Back to Reality

Today was teachers' first day back at school officially.  Inservice was not great (I get to say that because I presented).  I hate talking to my peers, it's not like talking to my students.  The rest of the day was pretty good.  It was after eleven last night when I quit cutting centers out of lamination, so I didn't post yesterday.  I didn't work for long in my room after inservice today, so I'm going to make this post short and sweet.

I spent the weekend cutting out some super cute stuff with a borrowed Cricket.  I had never played with one before.  I urge you, if you are crafty, and you get the opportunity to use or buy one, do it!

These are the journals that I had my friend at Home Depot cut for me.  I glued ribbon in for a bookmark.  I have two for each student.  One will be used for a daily Math journal, and the other will be used for "25 Book Campaign."

On a completely unrelated to school note, these are the cool earrings I made tonight.  I saw the girl, Dani, from "American Pickers" on the history channel wearing some, and had to make them.  My husband and I do enjoy shooting at the range on occasion, so I think they're pretty cool.  This was my "something learned new" today.  I have never worked with wire or made jewelry.

On another unrelated to school note, my husband and I went to get some new fishing gear tonight.  These are my new picks!  I love anything pink for the fish.  As I tell my husband, "The girl fish like something pretty.  They are the one's I want to catch because they are fatter so they can lay eggs!"  This was his "something learned new" today.  The part about them being attracted to pretty.

Well, I did learn some other important things today that actually matter.  Mrs. Green and Mrs. Newton did a great presentation on classroom management today.  This is one of the hardest things about teaching in my opinion.  I have found though, if you show the students respect, they tend to also GIVE respect more freely.  The only other major rule I have for myself is "Be consistent."  If I say something to a child, I will back it up if needed.  I don't believe in empty threats.  I try to remember every child is someone's baby.  I never talk to a child in a way that I would be offended if another adult said it to my own child.  I'm human, so I mess up.... but as the new year starts, please respect your students as a teacher.  If you are a parent reading this, discuss your concerns with me or your child's teacher.  We can't fix something we don't know we are doing wrong.  That's my soapbox for the night.

Only two more days until Open House!!!  I can't wait!  Until then, go learn something new!!!