Today I had a parent come in to help in my classroom. It was her first time there. She came during writer's workshop. She whispered to me that she loved how quietly they were working.
I love those moments when parents or co-workers or the principal come in at just the right moment! Things were going well. All 25 of my students went off to their desks and were on task and working either adding to their pictures, adding to their words in their writing, or starting a new piece. It felt great to have a classroom running smoothly and like clockwork. What a wonderful feeling!!!
It made up for the other moment today when I walked out to pick up the students from recess and one of my (not one from another class) was taking the opportunity in line to turn around and use his lunch box (fortunately soft these days) as a weapon to wallop the kid behind him and anyone else in the path repeatedly. Thank goodness for a thinking chair, both for him to cool off and me to put myself together and take care of the rest of the class. When I talked to him (somehow I was given great patience and a kind voice), he was crying and talking loudly that nobody liked him, that he was always in trouble, and that nobody wanted to be his friend. Well, no kidding. I told him if I was a student I sure wouldn't want to be his friend either if that was how he treated me.
. . . such is a day in the life of a teacher.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Games! Games! Games!
I LOVE games! I haven't played games for so long, but last night I got together with some friends. It was so fun to make smoothies, sit around the table and play some games. We played Fluxx (the game is never the same and the rules are always changing), Whoonu (found out some interesting things about some people), and another game (I can't remember the name, but it has to do with partners, cars, accidents, repairs, speed limits, etc. - very fun). The last game looks like it's right out of the 70's, but I think it's still sold and still looks the same. It was a fun new one. Anyone want to play some games?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Visit like an old friend
I had to share a funny story from 1st grade.
For background, I've been sick (but feel much, much better) and one of the subs read a book to my class. It was still on the easel by the chair where I sit to read. Well, I told the kids I was going to read them a book. They were exciting! They love to be read to. I told them they had already heard that book. I had another book I wanted to read. Their response was, "Read it to us again, just like visiting an old friend. We love that book!"
We do Reader's Workshop and I try to instill my love of books to them, so that they might love books. As they read on their own out of their reading box, I ask them what they do if they are done reading all their books and there is still time to read. Well, I told them that we reread books that we love, just like they are old friends. Do we only visit our friends once. No, we love them and want to see them over and over again. So, they say this now when I ask them that question.
I was thrilled when they used it on a class book that had been read to them. Yeah!!!! I thought it was so sweet. How can I say no to that. :)
For background, I've been sick (but feel much, much better) and one of the subs read a book to my class. It was still on the easel by the chair where I sit to read. Well, I told the kids I was going to read them a book. They were exciting! They love to be read to. I told them they had already heard that book. I had another book I wanted to read. Their response was, "Read it to us again, just like visiting an old friend. We love that book!"
We do Reader's Workshop and I try to instill my love of books to them, so that they might love books. As they read on their own out of their reading box, I ask them what they do if they are done reading all their books and there is still time to read. Well, I told them that we reread books that we love, just like they are old friends. Do we only visit our friends once. No, we love them and want to see them over and over again. So, they say this now when I ask them that question.
I was thrilled when they used it on a class book that had been read to them. Yeah!!!! I thought it was so sweet. How can I say no to that. :)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Interesting stories of a 1st grade teacher - the "thinking chair"
Well, I have to apologize for my last blog and being so long. It's probably too much info. Oh well! :)
I thought I should probably post something funny instead of just all this sickness and depressing stuff.
This is what makes teaching 1st grade so interesting and NEVER boring.
I have a student this year that is prone to tantrums a few times a day. I have this game that I play with the kids. It's called I have cards. This particular one is of the alphabet and the order. The first card is longer and talks about being the first card and being a. Who has B? The next student would have a card that says something like . . . I have B. Who has the card that comes after B. Anyhow, it's great for knowing the alphabet order, reading a familiar read, and being on their toes.
