I have started my 4th year of teaching, and man has it been busy! I agreed last year to take on an entire Kindergarten class. It's sort of like looping, but without their teacher. So all of my kids were together last year. I got a few new ones too...they were new to the area so they fit right in. So far it has been great. They all know each other and their parents know each other too.
They have made me laugh a few times already...as first graders always do! Also, I have been told that I am "the prettiest teacher in the world" more than once. (I know, I know... you are jealous.) They are all very cute and sweet. There is only one who gives me "problems." But, we will work it out! It always gets easier as we figure each other out.
I am hoping for a wonderful year full of funny first grade sayings, and of course I will update you after! :)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Summer!!!
Ok, it has been way too long since I have posted anything. So sorry! I guess life has been busy....and I kind of forgot about my blog! Oops!
But, it is now half way through summer. (I can't believe it! It always goes too fast!) So far, I have had a great summer. As I do each year, I have been teaching swim lessons to former students, their siblings and some friends. In the past this has just been something to do every once in a while...with only a handful of lessons. But this summer....OH MY GOODNESS! It has been crazy! I have about 20 kids that I am teaching off and on this summer. Which is turning out to be very lucrative.....I have already paid off our portion of the family beach house. (Our trip is coming up in a few weeks) I love teaching kids how to swim...but I have come to find out there are a few kid swimming behaviors that just annoy the crap out of me:
1. Crying. Please do not cry...it is just water kid! Really?! Do we need to sob uncontrollably about getting our face wet? That is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the water can be scary for some kids, but when you cry every time you come to take a lesson from me I get tired of it very quickly.
2. Screaming. And not just a little scream... a booming, hurts your ear scream. Please do not scream IN MY FACE when I am trying to teach you how to kick your feet. Seriously. Someone is going to think you are drowning. And I may not have an ear drum when we get done. Thanks.
3. Going under water when I am talking. Not much to say about this...it is just plain rude. I am trying to teach you, listen to me!
4. Making excuses. Don't make an excuse for why you can't go under. Just do it. I am not going to let you drown. Seriously.
5. Lack of trust. Most of the kids I teach in the summer have had me for first grade. I would think that it would be natural for them to trust me in the water. They know me, I know them easy right? WRONG. It takes most a few lessons before they fully trust me. I will not let you drown kid. TRUST ME!
Of course, these sound very negative, but I do love teaching kids to swim. I am not some swim Nazi that throws kids in the water and yells "SWIM!" I take a lot of time to work with each kid individually to get over their fears and develop their strokes. This is probably the best summer job for a teacher. I get to be at the pool and do what I love....and get paid! Nice!
This week the two "screamers" didn't scream in my face AND..... the "cryer" didn't cry. So... even though small...progress has been made! Now, if they can just keep it up and learn to do the strokes right..... I will keep you posted on that!
But, it is now half way through summer. (I can't believe it! It always goes too fast!) So far, I have had a great summer. As I do each year, I have been teaching swim lessons to former students, their siblings and some friends. In the past this has just been something to do every once in a while...with only a handful of lessons. But this summer....OH MY GOODNESS! It has been crazy! I have about 20 kids that I am teaching off and on this summer. Which is turning out to be very lucrative.....I have already paid off our portion of the family beach house. (Our trip is coming up in a few weeks) I love teaching kids how to swim...but I have come to find out there are a few kid swimming behaviors that just annoy the crap out of me:
1. Crying. Please do not cry...it is just water kid! Really?! Do we need to sob uncontrollably about getting our face wet? That is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the water can be scary for some kids, but when you cry every time you come to take a lesson from me I get tired of it very quickly.
2. Screaming. And not just a little scream... a booming, hurts your ear scream. Please do not scream IN MY FACE when I am trying to teach you how to kick your feet. Seriously. Someone is going to think you are drowning. And I may not have an ear drum when we get done. Thanks.
3. Going under water when I am talking. Not much to say about this...it is just plain rude. I am trying to teach you, listen to me!
4. Making excuses. Don't make an excuse for why you can't go under. Just do it. I am not going to let you drown. Seriously.
