Kids vs. Crazy Teachers

I'm out for Thanksgiving Vacation!!!!!!!! I plan on sleeping late, eating my mom's food, shopping and sleeping more. The last week before break was challenging (ie. children refusing to go home for a whole week, children telling me they could fly (literally), children getting suspended for kicking me, you know, the usual.)

This week marked the teacher's vs. students basketball game. I was cohered into playing. I am possibly the worst basketball player on earth and had to be repeatedly reminded to dribble. Needless to say, we completely crushed the small fifth graders on height alone. I thought we should probably let them win a little bit, but instead we beat them by 20 points. The best part was the DJ who played all the classics, Stanky Legg, Solja Boy, Jerk. The entire school from pre-k to 6th grade knew all the moves and it was fantastic. It was the most fun I've had at school in a long time.

In other news, I am now in charge of the after school program for the 2nd and 3rd grade. It's more responsibility and more money. I'm excited (if not a little overwhelmed). Our Dean of Students told me on Friday that I had an unnatural gift for teaching, that I was truly extraordinary. Also I received this note from one of my students:

"My teacher is da best teacher in the hole school. She help me wid my math work and wid my reading work. She said clen out your desks and I clened out my desk. I love my teacher. " :)

WATER HOSE

So things have been really great. With a few exceptions, my class has been running smoothly. My school is deciding wether or not to go year round, and I'm totally for it. We would go to school for three months, and then be off for one month. It would really help me cut down on planning during the time with the kids and let me go see my family more often. It would also be more money!

We did a math problem this week on fundraising. I asked for examples of fundraisers. The kids were mentioning the usual: free dress day, book fair, selling candy etc. One of my kids shouts out "WATER HOSE." This same kid, while we were walking down the hall, dive bombed on the floor face first, sliding on his stomach in an attempt to catch an ink pen that I dropped 2 seconds before. Also this week the assistant principal and I chased one of my students around the school for 20 minutes because he wouldn't blow his health-hazard running nose. I am NEVER bored.

I had been having a lot of problems with my smartest kid. He's convinced he can't do anything and complains all day about how hard the work is. I've tried everything, but something happened yesterday and he finally got to work after hours of coaxing. His writing assignment came out beautifully. I made him this certificate for "wonderful writing" and was genuinely proud of his effort. I hope it continues, because I really can't stand to see someone give up with so much potential.