I give my tantrum student the first card because he is my best reader and can read the words. He was upset to have that card again. I quietly told him that I give him that card because he's such a good reader, but that I'll give him another card. I gave his card to someone else. He had a change of heart real quick, but I'd already given his card to someone else. He threw a little tantrum and threw his card on the ground. I picked it up and tried to hand it to him. He wouldn't take it, so when it was his turn I read his. I dismissed everyone to lunch by calling their card. I told this student he could line up, but he was so upset by this card that he folded his arms and wouldn't line up. He yelled out (as he often does) and declared he wasn't going to lunch. I ended up giving him a little countdown and he got in line. He loudly complained all the way to the lunchroom, despite our quiet zone in the hallway. I figured I was doing pretty well to have him in line and ignored the loud complaining.
The next day, he had his daily tantrum. I really feel bad for him. It must not be very much fun. He told me he was going to go home and never come back. Sometimes I just have to ignore him. If I give him attention or try to talk to him, he can't think through his emotions and it gets worse. After lunch, I was letting all the 1st graders inside. He was bothering a neighbor, so I quietly asked him to go to the end of the line. He folded his arms, said he hated school and that he was going home to never come back! He proceeded to walk around the school.
I got my class in place inside, had a teacher watching out for them, and left to go find this child. I caught my principal, got her in on the situation. The vice-principal and secretary were busy. I couldn't find him, so I got them to call him on the loudspeaker.
As I walked back to my classroom, I ran into the vice-principal and my co-worker with my very frantic runaway student! It was good they found him first. He was in a terrible frantic worried that he was going to be in BIG trouble. The vice-principal was so very nurturing to him and I was able to be so as well. I have to say, though, that if I had caught him first, the last thing I would have wanted to act was nurturing! I was able to think of him in a different light, let him know why I was so concerned, and we ended up creating the "thinking chair". If he got sent there, it wasn't because I was angry at him or loved him any less, but give him the "think time" to cool down, think through his thoughts and join back up with us when he was ready. It's a safe place, but out of the way and in one of my "fun" chairs. It's really just a time-out, but I'll never say that. It's more of a "positive time-out". :) Since then, I decided that my whole class could use knowing about the "thinking chair", so anyone could use it. We'll see what happens, since I've been out of school since I implemented it. I'll have to write updates on the "thinking chair".
I love 1st grade and I LOVE to teach!!! No, really. I promise! :)
I thought I should probably post something funny instead of just all this sickness and depressing stuff.
This is what makes teaching 1st grade so interesting and NEVER boring.
I have a student this year that is prone to tantrums a few times a day. I have this game that I play with the kids. It's called I have cards. This particular one is of the alphabet and the order. The first card is longer and talks about being the first card and being a. Who has B? The next student would have a card that says something like . . . I have B. Who has the card that comes after B. Anyhow, it's great for knowing the alphabet order, reading a familiar read, and being on their toes.
I give my tantrum student the first card because he is my best reader and can read the words. He was upset to have that card again. I quietly told him that I give him that card because he's such a good reader, but that I'll give him another card. I gave his card to someone else. He had a change of heart real quick, but I'd already given his card to someone else. He threw a little tantrum and threw his card on the ground. I picked it up and tried to hand it to him. He wouldn't take it, so when it was his turn I read his. I dismissed everyone to lunch by calling their card. I told this student he could line up, but he was so upset by this card that he folded his arms and wouldn't line up. He yelled out (as he often does) and declared he wasn't going to lunch. I ended up giving him a little countdown and he got in line. He loudly complained all the way to the lunchroom, despite our quiet zone in the hallway. I figured I was doing pretty well to have him in line and ignored the loud complaining.
The next day, he had his daily tantrum. I really feel bad for him. It must not be very much fun. He told me he was going to go home and never come back. Sometimes I just have to ignore him. If I give him attention or try to talk to him, he can't think through his emotions and it gets worse. After lunch, I was letting all the 1st graders inside. He was bothering a neighbor, so I quietly asked him to go to the end of the line. He folded his arms, said he hated school and that he was going home to never come back! He proceeded to walk around the school.
I got my class in place inside, had a teacher watching out for them, and left to go find this child. I caught my principal, got her in on the situation. The vice-principal and secretary were busy. I couldn't find him, so I got them to call him on the loudspeaker.