5. Lack of trust. Most of the kids I teach in the summer have had me for first grade. I would think that it would be natural for them to trust me in the water. They know me, I know them easy right? WRONG. It takes most a few lessons before they fully trust me. I will not let you drown kid. TRUST ME!
Of course, these sound very negative, but I do love teaching kids to swim. I am not some swim Nazi that throws kids in the water and yells "SWIM!" I take a lot of time to work with each kid individually to get over their fears and develop their strokes. This is probably the best summer job for a teacher. I get to be at the pool and do what I love....and get paid! Nice!
This week the two "screamers" didn't scream in my face AND..... the "cryer" didn't cry. So... even though small...progress has been made! Now, if they can just keep it up and learn to do the strokes right..... I will keep you posted on that!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Holidays
Some of my favorite things happen during this time of year....Christmas! (of course)......a 2 week break from work.......family visits.......and of course.....FOOD! (Which if you know me is one of my favorite things about life!) I love going to all of the many places we go during the holiday season and eating all of the foods that only come out once a year! Why is it that we only make these special foods once a year? Well I have a theory on that.....
These cookies, cakes, dips, special meals with extravagant side dishes and various appetizers are only made at this time of year because if we made them all the time we would all be crazy fat! (At least I would!) When you live in the south, holiday food is not "light" or by any means "healthy." If it were either of those things then it wouldn't be true "southern" food. As I think of all of my favorite childhood holiday memories, most of them involve special foods and the people who I shared them with. (I am a true southern girl huh?!) And because we only get to have these treats once a year, my body thinks that I must stuff my face until I literally am in pain. It happens every year. I try not to, but it always happens. I think to myself..."it's the holidays...so why not?" Or... "Well, I won't get this for another year so I better fill up on it now." Or... "Wow! This is amazing...give me more!" I am a true food lover, I know...it's crazy!So we do this (massive eating) at least 4 times during the week of Christmas...with Brent's mom and step dad, Brent's dad and step mom, Brent's grandmother and extended family, and twice with my family! Whew....that is A LOT OF FOOD! (Believe me...I know from experience! Ha! Ha!)
And to add to it all, my family has a big get together on New Years. My mom's family decided a few years back that we wouldn't meet up at Christmas since everyone had so much going on and so many places to go. We decided that New Years would become our new celebration time. It has really worked out nicely for everyone, BUT....it adds just one more place to see all of those wonderful foods that we all love......and more pounds to my waist!
I would like to say that next year will be different.....but we all know that it won't! There will always be an endless supply of wonderful food at all of the MANY places we go during the holidays! And....I will never pass it up, because I LOVE all of it! That is the joy of living in the south...right?!
So it is now 2010....I can't believe how fast 2009 came and went! We had a great Christmas and New Years, BUT I am glad that I have elastic pants! ;)
These cookies, cakes, dips, special meals with extravagant side dishes and various appetizers are only made at this time of year because if we made them all the time we would all be crazy fat! (At least I would!) When you live in the south, holiday food is not "light" or by any means "healthy." If it were either of those things then it wouldn't be true "southern" food. As I think of all of my favorite childhood holiday memories, most of them involve special foods and the people who I shared them with. (I am a true southern girl huh?!) And because we only get to have these treats once a year, my body thinks that I must stuff my face until I literally am in pain. It happens every year. I try not to, but it always happens. I think to myself..."it's the holidays...so why not?" Or... "Well, I won't get this for another year so I better fill up on it now." Or... "Wow! This is amazing...give me more!" I am a true food lover, I know...it's crazy!So we do this (massive eating) at least 4 times during the week of Christmas...with Brent's mom and step dad, Brent's dad and step mom, Brent's grandmother and extended family, and twice with my family! Whew....that is A LOT OF FOOD! (Believe me...I know from experience! Ha! Ha!)
And to add to it all, my family has a big get together on New Years. My mom's family decided a few years back that we wouldn't meet up at Christmas since everyone had so much going on and so many places to go. We decided that New Years would become our new celebration time. It has really worked out nicely for everyone, BUT....it adds just one more place to see all of those wonderful foods that we all love......and more pounds to my waist!
