It was our 53rd Day of School

Our pancake breakfast "Friendsgiving" was wonderful. Some of the second graders' messages of appreciation and gratitude for one another were so insightful and genuine. This year when we started, a student asked if he could share first (usually I give my messages first, to set the tone and kind of get the ball rolling), but this year I am so glad he did. I could not have been as eloquent, openhearted, or innocently honest.

The students are creating gratitude journals to share with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday. There are so many great children's stories for teaching, sometimes it's just hard to choose one. I came across an old favorite, The Promise Quilt, and used that as a discussion starter for what is important to each of us. It has such powerful and timely messages. It worked remarkably well, and the writing has been very heartfelt.

Today was our 53rd day of school. It is a great time of year to be a second grade teacher.

Am I Dreaming?

****I'm star struck!****

I accidentally stumbled on The Daily Five by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser the summer that I moved to my new school. My long time friend and teaching partner and I had taught an assortment of first and second graders (and one third grader) together for the previous five years. Almost as soon as all of the physical work of the move was over, the reality that we would not be guiding our community of little learners together (not for this part of the journey at least) invaded and weighted my heart down. I was searching for a little professional motivation.

And that is where I was when I accidentally discovered their slim little book. With all of its gentle wisdom, simple solutions, and links to TONS reasearch :), their words embraced me and revived my passion for teaching!

This morning at about 7:35 we three entered the SEATAC DoubleTree together, and I felt almost giddy! I thought that I might bring my copies of their books for autographs... but I am so glad I didn't. What a great day! I wish I could go back tomorrow. I do wish I'd had my picture taken with them ~just to show the kids!

Our 11th Day Together -Already?

We got off to such a great start! The class of 2020 came in on the first day, and were the same combination of excited/nervous/tired as me!

One of the things that I really love about my new school is that our principal addresses the students every morning on the PA system, and ends by saying that our school family cares for them. It is a small thing, but that gesture sets the tone for all of us -students and teachers- to build and maintain caring classroom communities.

I finished reading The Boxcar Children this afternoon, and wondered if I've read it more times as an adult than I did as a child... I still love the theme of four children taking good care of themselves, and the community of adults that befriends and loves them.

I have so much to learn about how to make this more interesting... like how to post pictures of the kids, and even short video of what we are doing at school. I guess I will have to wait until Kaitlyn or Andy come home for the weekend!

Wow! I created a blog. Now what?

This is so exciting! I have wanted to create a blog as a way of communicating with my teacher friends and the families of my wonderful students, and now I am really doing it (I think)!

School is starting in a week, and I am nervous and excited... just like every year. Luckily, there is lots to do before the big day! I'll work hard and get tired, and sleep well, and think of more fun things I want to make and do, and then the big day will come!