I really could have written a book by now if I had been recording the funny things that happen in my classroom daily. Part of being a teacher--perhaps the most important part--is finding reasons to love the kids in our classrooms. Without a doubt it's a challenging job. (I've dealt with abused children, evicted families, kids living with step-mom & her boyfriend while dad's in jail, grandparents as adoptive parents, ADD, ADHD, ODD, OCD...all kinds of D...)
OH, boy...I'm on the edge of a soap box...my point. Oh yeah. Finding reasons to love our job. This is most easily done when we take time to appreciate the positive things, and reflect on the light-hearted aspects of life as a kid. The kids do and say lots of endearing things throughout each day. By focusing more on the kids and leaving the politics outside the door (at least while they're there!) we can find more JOY in SECOND GRADE! (Or whatever grade you teach =o) )
Here are some things that made me laugh out loud--all in one day last week:
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| "I went to a dum family reuinin" |
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| Ah...the Utahan "accent"...bane of my phonics-teaching existence. |
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| THIS, my friends, is Johnny Appleseed. You should know that this is an accurate portrayal." |
I think you have done an awesome job with this post. As I was writing about some of the things I want to do with my blog I thought about putting up student work. I think it is so validating for students to see their work in a place other than their desk. If they can go home and find their work online, or even send an email to Grandma and Grandpa who live far away it gives them a sense of empowerment. I think this is a great use of technology, especially for younger grades.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute idea to post your students' work. It is hilarious how some of our students spell the way they speak. They also do not hold back some of the things they write and say. Once I had a 5th grade student ask me if the "H" on the periodic table stood for Helaman. Only in Utah (and maybe Idaho).
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys! Mike, I didn't think about how the kiddos could be sharing their work with Grandma & Grandpa online =o) That would be fun for them, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I have to decide if this blog is more aimed toward teachers sharing ideas or a class update type of blog just for families of students. Are you guys keeping yours public, or making it private? I think I'd be hesitant to post most pictures of kids and their work if I leave it public. So far I've tried to pick pics that kids faces were mostly obstructed or backs to me, and haven't used any last names. I feel really aware of how smart I have to be to post things about my kiddos!
Jason, you reminded me of one of the funniest things said in my class--by a student of mine named Helaman a few years ago =o) I'll have to post that sometime. THere are a lot of "only in Utah" moments I could share! =o)