A week is a week is a week is a week

One week in the books. So far, I absolutely love it. I know all the kids' names, got the daily schedule down pat and work flawlessly with Mrs. P (almost like two cooks on a busy line opening drawers and sliding hot pans).

I'm given more autonomy then I expected; participating in IEP/behavioral plan meetings for B, parent conferences, Dibles reading placement tests and more. I jumped into this experience with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and I think that's why Mrs. P is treating me like partner.

I am trying to find my teaching personality, but it's hard. I taught a lesson on analogies and another on line plots this week; it was tough to break from the scripted structure of the lesson plan. The great challenge is engaging the kids and keeping it interesting while juggling the day dreamers and the talkers and the blank stares. It is an art and a science. I was at my best this week when reading from Jack Prelutsky and encouraging the class to clap a beat as I read. They really seemed to like that.

So today was a nice way to end things. Mrs. P and I took the class outside and handed out some popsicles. It was warm and clear on the recess field. Mrs. P, me and the 24, it was good bonding time. So interesting to see how the 24 break into groups, how they play and interact. We finished with a game of run-the-bases and then 4-square with no behavioral problems to speak of- my days leading aftercare at NFCS made this easy time.

Some things on my mind as I sit high in the sleep center:

-We have to rearrange some desks, some kids can't see the board, some talk too much, some talk too little

-Kids constantly ask 'what do I do now?' if they finish an assignment early. I need to find some things to 'do now'

-I find I am sitting up straight, smiling more and speaking more clearly than ever- in school and out

-I'm surprised how many of the boys like to draw, they draw on scraps of paper and in the margins of worksheets. They're pretty good at it, too

-One student on Ritalin, M, is really thin. Apparently there is a distinguishable slender appearance of young kids on the stuff as they lose appetite. M was the only kid who didn't want his popsicle. He seems to be in a haze, can't help but wonder how he acts without the meds. I couldn't get him to play with other kids when we went outside, but he did play with me when I shot a few hoops with him

-I can't play too much with the kids yet. Later, maybe

-I enjoy leading a grand conversation, it's amazing where they go. Several times this week I asked the class if they had any news or comments to report. My 8th grade history teacher used to start every class with this kind of discussion and I still remember it vividly. When I heard Mr. Slovanak died a few years I immediately thought of him leaning against the air-conditioner by the window, facing the class and asking 'Questions, comments, askionies?' Funny. I never shared anything. I kind of take note who is not sharing at these moments in this 4th grade. I want to key in on these guys. A recent chat led to conversation about Steve Earle the Crcodile Hunter who was killed recently by a stingray. Everyone seemed very comfortable with the death zeroing in instead on what exactly a sting ray looks like

-I already found myself in the classroom, he sits in the front row and is very thirsty all the time

-Our room clock still is not working. It drives the kids nuts not to know the time.