As I walked back to my classroom, I ran into the vice-principal and my co-worker with my very frantic runaway student! It was good they found him first. He was in a terrible frantic worried that he was going to be in BIG trouble. The vice-principal was so very nurturing to him and I was able to be so as well. I have to say, though, that if I had caught him first, the last thing I would have wanted to act was nurturing! I was able to think of him in a different light, let him know why I was so concerned, and we ended up creating the "thinking chair". If he got sent there, it wasn't because I was angry at him or loved him any less, but give him the "think time" to cool down, think through his thoughts and join back up with us when he was ready. It's a safe place, but out of the way and in one of my "fun" chairs. It's really just a time-out, but I'll never say that. It's more of a "positive time-out". :) Since then, I decided that my whole class could use knowing about the "thinking chair", so anyone could use it. We'll see what happens, since I've been out of school since I implemented it. I'll have to write updates on the "thinking chair".
I love 1st grade and I LOVE to teach!!! No, really. I promise! :)
The never ending headache!!!! Will it ever stop?
I hate to have my very next entry be about more sickness, but alas, it is true.
Tomorrow, I will be taking my 4th sick day this year. It's my fourth week of school. By the way, I have never taken that many sick days in any one year or maybe in all my previous 3 years combined. Sometimes it's easier to just be at school and suffer, than to write the lesson plans.
It all started on Wednesday night last week. I felt a little congested and didn't feel so well, so I took my usual Claritin D. Unfortunately, I took it at 9pm and it is non-drowsy. Usually I don't find this to be a problem, but I didn't get much sleep that night.
I knew I couldn't take off school on Thursday because of responsibilities, so I went to school. I had a headache that steadily got worse, chills, and major body aches. By the end of the day, I could hardly move, had taken IBuprofen 3 times for the headache, but didn't make any difference. I was a little worried about driving home. I decided that if I could get a sub from the sub system, than I would write some lesson plans and take a sick day. I tell you, it sure takes a long time to write lesson plans. (mine are pretty detailed)
I stayed home on Friday and had a miserable morning. I spent it on the couch. I finally emailed my roommate to see if she had any pain relievers. She had some aleve, so she brought it home during lunch. I took some and it actually took away the pain, but for just 6 hours. I wasn't supposed to take more for a few hours. I was told I could alternate medications or double up on ones that aren't the same. I took 4 IBuprofen. (I've never taken more than 2, I think. I rarely take pain relievers.) It didn't even touch the headache. I took more aleve as soon as I was able. It worked again, but for just 6 hours and then my head was killing me. By this time, it was the middle of the night. This tells you how much we use pain relievers in our household . . . most of our pain relievers were very expired. I finally took some expired theraflu. It took off the edge a little and at least helped me get a little sleep.
Saturday, I took some more aleve, but it stopped working. My mom was so kind to come and take me to the doctor. I had a friend threatening me to leave her 5 kids and responsibilities to take me herself. Plus she lives more than 1/2 an hour away. I told her I would take care of it. The doctor thought I had a migraine and gave me an anti-inflammatory injection and told me it would take 1/2 hour to feel some relief. Well, there was no relief to be found. I wasn't supposed to take anything else until 6 hours later. After 4 hours, I called the clinic back to ask what I could do, since they were closed on Sunday. The nurse told me to take 500 mg of aleve and 1000 mg of tylenol at the same time. I had to get myself to the store that is close by to buy some tylenol that wasn't 4 years expired!!! :) Once again. . . . no relief was to be had. I made myself stay in bed all night and work through the pain.
Sunday I took some more aleve, but aleve wasn't working for me anymore. Saturday, I had canceled all my plans and responsibilities. Sunday, I did the same. It was a pretty miserable day as well. Finally, that afternoon after talking with family and friends, my roommate (wonderful person she is) went to the store for some Exedrin Migraine and Propel (which we thought might have electrolytes in it, but later found out it doesn't). It actually worked! Yeah!!!! I was thrilled, even though I was working through stomach queasiness, not having eaten much. I decided to get another sub just to go back to the doctor to find out what was going on. I even took a walk and visited with a friend on the walk. I got home late, just in time to write more lesson plans. Yeah . . . jk. I was so excited to wake up without a headache.
