I Love You the Purplest.

Today was great. My kids are really starting to feel like the  classroom is home, which was just what I wanted. I was able to read them one of my favorite books today, "I Love You the Purplest." It is literally the sweetest story ever, go check it out.

Ten minutes after reading the book we were back at our seats started writing and one student yells out "Teacher, who do you love the most?" My heart melted. I obviously answered with a quick "I love you all the same" And that was that. You just never think that you can love little 6-year-olds that much, and then you just do :)

Questions for teachers to think about:


“What are 2 things that are going well in your classroom that you are proud of. What are 2 things in your classroom that you wish to improve. What steps will you take to improve these items?”

-Two things that are going well in my classroom are participation and classroom culture both in and out of the classroom. While my kids often have a hard time sitting down on the carpet, when I ask a question (and mention it is for team points) they go crazy and I have everyone's hand in the air. It is such a refresher for when I think that they're not paying attention. It's a good reminder that even if they are playing with their shoe, braiding their hair, or staring at their pencil (is it really that entertaining?) they are still engaged. That is talent! Also, they love working in teams and with each other. They are so eager to answer questions and be right that I sometimes wonder if their arms are going to fall off when they are waving it around the air.

Classroom culture is also something that I am proud of. Like I have said before, they are happy to be at school and we are all happy to be together. They respect each other and will tell you if their feelings have been hurt. Whenever someone says a mean word or chooses not to respect property, I take that moment and make it a teachable moment. For example, I have a student who would curse often and in the right context. While some kids were shocked, it didn't seem to phase her. I pulled her aside and asked her if she knew that was a bad word. She stared at me so confused. That quickly became a teachable moment between her and I. For some, bad language is embedded in their vocabulary and they honestly don't know any better. Classroom culture outside of the classroom is great. My students love seeing each other after school hours and I allow them to share stories. We love talking about our families, I and love having the parents involved. I feel very close with many parents and it makes their child's experience even better :) I love how much my students' parents value education and I am so happy that we are teamed up for their child's success.

Two things I would love to improve on are dealing with anger management and time management. I surprisingly have a handful of very angry students. Every week, there are desks pushed over, papers thrown, etc. I have so many students that will blow up, destroy, and hide away. I remain patient, but hope that I am doing what is best for them. One student in particular will get a look in his eyes when I know that things are not alright. I have to let him go until he finishes, there is no turning back. I wait to talk with him until he is back to himself to work through his anger and explain my expectations. I worry for him and would pay big money to know what he is feeling during his times of rage. I am working with outside sources to get advice and help so that he receives every minute of education that he can.

Lastly, time management seems like a foreign word. No, time is a foreign word. I never seem to have it and I am constantly working. Between lesson planning, grading, tracking, meetings, you name it, I never have a free second to just think. This is something I need to work harder at, but being a perfectionist, I know this is a lot to ask. At least my time spent is well worth it, and the payoff is seen when I look at 22 first graders who are out of this world.


Until next time,

Jacey xxo