Monday, October 22, 2012

How to... (words of wisdom and direction from my kiddos)

Recently, my second graders had an English assignment that required them to write their own directions for an activity. Our first try was writing instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I acted out their directions and gave them a sandwich that their directions made. Only two of my students had peanut butter and jelly on their bread and only one actually ended up with a sandwich.

I'm pretty sure they learned at least a little from it though!

The day after we wrote those instructions, I had my kids write a set of directions on the topic of their choice. Here are some of their writings...

"How to make s'momes."
1. First you get marshmallow.
2. Second you get the gram cracker.
3. Third you get the choclet and roste the marshmallow with the thingy.
4. Then you put it together.
5. Last of all you eat it.

"How to write in print."
1. Write straight.
2. Keep writing your letters.
3. Do capitil first.
4. Then lowwercase.
5. Then you should get it.

"How to set the table."
1. Put plates on the table.
2. Put napkins next to plates.
3. Put a fork on each napkin.
4. Put on knives and spoons.

"How to play dodgeball."
1. First, put balls in the middle.
2. Second, when the teacher says go, go.
3. Third, get a ball.
4. Then, if you get hit, your out.

and my two favorites...

"How to make frends."
1. First, be nice.
2. Second, share yere toys.
3. Thrird, help them wen they need it.
4. Next, say nice thing abeat them.
5. Finally, play with them.

"How to make firends."
What is needed: niceness, kindness, playness, ask
1. First, you ask someone to be your firend.
2. Second, you have to be kind.
3. Thirdwhen it is time to play at recess, you play with them.
4. Finally, you have made a firend.

These kids sure know how to make a teacher smile. :)
 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Do it anyway.

I don't often (and maybe I really should) pass on words written by others, but today, I stumbled across this entry by Mother Teresa. Full of wisdom and full of grace.


Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.



Such a poignant reminder to live for the perfect One who made me, not the imperfect others along life's path.