We've had five full days in first grade and things have gone fairly smoothly. Of course, I can see a couple of girls that seem to just be warming up and might want to run the class. I got papers Friday that says one of them is being monitored for a behavior disorder.  So, I called both parents tonight and told them what I have enjoyed about their daughters so far.  And--I can truthfully say these things because these girls have been delightful in some ways.  One loves to sing and is very excited about learning! (She told me, "I WANT to learn.")  The other can do wonderful work when she's in the mood.  (The first day she told me that she had never written letters before and didn't know how---not true.)  Both mothers were very receptive to my call and said they'd be at Open House this week.  I hope this will help. I also hope I will not procrastinate and that I will continue to call parents to tell them positive things about their children.  I wrote each parent (for all 22 kids) a very quick note Thurs. to tell them something about their child----like "Very well-behaved" or "She asks great and intelligent questions."  I know the times a teacher wrote or said something positive about our daughters made us very happy and I want these parents to feel the same way.

Lord, help me to stay positive among the negative things I'm going to see and hear this year!

One of my co-teachers said her son has just been hired as a new teacher in Missouri and he was given a classroom key and a building key.  She and I have taught for 30 years and we are not allowed to have a building key over the summer----not even allowed to sign for one and check it out. This seems to be a district-wide policy.  We have a new reading series to start in the fall and new behavior lessons we need to teach each day.  Now that we have relaxed a little and we're starting to think about getting things ready for the fall, we want to drop in to the classroom and pick up materials.  There are too many books to bring home at one time.  I live two blocks from the school.  The principal said we could call him and he would let us in any time we want. (providing he is available.)

Is this common to other school districts?  We have not had break-ins or problems with security that I know of. All the custodians have keys----even the young ones just starting out.  Shouldn't veteran teachers who have proved to be reliable and trust-worthy be allowed to have building keys? 

Our last day of school was June 4.  I had dreams of coming right home and starting to clean out closets and cabinets---things I have not gotten to all school year.  Instead, I did what I do every year---collapsed on the couch and the next two nights I slept for 12 hours each.  My body and mind were exhausted.  I've taught many years and it seems to be this way every year.  (The mind is willing, but the body is not.)

After a week and a half, I now feel rested and ready to get on with my life.

Part of my mental exhaustion came from having to retain FIVE of my first graders.   For four of them it was a good decision, but for one of them it was very "iffy."  He's an intelligent boy, but he lives with his brother and single dad and education has not been a priority in the past few years at his house. I knew (after teaching 2nd grade for 23 years) that he does not have the skills to be successful in 2nd grade next year. His dad was very kind and supportive of me, but it was still a difficult decision.

If you're wondering, "Why FIVE retainees?" you know why I was stressed.  I figured after having them in my class a full year they should be able to read.  I think they were just not ready.  They came to first grade knowing few letters of the alphabet and their homes are filled with struggles.  My class was 100% low income this year.

Two days after school was out, I woke up with a pain in my wrist and I figured I slept on it wrong.  As the day went on, I could not write, peel vegetables, or pick up anything because of the pain along my arm and down through my little finger.  That whole area became swollen and red.  It scared me, especially since I couldn't write, and I went to the doctor.  He figured it was tendinitus and the only thing I know it could have been was cleaning out my school room and carrying heavy books and things around.  It is clearing up now.  I believe our bodies say to us "Hey, you need to sit and do nothing for a while."

So, I have been drinking coffee, reading (and reading and reading), talking to old friends on the phone and email, and eating good food.  I've also added a 7 a.m. exercise class with a wonderful drill sargeant-like instructor, so I will get up and get going instead of sleeping until 9:00.

After a little more of this good life I will be ready to tackle my house and get it in order.  Until then, I am going to enjoy June!

I saw this on a t-shirt today.  "No Child Lef.......Where's the chalk?"  (of course, the first part is written on a chalkboard)

I came home last night with a big bag from Walmart.  It was full of tape, extra underpants (for first grade "accidents"), and treats to help erase spring fever.  I know we all do it.  Wouldn't it be great if there was a closet somewhere in the building that held some of these things?  Oh, well.  I'm just thinking.  Eva

Best way to have a good day in first grade (or any other grade)

1.  Everyone has sharpened pencils (or any other needed supplies, which means I keep backups).

2.  I am OVER-PREPARED with enough lesson activities, stories to read, etc.

3.  I have a kind, loving, and firm attitude toward the students.

4.  I EXPECT some interruptions and so I am not upset when they happen.

5.  I remember that MOST parents are doing the best they know how and it my job to be kind and give them guidance if they desire it.

6.  I tell the students EXACTLY what I want them to DO, not just tell them to stop what they are doing when they misbehave.

7.  I expect (from the students), and then I inspect to see if it's done.

8.  I remember some of the thoughts I had as a first grader and I explain, explain how things really are.  (For example, potato chips with green edges have not been peed on by a frog, but are from green potatoes.)

I noticed one student has applauded for the past few weeks when he sees me walking outside with the class,whistle hanging around my neck, to do my weekly 20-minute playground duty for 160 first and second graders.  He seems so happy about it, so today I said, "Are you glad when I'm outside with the class?"  He said, "Yes, I'm glad that YOU'RE getting a break, too!"

Ha!---some day he'll know the truth, but for now I'll let him think it's a break for me too!