With a new Monday morning actually came with my headache back. Boy, I was not happy. It was good I got lesson plans together and a sub. Meanwhile, my team members at school have been fabulous with helping me with whatever I need. As the day progressed today, I felt like it was getting worse and worse. It wasn't so bad this morning. I actually got ready and was able to eat. It was nice to have some relief and some sleep, finally. I have not been sleeping well.
Mom came back up to take me to the doctor, bless her heart. It was so good that I had someone there. This new doctor heard the rest of my symptoms and occurrences since Saturday. I've also had a previous problem come back. About 5 years ago, I had this pulsing in my right ear that wouldn't go away. The doctors were very concerned and they ended up giving me an angiogram. (I wouldn't recommend it, if at all possible. It was also extremely expensive at that time in my life) This has come back in the last few days.
The doctor told me he thought it was a tension headache, along with some kind of virus. He says I'm a little congested, which I didn't know. How do you not know that, but I'm okay with that. He also says that my eustachian tube in my right ear is not functioning correctly. Fluids aren't able to flow, air can get in, and it causes pressure or something. Sorry, I'm not very good at medical things. He prescribed an antihistine to hopefully dry it up, so that it will open back up. I also have some headache medicine. It didn't really work and after 4 hours or so, a second dosage, I put a call to the doctor to ask for advice. It took a little edge off the pain, but not enough for me to function in a classroom with 25 6 year olds. So, I wrote more lesson plans and got another sub. My poor students. The doctor told me I could take 2 at the same time and that that might help. Of course, he's not working tomorrow, but says there are other options if this one doesn't work. Isn't life lovely? I'm grateful to be single, though, and able to get a sub, and can stay at home in the dark on my couch.
I'm hoping for better tomorrow. It's the never ending headache!!! I even have books to read, and I LOVE to read, but I can't seem to concentrate on anything. Here's to getting well and being able to go back to work!!!! Can you believe I'm saying that?, especially this year of all years. Hopefully, I wrote everything the way I want it, cause I'm not going back to read it again. Haha.
Tomorrow, I will be taking my 4th sick day this year. It's my fourth week of school. By the way, I have never taken that many sick days in any one year or maybe in all my previous 3 years combined. Sometimes it's easier to just be at school and suffer, than to write the lesson plans.
It all started on Wednesday night last week. I felt a little congested and didn't feel so well, so I took my usual Claritin D. Unfortunately, I took it at 9pm and it is non-drowsy. Usually I don't find this to be a problem, but I didn't get much sleep that night.
I knew I couldn't take off school on Thursday because of responsibilities, so I went to school. I had a headache that steadily got worse, chills, and major body aches. By the end of the day, I could hardly move, had taken IBuprofen 3 times for the headache, but didn't make any difference. I was a little worried about driving home. I decided that if I could get a sub from the sub system, than I would write some lesson plans and take a sick day. I tell you, it sure takes a long time to write lesson plans. (mine are pretty detailed)
I stayed home on Friday and had a miserable morning. I spent it on the couch. I finally emailed my roommate to see if she had any pain relievers. She had some aleve, so she brought it home during lunch. I took some and it actually took away the pain, but for just 6 hours. I wasn't supposed to take more for a few hours. I was told I could alternate medications or double up on ones that aren't the same. I took 4 IBuprofen. (I've never taken more than 2, I think. I rarely take pain relievers.) It didn't even touch the headache. I took more aleve as soon as I was able. It worked again, but for just 6 hours and then my head was killing me. By this time, it was the middle of the night. This tells you how much we use pain relievers in our household . . . most of our pain relievers were very expired. I finally took some expired theraflu. It took off the edge a little and at least helped me get a little sleep.
