kids were chiming in...one of my smallest girls put up her hand, with a funny look on her face, she said "or a killer?" Ughh....I did NOT know what to say! I was stunned! That's not the first 'career option' that pops into my mind...I don't even remember how I reacted and then another boy added to her suggestion with "a moose killer?" Oh my.
In my becoming-a-Saskatchewan-citizen news, I figured out that I'll be able to get my licensing stuff done in Meadow Lake if I bring in all my paperwork...We're going there September 11th for my first professional development! Exciting!
Kathleen came back into my classroom at the end of the day...ACCEPTING THE JOB! :) She told me she got an offer and would be accepting the position of "Community & School Recreation Coordinator!"
I did a bit of running around to talk with other teachers about insurance, pension...called SGI to make sure my vehicle safety check doesn't expire...I talked with the sweet Grade 3 teacher about year plans and she really reassured me...She showed me an example of hers and it really doesn't look too complicated. I didn't spend a lot of time on unit/year plans during teacher's college - so this is all new to me! Long range planning kinda scares me...
At home on this evening, all four of us were actually home for the first time together. We thoroughly enjoyed watching a funny youtube video: "Twighlight with voiceovers..." It was hilarious to us at the time and we actually laughed SO MUCH. It felt good to let loose and giggle with the girls after another stressful few days in the classroom. The others kept telling me to go to bed because I kept falling asleep.
Friday
I LOVE Fridays AND the number 7...and September, come to think of it!
Gah..I also love my roommate! "Mars, do you want banana bread in your lunch?" Umm...heck ya! Is that even a question? She's amazing...and so is banana bread!
This is starting to feel more normal. I do like it here. This school is so nice and it is a huge privelege to have “my own classroom” - but it’s OUR classroom. It's not just mine...I want these kids to have ownership in this class. I’m starting to care more and more about my students and realizing that I need to plan more too. Glad it’s Friday, but I need to be proactive on Saturday to finish up my yearplan and start to seriously consider how to accommodate some of my students who are struggling with certain things.
One of my students gave me a feather! That meant a lot to me :) It's like a cultural symbol! haha...oh, I'm so easily amused. I was heading down the hallway at recess time and thrilled to see Kathleen! How blessed am I?! To walk down the hallway on a northern native reserve...and there's one of my dear friends from University...working in the SAME building!
Mr. George the gym teacher sent my students back after gym with SUCCERS on a Friday afternoon - they were WILD! I was already losing steam...we spent the last half hour of the day watching a few videos from the week...they were so excited to see themselves - it was really cute! They left for the weekend saying they loved me...that was a sweet feeling!
We had a 'pop staff meeting' today - about our PD in Meadow Lake...we discussed carpooling, supper would be paid, room arrangements, etc. I was setup to be rooming with Chellsea, which was cool with me - she was already staying at our house!
I've been here for 3.5 weeks...feels way shorter and way longer, all at the same time.
Was very surprised when I woke up to a new entry, I know you are very busy and have so much going on. Excited to see you soon. Love you very much, thanks for sharing when you can.
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