Long Day

After my mini lesson with my Kindergartners and Young 5’s classes I always have them close their eyes and I ask “What will I write today?”  I continue a sing-song voice, “will it be …” and I begin to list things the kids have told me about that day.  As I finish they open their eyes, and give me a signal if they have a story.  Almost everyone does before we leave the carpet.

Today after a long day of Professional Development, where we professionals had to sign in and out like  8^th graders who might cut school and go have a smoke I feel like I need to close my eyes and listen to someone sing some ideas.

Gratitude

I’m struck with gratitude by the two milk jugs sitting in my kitchen.   I filled jugs with water earlier this week after hearing the promise of ice storms on our area.  When we lose our power an electric pump for our well leaves us unable to use the faucet for water, and we can’t flush our toilets in our rural home. 

When the threatened ice storms didn’t materialize I was going to empty the jugs.  More severe weather was predicted. The jugs stayed on the counter as this weekend we had high wind alerts for the region.  The winds passed and unlike others in our region we did not lose power.

This morning as I saw the network television reports of the devastation the weather caused just a short distance away, I’m once again thankful   And the jugs?  I’ll leave them, and for today and for today, I’ll remember to be thankful for all we have.

Not Trash Not Treasure

My students often lovingly bring me art work from home.  They know I’m pleased to see their work so I’m often gifted with papers of random words they are proud to be able to write.   I get pages pulled from coloring books and paint by number masterpieces of princesses and frequent I love Mrs. Kidder notes.  Any item I’m given is admired and hung up in the room with great ceremony.

My 1950’s style classroom has few bulletin boards or even areas I can use for display.  One wall has windows with counters below and 7 foot tall bulletin boards that reach to the ceiling.  These boards are accessible only with a step ladder. The front of the room is dominated by a Smart Board and a tall bookshelf.   I use magnets to attach student created artwork to the metal of the door jam.  When the space is totally full I remove the gifts, and the guilt begins. 

 I don’t want to toss these offerings in the trash; I know the pride and love behind these items, I can’t keep them, yet tossing them pains me.  I take them home to dispose of them.  I tell them I’ve taken them home so show Mr. Kidder.  I hope they think I’ve got them on my refrigerator, not in the trashcan next to it.  Oh the pain of love. 

New Shoes

 For most people shoes aren't a big deal.  I've  had foot surgeries, physical therapy and the promise of more surgery, shoes are important for this kindergarten teacher.  Most days I only sit down to read a story.  I own many pairs of shoes but for most school days you'll find me wearing a pair of lace up running shoes.
 I work in a low income school and many students wear used shoes. When my students show me their shoes, often purchased at thrift shops and garage sales, I feel a tug at my heart at the joy they display for meager blessings.  I recently got some new sneakers with blue accents,  I didn't realize how often I'd worn my favorite pink running shoes, as I modeled with my students my wondering of what I should write about several hands shot up, they all agreed, I should write about my new shoes.  

Writing is tougher than it sounds

After reading several posts these past few days I realize I'm not sure I ever saw myself as a writer.  As an elementary kid I had dreadful spelling and even worse handwriting.   Am I dating myself to say that when I got an electric typewriter in college writing got easier?  Yes, I knew it would.  Fast forward to my life with a laptop, today I prefer to type my thoughts.  I confess as I write in front of my kindergartners occasionally I worry I’ll revert to my timid and ashamed writing self of my elementary and middle school years.

I started my career as a Library Media Specialist. Budget cuts came along and my position disappeared.  I landed in Third grade for a year, then in High School Social Studies for a really long year!  Now I’m in my 3^rd year of kindergarten. I write every day in mini lessons for my students.  I teach in an alternate day program so I often recycle my stories.  Next year we’re slated to go to an all-day every day schedule, so I’ll need to generate more original stories.  Of course my “stories” tend to be 3 or 4 sentences long.