Wonders of God

The assignment was to create a collage about the wonders God has created using pictures from magazines.

This was the result.

Love is in the Air

Who knew 4th graders had so many hormones rushing through their bodies?
Not me!

The topic of discussion at the lunch table today was which guys and girls are "open."
           Apparently that is the new word for single.
If anyone stated that they were open, they were immediately bombarded by a list of people they should ask out.

I only know of one couple in my class and they are adorable.
I was informed during the summer by the guy in the relationship that they have been boyfriend and girlfriend for 4 years now. 4 YEARS! 4th graders are so commited!
They are actually a very good example of what a good relationship (in my opinion) should look like.
         They play and talk with students other than their respective other.
         They are best friends.
         They are kind to one another and help each other out when they need it.
         They appear to be happy together.
         They aren't ashamed of their relationship.
Way to go you two! Many adults don't even get relationships right but somehow you have managed to.

Broken but Growing

This is one of my students.
He got hit in the leg by a helmeted head.
This was the result.


Getting him where he needs to be can be frustrating.
This is how we get to and from recess:


He begins in his chair in the classroom.
      He gets his crutches and walks to the door.
            The person who is responsible for helping him that week
            helps him get in his wheelchair.
                   He is wheeled to the playground.
                          He is given his crutches so he can get over the
                          cement barrier and into the playground.
                                He plays.
                          He makes his way back to his wheelchair
                    He is wheeled back to the classroom.
              He is given his crutches.
       He walks back to his seat.


Worn out yet? I am!


In the midst of all this chaos, however, it has been cool to see him learn to get in and out of the wheelchair and move more than a few inches at a time on his crutches.


Most of all, I have loved watching the students take care of him. Although one student is given the responsibility, everyone helps when the opportunity presents itself. His temporary disability is helping grow my class together.

I don't want to be a worm!

This was how our morning started off yesterday.

After we played with the worm for a few minutes, one of the twins decided to stick it down the other's shirt.

These boys told that story all day long.

Blugh

I went home sick yesterday.
It was only my 4th day!
Why did I have to get sick on the 4th day? Things were just starting to roll smoothly!

I made it to lunch time and then the principal took over.
I went home, crawled in the bed, and slept for two hours.

Then I felt better.

What in the world? What a strange sickness.

I went to school today and taught everything just like usual.
Lord, thank you for making me feel better!

They Love Bubbles As Much As I Do

I survived my first day!

Not only did I survive, but I think the day went as well as it possibly could.
My students are wonderful.
      They are a little rambunctious but what can you expect with four girls and ten boys?

My main focus for today was to welcome my students and help them feel comfortable in the classroom.
      To do that, we got to know each other by making and sharing concept maps about ourselves.
      My students helped me develop the classroom rules and created signs to display those rules.
      I taught them the basic procedures that we will use throughout the year for
                  rewards
                  consequences
                  compliments
                  getting their attention
                  responsibilities.

The highlights of the day, however, were
1. Science
2. The 1st Day of School Celebration

We set out bug traps in science! We are going to be studying insects so my students dug holes in our "back yard" and put bowls in the ground to catch bugs in. They loved getting to go outside and get a little dirty.

To close out the day, we celebrated the beginning of the school year with our 1st Day of School Celebration. We had snacks, listened to some music, and did a craft.
My favorite part, however, was the bubble machine!
          I love bubbles so I thought a bubble machine would be a good investment.
               It was!
          Everyone had a blast popping, dancing with, and yes, even eating the bubbles!

Today was most definitely a success.

                 
                    

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

Believe it or not, summer is over.
Say goodbye to sleeping late, floating in the pool, and watching TV all day.
                             The madness has begun!

I participated in my very first "Meet the Teacher" tonight. 
I wasn't a parent.
I wasn't a sister.
I was the teacher!

As nervous and jittery as I was, things went much smoother than I thought they would. Instead of standing in front of the parents of 14 students and giving a formal presentation about my class, parents dropped in to meet me, filled out some papers, and headed to the sanctuary of Abundant Life to hear what our principal had to say. 
It was relaxed.
        It was encouraging.
It was fun. 
        I feel good about it.
I'm ready to get going!