It's All In What You Hear

As most teachers do, I give a weekly spelling test to my students. After the 20 words, I always give 2 dictation sentences which I grade on punctuation and I always incorporate some of my spelling words in them.

This week, one of my dictation sentences was as follows: Do you enjoy making a large amount of noise just to annoy me? I told them they could answer that question if they desired and I got some funny remarks.

However, the most interesting sentence was submitted by Tenaya. Her version of the sentence above went like this: Do you and Joy like making a large amount of noise just to annoy me? Now, she was close, but I had to chuckle when I read about Joy. It took all I had to keep from counting it wrong. Just a little misunderstanding or an attempt to make up another word because she didn't know how to spell enjoy? It's hard to make the call.

How Cold Was It? It was so cold......

I nearly froze to death. Minus 27 here on Thurs. night, a new record low. Who comes up with those numbers? I always did have a challenge when it came to math and negative numbers, but I understand these numbers real well. They are extremely "negative."

My students were asking me at what point it is too cold. I hated to tell them we were there but I explained to them that at minus 40, a person could spit and it would be frozen before it hit the ground (I would already be frozen and wouldn't even have the chance to spit!) Then I was telling them about Barrow, Alaska, way up north, where the daily HIGH temperature since the beginning of winter was, hold your breath, minus 31. The average HIGH! And I think I have it bad. They passed an unwritten "law" of sorts in Alaska this winter that said students could go outside to play during recess at school if the temperature was above minus 20. I guess they got tired of staying in. Looks like they got to go outside for recess today!

You know, when you think you have it bad, there is always someone worse off than you. Case closed!

My Day Was Made Better

Thank you Office Max. You made my day! Last Wednesday I was surprised by a visit from some Office Max personnel and was awarded gifts for my classroom. And I mean MANY gifts for my classroom. Within 30 minutes, our class was using many of the items: tape, digital camera, markers, scissors, dry erase markers, regular markers, paper cutter, and chalk, to name only a few, for a project that I had planned. Couldn't have happened at a better time. And not only that, I was also given a bouquet of flowers, perfect for a science lesson later on in the week. I now wouldn't have to buy flowers for the project, I could just take the bouquet apart and use that.

However, I must make a disclaimer. There is nothing that I do any differently than any other teacher who comes to school every day trying to make a difference in a child's life. I just happened to be the lucky winner. Hats off to all those who care, love, and give back every day. And to Office Max and Adopt A Classroom who sponsor this project. My students and I just LOVE you!

Walk With Me

We're going on a walk down memory lane. Please join in.

It's the night before the first day of school. Can you sleep? Are you excited? Is your new backpack ready? How about the supply box? And what does your new outfit look like? Is it pressed and ready to don? Don't the crayons smell good? They never quite smell the same again.

Well, I'm there tonight, but I'm the teacher. We feel the same way too. Bet most of you didn't know that. What will my class be like? Will they respond to my many hours of preparation with enthusiasm or yawning? Can I get them "on my team?" Will I be able to alleviate the concerns of the new kids? There's a lot goes on behind the scenes.

I have treat bags for all 25 new students. They are filled with the following along with this message:
An eraser because mistakes are an opportunity for learning.
Smarties because there are different kinds of smart.
A new pencil because I know you are sharp!
A stick of chewing gum because we stick together as a class.
A Hershey kiss because we have a safe and caring classroom.
A piece of candy because we are sweet and respectful towards each other.

Dan assured me they wouldn't think it was too hokey. Hope I make a good impression that first day. Wonder what my grade will be? : )