Saturday, I took some more aleve, but it stopped working. My mom was so kind to come and take me to the doctor. I had a friend threatening me to leave her 5 kids and responsibilities to take me herself. Plus she lives more than 1/2 an hour away. I told her I would take care of it. The doctor thought I had a migraine and gave me an anti-inflammatory injection and told me it would take 1/2 hour to feel some relief. Well, there was no relief to be found. I wasn't supposed to take anything else until 6 hours later. After 4 hours, I called the clinic back to ask what I could do, since they were closed on Sunday. The nurse told me to take 500 mg of aleve and 1000 mg of tylenol at the same time. I had to get myself to the store that is close by to buy some tylenol that wasn't 4 years expired!!! :) Once again. . . . no relief was to be had. I made myself stay in bed all night and work through the pain.
Sunday I took some more aleve, but aleve wasn't working for me anymore. Saturday, I had canceled all my plans and responsibilities. Sunday, I did the same. It was a pretty miserable day as well. Finally, that afternoon after talking with family and friends, my roommate (wonderful person she is) went to the store for some Exedrin Migraine and Propel (which we thought might have electrolytes in it, but later found out it doesn't). It actually worked! Yeah!!!! I was thrilled, even though I was working through stomach queasiness, not having eaten much. I decided to get another sub just to go back to the doctor to find out what was going on. I even took a walk and visited with a friend on the walk. I got home late, just in time to write more lesson plans. Yeah . . . jk. I was so excited to wake up without a headache.
With a new Monday morning actually came with my headache back. Boy, I was not happy. It was good I got lesson plans together and a sub. Meanwhile, my team members at school have been fabulous with helping me with whatever I need. As the day progressed today, I felt like it was getting worse and worse. It wasn't so bad this morning. I actually got ready and was able to eat. It was nice to have some relief and some sleep, finally. I have not been sleeping well.
Mom came back up to take me to the doctor, bless her heart. It was so good that I had someone there. This new doctor heard the rest of my symptoms and occurrences since Saturday. I've also had a previous problem come back. About 5 years ago, I had this pulsing in my right ear that wouldn't go away. The doctors were very concerned and they ended up giving me an angiogram. (I wouldn't recommend it, if at all possible. It was also extremely expensive at that time in my life) This has come back in the last few days.
The doctor told me he thought it was a tension headache, along with some kind of virus. He says I'm a little congested, which I didn't know. How do you not know that, but I'm okay with that. He also says that my eustachian tube in my right ear is not functioning correctly. Fluids aren't able to flow, air can get in, and it causes pressure or something. Sorry, I'm not very good at medical things. He prescribed an antihistine to hopefully dry it up, so that it will open back up. I also have some headache medicine. It didn't really work and after 4 hours or so, a second dosage, I put a call to the doctor to ask for advice. It took a little edge off the pain, but not enough for me to function in a classroom with 25 6 year olds. So, I wrote more lesson plans and got another sub. My poor students. The doctor told me I could take 2 at the same time and that that might help. Of course, he's not working tomorrow, but says there are other options if this one doesn't work. Isn't life lovely? I'm grateful to be single, though, and able to get a sub, and can stay at home in the dark on my couch.
I'm hoping for better tomorrow. It's the never ending headache!!! I even have books to read, and I LOVE to read, but I can't seem to concentrate on anything. Here's to getting well and being able to go back to work!!!! Can you believe I'm saying that?, especially this year of all years. Hopefully, I wrote everything the way I want it, cause I'm not going back to read it again. Haha.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sick
Well, when one gets very little sleep, gets up early, and runs all day, over and over again, . . . then one's body attacks back . . . and gets sick!!!
I've had little sleep for several weeks and it's gotten really bad the last week. I can't complain about the reason, but my body is definitely complaining. If you want to know why, you'll have to ask me.
Last night, as I seemed to get worse and worse through the day, I decided to try and get a sub. I put my name in the sub system. I decided that if I got a sub, I would stay home today. Of course, last night, I had free tickets to see the play Oklahoma. I had to go! How could I not go to a musical . . . and when I had free tickets at that! I was kind of "wilting" by the end. I got home late to discover I did get a sub. From that point, I had to write lesson plans and get everything arranged. I tell you, sometimes it's just plain easier to be at school sick than get everything ready. Especially at the beginning of the year and making the very first sub plans, it is a little rough. It definitely gets better as the year goes on. The schedule always changes from the year before, thus creating lots of work.