I would like to say that next year will be different.....but we all know that it won't! There will always be an endless supply of wonderful food at all of the MANY places we go during the holidays! And....I will never pass it up, because I LOVE all of it! That is the joy of living in the south...right?!
So it is now 2010....I can't believe how fast 2009 came and went! We had a great Christmas and New Years, BUT I am glad that I have elastic pants! ;)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Turkey!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! As I write today, I am watching the Macy's parade...one of the best parts of this day! I also enjoy seeing family and catching up. Ever since I was little, we go to my grandfather's house for a huge meal in the middle of the afternoon. Thanksgiving for us usually lasts all weekend....on Friday we have a family bowling competition and Saturday we do some shopping. I love spending the time with everyone! (And of course eating all of that delicious food!)
Since we got married, I don't just go to my grandfather's house. I get to go to Brent's mom's house and his dad's house. So....I get to eat THREE Thanksgiving meals! How awesome is that?! For someone (like me) who loves food, it is the best day of the year!
I was watching the news this morning and they said that they average Thanksgiving meal is 5,000 calories. So, does that mean that I will be consuming 15,000 calories since I am going to eat 3 meals? I don't know and I don't care! I don't know why people worry about calories on Thanksgiving. It is just dumb. Come on people, just eat and be happy! Don't worry about how many calories or grams of fat are in your meal. You only eat like this once a year, so just forget aobut that stuff and EAT! I have never once thought about how many calories I am consuming during my Thanksgiving meals (b/c I have 3 remember). If I gain 5 pounds today, I know that it was totally worth it!
So....I am going to go put on some comfy clothes and get ready to eat! Yum!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Remember...it is not about the calories! It is about time with family! :)
Since we got married, I don't just go to my grandfather's house. I get to go to Brent's mom's house and his dad's house. So....I get to eat THREE Thanksgiving meals! How awesome is that?! For someone (like me) who loves food, it is the best day of the year!
I was watching the news this morning and they said that they average Thanksgiving meal is 5,000 calories. So, does that mean that I will be consuming 15,000 calories since I am going to eat 3 meals? I don't know and I don't care! I don't know why people worry about calories on Thanksgiving. It is just dumb. Come on people, just eat and be happy! Don't worry about how many calories or grams of fat are in your meal. You only eat like this once a year, so just forget aobut that stuff and EAT! I have never once thought about how many calories I am consuming during my Thanksgiving meals (b/c I have 3 remember). If I gain 5 pounds today, I know that it was totally worth it!
So....I am going to go put on some comfy clothes and get ready to eat! Yum!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Remember...it is not about the calories! It is about time with family! :)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Kids say the silliest things!
So as we begin a new school year, I am still taking time to get to know my new kiddos. I love first grade for lots of reasons, but one of the best is that this age group says the silliest stuff! Here are some of the quotes from the first two weeks of school:
"I can't use "hanitizer" because I have a cut on my hand."
(when using dry erase markers) "These things smell good. They should make a perfume of this smell."
As a child sees me put on my jean jacket... "great style...that jacket is cute."
During a thunderstorm I was telling the children not to worry because were safe inside a brick building. One child adds (so calmly and matter of factly) "And God is always watching over us to keep us safe."
"How are markers made? I think they are great."
(When asked to read what she wrote) "The "wabbit" jumped up."
These are the things that they have said SO FAR......I can't wait to see what comes with the rest of the year! :)
"I can't use "hanitizer" because I have a cut on my hand."
(when using dry erase markers) "These things smell good. They should make a perfume of this smell."
As a child sees me put on my jean jacket... "great style...that jacket is cute."
During a thunderstorm I was telling the children not to worry because were safe inside a brick building. One child adds (so calmly and matter of factly) "And God is always watching over us to keep us safe."
"How are markers made? I think they are great."
(When asked to read what she wrote) "The "wabbit" jumped up."
These are the things that they have said SO FAR......I can't wait to see what comes with the rest of the year! :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Things I learned about myself as a teacher
So, for the past few weeks I have slowly been going back to school to get some work done. I moved my furniture back in place, got all my computers hooked back up, organized my desk and cleaned a bit. I have even gotten some plans done for the first few weeks! Yesterday, I went to Walmart, with my Purchase Order in hand, and bought all my supplies that I will need for the beginning of the year.
