Meet and Greet 2008

Could this be the year? Let these be my examples. You make the call.

First, I am teaching one of my former preschoolers. I know. It's hard to believe that teachergirl was ever in a position to teach pre-school, but one of my education professors told me to always try to stay in teaching, no matter what. It keeps you sharp. So while I was home with the girls, I tried various teaching jobs; I was able to teach English and Math at the local Institute of Technology (NO, not that one) and also at the pre-school that Prep and BrownBear attended. One year, I taught the most adorable class of three year olds I have ever seen. Taught might not be the most appropriate word, but I was with them for a year. I even taught Lewis Grizzard's wife's child that year. (Not Lewis Grizzard's child because my boy Lewis didn't have any children and for the life of me, I can't figure out why, because he was as wild as any one man ever was. But I digress.) One of those adorable three year olds is now one of my adorable fifth graders. Prep babysits for his family. He and his mama and daddy wanted me. Life is good. She is a PTA mom. (Not one of those PTA moms. One of those.) One year, she organized Christmas carolling in the neighborhood and brought the school children to teachergirl's house. Adorable. (I'll bet you didn't know I had this side to me.)

Second, this was the first year I have posted a wish list. I have seen the other teachers do it in the past; you know, you put things you wish you had for your class but you don't have the whatever to get: I've seen people put all kinds of things on their wish lists. So, I wished for extra notebook paper, extra Kleenex, someone to fix my barstool, a heavy duty pencil sharpener and some umbrellas. I put sticky notes out for people to take if they wished. (It's a wish list and it works both ways - I wish and they get to grant wishes if they wish to do so.)

People: in the first wave of parents and students to come through, all my wishes were taken. So, I did what any self respecting teacher would do in case more parents came. I made more. And they got taken, too.

Third, I had 16 of my 18 students come to Meet and Greet. Can you fathom that? It was amazing. And I had a boatload of old students come back for a hug. I could feel the love.

Now, you tell me. Is this the year or not?

Five Days and Counting

The mom who wants her son retained... didn't scare me as badly as I thought. she was calm, rational, and made sense. Praise be. We have placed the paperwork in his file and all is well. Retaining this kid makes perfect sense. He is not where he should be academically, emotionally, ...you guys fill in the blanks. He reminds me of the book, Leo, the Late Bloomer. I just hope he blooms.

Tora, Tora, Tora is rated G. And that works out well for the World War II unit we planned. I love that movie. And the attack scenes are amazing... and the movie takes up a lot of time. Is it a little over their heads? Probably. But, it was over everybody's head, remember? Most of them got it, though.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week.


We'll just see about that.

Back to School Night

It's back to school night. I have to talk in front of parents. I don't like this - if I'd wanted a corporate job, I'd have one. It also means I have to put on my big girl shoes (OK it really means I have to take off my tennis shoes, but isn't that what you wanted to know?) I have some slackers already, so I wonder if their parents are going to show up, wondering how junior and juniorette are doing. That is always a delicate situation in front of other people. "Great, if you consider not turning in her work a great thing!" Smile and shake hands. Great way to start the year off! Can't wait for progress reports!!!