Whew! I'm so sorry for not posting in forever! I think I might stink at blogging... Oh well, another topic for another day.
So, this will be a catch-up blog for the last, slightly hectic, month of my life. First, the Master's Degree. Well, I've found that, yes, the classes will come to an end. There were times this last semester that I wondered. This is the first time that I have had a class RIGHT after school. This occured on Monday and Wednesday evening. Sociological Foundations of Education and Advanced Reading Development have come to a close. PowerPoint has been used at full speed and my flash drive is a bit overwhelmed, but everything has been handed in. Now the process of awaiting the final grade. ONLY ONE SEMESTER TO GO!!!!!
In my classroom, due to a desire to improve instruction and a research project for class, I have started a new reading program. This program required the organization of my books into leveled book boxes for my students. Each child has his/her own book box with books that are 'just right' for him/her. They are really excited and I'm impressed that they can read for 60 min. each day! Hooray! If you have questions about this approach I highly recommend The Art of Teaching Reading written by Lucy Caulkins! (For you homeschool Mommies, this is probably a better approach for a classroom setting.)
And now for the rest of life, wait, is there more? Just kidding! Due to some recent required questioning, I've been searching into my own heart more deeply. Isn't it interesting that others perceive us is certain ways. In the past two years, I've had some folks point out (sometimes rather harshly) that I'm sort of a Miss Perfect. Ouch! What do I do that causes others to view me that way? Whew, I want to be open enough to let others see my faults. I don't have it all together. If you do, please let me know how I can get to that point. Hee Hee.
Okay, on a much lighter note, some first grade funnies:
1. Miss Ryder, do we have a college in Neoga?
2. Written by a student: Dear Santa, I hav bin a willy good boy!
3. Miss Ryder, you have worn the same hair clips for four days now. We're tired of looking at them!
4. Yeah, Miss Ryder, I think your hair would look better if you would put flowers all through it.
5. I can't go to school, I'm conscious.
6. Miss Ryder, I think you've lost your mind! (I hear this one a lot.)
7. During free time one of my students made a paper cell phone, complete with carrying case and the works. I made a big deal about his creativity. Later we were writing spelling words. The classroom was quiet. All of a sudden, I hear "ring, ring." The little boy had his cell phone up to his ear. Being the crazy teacher that I am, I pulled out my own cell phone and said, "Hello." The young man respondes with, "Um, Miss Ryder, this is Travis. I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm finished with my spelling words. Would you mind to come and look at them?"
My life is rich and full of surprising moments. Humor was our character word of the week last week. I'm thankful that we can laugh and enjoy life!
I hope you are all having a great one!
Jo