I discovered somethings about myself (and probably about all teachers) during and soon after this trip to Walmart:
1. I get this excited nervous feeling in my stomach when I buy school supplies. I guess this is because I am excited to meet my new students but I am nervous just like they are to start a new year.
2. I love the feel of brand new crayons, markers, and colored pencils in my hand. They smell so good too!
3. I get so excited when I find a bargain....of any kind! Even if I am spending school money!
4. I know I am not back on contract yet, but I feel that I have to get work done in my room in order to enjoy the last weeks of summer....weird I know. But, if I don't go to school and work, I could quite possibly go crazy.....really!
5. I love to walk around the school and see who is back and how their summer was. It is nice to see everyone again and see where my kids from last year got placed.
6. I think about school stuff when I am at school, when I am home doing nothing and even when I am sleeping! Yes... I dream about school! Some dreams are kind of scary!
7. I love the smell of a newly sharpened pencil....and the way it works so perfectly the first time you use it.
8. I love to organize....anything and everything! It makes me feel so good about life.
9. My OCD-ness (yes it is a word...I made it up!) starts to come out in full blast as soon as I get back in that classroom!
10. I love my job and I am so thankful that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I love!
So, like I said, I have gotten a lot of things done in my room and I am actually going to start a year AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! Whew! That feels so good! Maybe when I officially have to go back to work, I can keep ahead......doubt it but I sure can try!
Only one more week of summer for me....maybe I can actually NOT go to school and try to enjoy my last free days....maybe......
I discovered somethings about myself (and probably about all teachers) during and soon after this trip to Walmart:
1. I get this excited nervous feeling in my stomach when I buy school supplies. I guess this is because I am excited to meet my new students but I am nervous just like they are to start a new year.
2. I love the feel of brand new crayons, markers, and colored pencils in my hand. They smell so good too!
3. I get so excited when I find a bargain....of any kind! Even if I am spending school money!
4. I know I am not back on contract yet, but I feel that I have to get work done in my room in order to enjoy the last weeks of summer....weird I know. But, if I don't go to school and work, I could quite possibly go crazy.....really!
5. I love to walk around the school and see who is back and how their summer was. It is nice to see everyone again and see where my kids from last year got placed.
6. I think about school stuff when I am at school, when I am home doing nothing and even when I am sleeping! Yes... I dream about school! Some dreams are kind of scary!
7. I love the smell of a newly sharpened pencil....and the way it works so perfectly the first time you use it.
8. I love to organize....anything and everything! It makes me feel so good about life.
9. My OCD-ness (yes it is a word...I made it up!) starts to come out in full blast as soon as I get back in that classroom!
10. I love my job and I am so thankful that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I love!
So, like I said, I have gotten a lot of things done in my room and I am actually going to start a year AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! Whew! That feels so good! Maybe when I officially have to go back to work, I can keep ahead......doubt it but I sure can try!
Only one more week of summer for me....maybe I can actually NOT go to school and try to enjoy my last free days....maybe......
Monday, June 29, 2009
1 Year!
Yesterday, Brent and I had our one year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how fast time has gone and all of the things we have done this year. I am still so in love with him and I still feel like a newlywed...even though we are officially not anymore. We just got back from our beach trip with Courtney and Josh (our anniversary gift to each other)....so nice! We had great weather and we both improved our summer tans too! :) When we got back, we had a surprise birthday party for Brent's dad. His birthday is June 27th and we got married on the 28th. So...last year we celebrated with him at the rehearsal dinner. Well....the surprise party this year was held at the same place we had our rehearsal dinner! AND we had the same food! So it was sort of like re-doing the whole weekend! Sunday, our anniversary we went out to lunch to our favorite spot...Stir Fry! Yum! It was so good. After lunch we went to the Redbox (we should buy stock in that company! We are always there!) and then went home and watched some movies. Later on we had our cake and our M&M's (our wedding favors...printed with our names and date). They were both just as good as they were last year. A great way to round out a perfect year! I can't wait to see what comes in the next year! :)
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