Science and stuff

It doesn't seem like it should already be the third full week of school. I can't believe how quickly time seems to be flying by. I can't wait to be through one full year with this curriculum. I'm going to be such a better teacher next year. 

Highlights from the last 2 1/2 weeks:

-hands-on activities.... I love being able to get the materials that we need to make science fun. 

I also love that my students are complaining because we are doing activities instead of just reading the book and taking notes. 

Ha! I never thought I would hear middle schoolers complain because they had to do activities!

Finally I am thankful for all the quirks that are keeping me on my toes! 

Every child has something different test is unique to their learning....just makes my life more challenging!

Hopefully I can start blogging more!

Reflections on my first 3 days

I There was this weird calmness in starting school this year. The internet wasn't working, I couldn't print from my classroom and the only technology I had was an overhead projector. Which I refused to be one of those teachers. Yet I knew that things would work out okay, somehow. 

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is a family feel. Parents are asked to volunteer in classrooms, students have known each other since they were young.  The amount of welcoming I have gotten has been beyond anything else in all my years of teaching. It isn't about competition. It isn't about who is right and wrong. It is about what is best for the students. It us about praying for each other and allowing others to lift you up.

Teaching  science is one of my favorite things to do. First of all there is so much involved in science it is amazing. Second I love teaching about God's Creation.

So this week I didn't spend as much time on expectations as I might in another place. I spent more time on relationships and bonding with each other. Perhaps this year I truly can make teaching about experiences. That's my goal anyways.

A sad goodbye

We have 3 more half days with the kids. They are exam days for middle and high school. But for us basically it is one big party. I haven't been sad until today. This year has been hard. It has been tough for me to see beyond the drama, and look at the good. I have spent much of my teaching time this year doing exactly what I never wanted to do. Up until this point I haven't been sad to say goodbye.

Today though, one of my students unexpectedly came to say it was his last day, and I lost it. The emotions and love that I had been trying so hard to keep in check just left me...I realized I am sad to go. They have grown and changed. I have made a difference. 

This might be my last elementary aged class. I might be moving back to middle school. Not sure how I feel about it, but really think this might be my niche.

I will miss my kids....but I'm ready to move forward.

Lying children and what makes it frustrating

I really dislike lying. It to me is the worst thing a person can do. But how can I stop my students from lying when there is nothing to give as a consequence. The lying has become pretty bad the past 2 weeks. Maybe it is the end of the school year that is causing all these lies. Maybe it us the age? I'm not sure, but I really dislike it a lot. 

Truth it is within our grasp...every single one of us. How can I motivate my students to always tell the truth?

Teaching....is it for life?

I don't know when I started really doubting my career choice. Maybe it has always been an itch at the back of my mind. But the last few weeks have caused me to just doubt. My whole career has basically been spent overseas. Do I regret it? No I don't. I have been able to live a life that some people only dream about. I have been able to experience life in a way that some only get to experience via movies or through someone else. But my choice has also caused me to not get job interviews for teaching. I know what sets me apart is my overseas experience. But that is also what is causing me to miss opportunities. Unfortunately when I was in Missouri last I had a temporary mindset. I honestly thought that I was not going to be there long. I thought that I would settle overseas, so I burned bridges as a teacher that I shouldn't have.

I think I am a great teacher. I don't think I am the best teacher. I have a long way to go, but what I struggle with is....is it worth it? Everything right now is going crazy in education....common core vs. No common core. Every teacher must basically have 30 different lessons for 30 different student levels, not to mention the meetings, special events, and committees. Parents who are not teachers have no idea what teachers have to go through...and that causes even more stress. At the end of the day I just have to ask myself if it is really going yo make me happy.

I'm a teacher...I love teaching. I love hearing kids blend sounds, and read for the first time. I love science experiments and sweet notes. I do not love pressure. I do not love people judging me and thinking they could do a better job than me. I do not love being unappreciated. 

So, I have to ask myself...is it really going to be different in another career? 

Or is it just that I'm finally hitting the point in my life when I would rather be a stay at home mom than a teacher? 

I don't know the answer. 

I know I love teaching, but sometimes I have second thoughts.

Dr. Seuss and a change

I loved watching my students decorate the door today. They really got into it. I want this quarter to be full of laughter and smiles. I want them to make memories. I hope they do. 

March is almost here...

Today I wanted to be totally ready for March. I got started, had an after school meeting...stayed at school till 5. Then...I just wanted to go home. I want so bad to be one of those teachers that is powerful, and passionate. Maybe one day!