Tuesday, October 30, 2007

One Quarter Down....3 to go!

It is hard to believe that it is already November. Tomorrow is Halloween and I know my kids will be pumped. My kids love going to the computer lab and my television is still my primary means of using technology. I can show websites that I like, pictures of the kids, and use it to view United Streaming clips from my computer. I can’t wait to get my SmartBoard, who knows when I will get it! I am lucky that the kindergarten teacher on my team has one and lets us all use it!

Conferences went great! I had a lot of informational guides typed up for my parents and they seemed to really appreciate them. I also compiled a list of useful websites for my kids to use at home. I need to work on my school webpage, but it seems to be something that I push away to another time. I don’t know about you all…but I feel that Fellows paperwork is really piling up!

Everyone says the month of November flies by. I can’t believe how fast first quarter went! I still rely heavily on the internet for lesson ideas, and I am amazed at all the teachers out there who upload everything they use on the internet! THANK YOU TO THEM! Happy Teaching everyone…it’s almost Christmas break!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

I love Fall

Hello Everyone!

Well, I don't know about you all...but recess duty has gotten a lot better with this beautiful fall weather! Some days, I think we should just have class outside alll day...oh Missouri weather! So, here I am half way in to October, a pro at lesson plans, late nights, and too many hours spent at school. I love every minute of it! Although I will say I had no idea that I was going to be this busy. While in the copy room the other day, someone asked..."is teaching kindergarten easy?" How do I reply to that answer...NO! I calmed myself and said it is a joyful challenge that takes a lot of patience and isn't for everyone...but by no means is it "easy." I thought the question was rather rude...if it was easy would I get to school at 7 and stay late every night, would I spend time at school on the weekends, and never seem to talk about anything else? My answer...no it's not easy..but this question made me think!

I survived grandparents day and loved it. Everyone thought my room was great, my teaching style respectful, and my patience impeccable! lol. I received many positive comments, and I really enjoyed the day. It is great for others to see what goes on inside my room! The highlight of the day was a picture powerpoint that I put together and had showing on my tv after lunch with captions for every picture. There were 60 pictures...and the grandparents loved it!

This week I will be swamped preparing grade cards for parent teacher conferences. assessments in kindergarten are very time consuming...but I love the ownership that I feel over my students successes. I'm sure I'll stories to tell in my next posting! Other than that, everything is great here. I hope everyone is having a great year and taking time for themselves. I went to the Mizzou game last weekend and am in Tulsa this weekend visiting my twin nieces, it is amazing to watch them grow!

Ok, words of encouragement, as I sit at my brothers computer, i see the quote..."The happiest people don't have the best of everything. they make the best of everything they have." Happy teaching!