I didn't get to bed till almost 2am. Yuck!!! However, I could sleep in. My body is not sleeping in very well these days. It just wants to wake up about 7:30am. I made myself keep my eyes closed and try to sleep longer. I managed to stay in bed until 10am. Not bad. Just for that reason alone, it was worth it to take a sick day.
Now, did I lay around and gets lots of sleep. Certainly, no. I took some Claritin D, which did wonders, shall we say!!! Great stuff! Then I got the bug to clean and get rid of stuff and organize. I don't really have much time to do that, since I don't ever have a full day off, other than Sunday. Saturdays, I only have part of the day, since I serve in the Temple in the late afternoon/evening.
I got rid of all my master's stuff that I'd been keeping around. I realized I never go back and look at it. So . . .I tossed it. I went through boxes and tossed tons. I did some organizing and cleaning. I did some laundry and got it all washed AND put away!!! Yeah!!!!! I even got some pictures etc, up on the walls. (I've only lived here 1 1/2 years) I feel great! I also laid down for a little while. I don't know how much sleep I got, but I did do some resting. Now, the plan is to go to bed early tonight. The hard part about Claritin, is that I feel pretty good, but don't realize that I'm still sick, and can end up doing too much! I'm a fan of medication these days. I didn't always feel that way, but boy, it sure does make a difference!
I'm not so sure about going in to school tomorrow. I'm a little worried about what I'm going to find, both about the condition of my classroom, and the behavior of my students. They are quite the group this year. I pleased to say, though, that I'm starting to figure them out and get into the groove of things. I'm planning for a fabulous year, though it's going to be a growing one for sure for lots of reasons.
I can't complain about only having 3 days of school this week.
I've had little sleep for several weeks and it's gotten really bad the last week. I can't complain about the reason, but my body is definitely complaining. If you want to know why, you'll have to ask me.
Last night, as I seemed to get worse and worse through the day, I decided to try and get a sub. I put my name in the sub system. I decided that if I got a sub, I would stay home today. Of course, last night, I had free tickets to see the play Oklahoma. I had to go! How could I not go to a musical . . . and when I had free tickets at that! I was kind of "wilting" by the end. I got home late to discover I did get a sub. From that point, I had to write lesson plans and get everything arranged. I tell you, sometimes it's just plain easier to be at school sick than get everything ready. Especially at the beginning of the year and making the very first sub plans, it is a little rough. It definitely gets better as the year goes on. The schedule always changes from the year before, thus creating lots of work.
I didn't get to bed till almost 2am. Yuck!!! However, I could sleep in. My body is not sleeping in very well these days. It just wants to wake up about 7:30am. I made myself keep my eyes closed and try to sleep longer. I managed to stay in bed until 10am. Not bad. Just for that reason alone, it was worth it to take a sick day.
Now, did I lay around and gets lots of sleep. Certainly, no. I took some Claritin D, which did wonders, shall we say!!! Great stuff! Then I got the bug to clean and get rid of stuff and organize. I don't really have much time to do that, since I don't ever have a full day off, other than Sunday. Saturdays, I only have part of the day, since I serve in the Temple in the late afternoon/evening.
I got rid of all my master's stuff that I'd been keeping around. I realized I never go back and look at it. So . . .I tossed it. I went through boxes and tossed tons. I did some organizing and cleaning. I did some laundry and got it all washed AND put away!!! Yeah!!!!! I even got some pictures etc, up on the walls. (I've only lived here 1 1/2 years) I feel great! I also laid down for a little while. I don't know how much sleep I got, but I did do some resting. Now, the plan is to go to bed early tonight. The hard part about Claritin, is that I feel pretty good, but don't realize that I'm still sick, and can end up doing too much! I'm a fan of medication these days. I didn't always feel that way, but boy, it sure does make a difference!
I'm not so sure about going in to school tomorrow. I'm a little worried about what I'm going to find, both about the condition of my classroom, and the behavior of my students. They are quite the group this year. I pleased to say, though, that I'm starting to figure them out and get into the groove of things. I'm planning for a fabulous year, though it's going to be a growing one for sure for lots of reasons.
I can't complain about only having 3 days of school this week.
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