life is daily. how should that impact my teaching?

As I think about my job and my class, I wonder what my second graders will remember about me, their classmates, and their time in my classroom. I'm reminded daily of the impact I have on their young lives. I want these children to know that they are loved. They have a teacher who would bend over backwards to help them succeed. But do they know that? How can I show them?

I'm learning that life is daily. It sounds obvious, but some days, that fact is a blessing. Some days, the dailiness of life is a curse. But each day, I am allowed to and required to...

serve my students.

love them.

guide them.

give them opportunities to become who they are designed to be.

give them various chances to find what they enjoy.

answer their unceasing, unrelenting questions.

point them to the Comforter when they are upset.

calm their fears when they are anxious.

encourage them to do their best.

pray with them.

pray over them.

show them what it means to focus on others.

give them time and prodding to reach out to others.

laugh at their jokes.

redirect their wandering minds and hearts.

be an example of focus on the important things.

encourage them to be organized so they can be productive.

smile at them for no reason.

and show them that they are cherished.

Fellow teachers, I hope this can be a practical encouragement as you impact the kids in your class. :)

 

Life goals (the second grade edition)

I decided to take a few minutes and get to know my kiddos better today. In a few free minutes that we had after recess, I had them write the numbers 9, 16, 23, 30, 50, 75, and 100 on a piece of paper. Then, I asked them to write down something that they would like to do by each of these ages. :) Their answers were priceless.

A few favorites are... get married at 30 and get a job at 75. Watch the news at 75. Sleep at 100. :) And... what child living in America wouldn't want a gun at 50... or a horse. ;)

   

Outfit of the Day: Mustard and Zebra

Mustard. The pair to ketchup and the color of fall.

See how I did it!

1. The scarf actually started it. :) I found this gem for $4.98 at Target. Also, the website says black and white. They straight up lied or I'm straight up color deficient. It's navy and white. ;)
2. I've had this mustard peasant top for years. I scored it at Target for (if I remember correctly) around $12.00. Still fits, still awesome!
3. The skirt was a NY&Company find on clearance about a year ago. It's a couple inches too short for school, but not immodest yet! :) This puppy was less than $10.00! :)
4. The earrings were a clearance find at Target also. $2.98. :)
5. I'm sure you're tired of hearing about Target's clearance rack, but the blazer was quite the find at $4.98 about a year ago. I just wish I had snagged a black one too!
6. And those shoes... again, Target clearance. $4.98. :)

Grand total for the outfit was $39.92. But I purchased the top in high school, and built on the outfit using my frugality and clearance rack skills. Each piece is versatile, which makes the purchases more worth my while. I try not to spend even regular (Target) price on anything that is seasonal or trendy. These pieces can be mixed and matched for years!




 

Test Kitchen: Cornbread Cupcakes

About a year ago, I joined some friends for dinner at a soccer game. Chili and cornbread were on the menu, and before I knew it, I had consumed four pieces (since it was a cake). I asked for the recipe, and finally made it Friday afternoon.

Ingredients:
One Jiffy muffin mix
One yellow cake mix
The extras that go with both mixes.
Mix it all together, and bake as cupcakes! :)

They are simply delectable! A perfect mate for soup, or totally wonderful as a solo act!

 

You've been RACKed.

So, my thankful November bombed. I didn't realize how busy life would get, but between coaching varsity girls basketball, taking two vacations totaling a week and a half, and teaching school, my free time was sparse. I love having an outlet for what creativity I do have, but I'm not ready to be completely tied to my blog. We'll see how things change in that department!

I found the idea of "RACKed" on pinterest, and I feel bad not citing it, but I have no idea where it is or where to start looking... So, I'll share a little of my project for December.

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

Starting December first, I'm trying to make a difference by stepping out of my comfort zone and doing a random act of kindness. :) Days one and two are below. Some are small things, some will hopefully be bigger, but I'm trying to focus on others this Christmas season since selfishness sinks in way too often.

December First: I spent some time with some dear family friends baking and playing games with the kids. After I got home that evening, I packed up some goodies and waltzed over to my new neighbors apartment. Emily and I introduced ourselves to two new girls who just moved in. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a bridge building time for us!

December Second: I made up a couple extra Christmas Party invitations for my roommate's and my Christmas "Extravaganza" this weekend. I dropped one off at my new neighbor's apartment, and one at my older-neighbor-whom-I-haven't-seen-in-forever's apartment. :) Lord willing, they'll at least stop by this weekend! :)

I'll keep you updated on my future RACKed activities!

 

Thankful thoughts; 2012 ed. 11.01.12

I'm going to try to post every day in November as a means to focusing on the blessings around me. :)

Day one: I'm really thankful for the people in my life. It's broad, but I'll get deeper as the month goes on. :) I'm thankful that I'm given daily opportunities to pour my heart out to people. What a tragedy it would be if I kept all the love I had just stored up and growing stagnant. Every day, I'm given numerous chances to pour it out. And I love that. My prayer is that I use all of my days for that, even the ones that are only fueled by duty and sugary coffee (may those be few and far between).

"Be a flowing river of blessing, not a stagnant pool of entitlement."

 

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. :)