Hump day was not a fun time in second grade. At least yesterday
afternoon wasn’t. After a fun morning of reading groups and snow spelling
(writing our words on our desks in shaving cream), we struggled to follow rules
in the afternoon. Two of my students got in trouble for kicking another girl on
the playground even after she asked them to stop. Another student (who is
constantly vying for attention of any kind) spent the entire math lesson
twisting and turning and playing with his coin manipulatives. Instead of
chastising him, I simply put his name on the board and talked to him during
recess time. He, along with the other two students wrote notes home to their
parents (only 1 cried). In their notes, they explained their behavior and why
it was not acceptable. They then had to take their notes home, get them signed
and return them today. Woof. I know it’s a rough consequence for a second
grader, but they will only be as responsible as we treat them. Obviously, we
have high standards for the kids.
Luckily today has been a better day. After yesterday’s
afternoon shenanigans, I had track practice, lifting, and Boyfriend came to
visit. We went to cheer on BCVB in their last regular season game, and then
came home and just did nothing. It was glorious actually, but the blog life was
one of the last things on my mind. Oops.
On to today (Thursday, November 7th as my
students would write it).
Today was a really fun day for me because my teacher spent
most all of the day out of the room. I know (Hey Miss Specht! Know is one of
our spelling words!) that I have been teaching everything for 5 weeks now, but
today was the first day that I was really by myself. No other teacher ladies.
Just Miss Specht (the adult?) and seventeen little cherubs. Here’s the best
news… No one died, and we all learned things :). I realize that died sounds a
little dramatic, but I couldn’t use cried because I did have a crier today. He
was upset that I kept him in for laying his head on his desk (literally) all
afternoon. Whatever. Do the crime, do the time (your recess is MINE). Kind of
catchy isn’t it? That gives me an idea for a blog segment… rhymes heard ‘round
the classroom. Enjoy!
“You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”
“Dot, dot, not a lot.” (For when we glue things.)
“Qué pasa calabaza? Nada, nada limónada.”
Capisce? Capisce! (That’s how I ask my kids if they
understand or not. It’s hilarious.)
We say a whole lot of other cutsie sing songy things but I
can’t remember what they are now. Ask me sometime!
And now, an excerpt from a second grader’s journal. The
prompt was to write about what it would be like if they could build their own
library. Responses were hilarious, but I only had time to write down one. (That’s
what being an actual busy teacher lady and having to leave right after school (for
track practice) will do to you.)
“My library would have twenty-nine flors of books. I will be
strong. I will build a library so kibs can build stamina. love books I say.”
:) Those cuties always make me smile. On that note, I’m off
to the library to finish my final reflection on student teaching. Did you catch
that? Final Reflection. GAH! Wish me luck!
Until tomorrow… (ish)
Peace, love, and inconsistent blogging,
Jayna
