This is the time of year that seems to require us to look back and see how we did. Presumably this is so we can avoid repeating any mistakes. When I look back, I see many moments that simply must be shared. Kids are truly amazing creatures – and sometimes they will stun a person to silence or move them to laughter. Periodically they cause us to wonder how they manage to tie their shoes in the mornings.
Here are some things I have heard in my classroom:
On the first day of school I always introduce myself to my classes. I explain that I teach reading and language arts. Then I offer to answer any questions they may have. Here’s one, “So, do we have to actually read in here?”
One student, during a presentation of a project about the Holocaust was struggling to say “Nazi swastika” and after many attempts finally blurted “Nazi Schwarzenegger”.
Upon receiving instructions to get out notebook paper for the classroom assignment, one student simply sat there. I asked if there was a problem – was paper needed? The answer I got was, “Oh…you mean get the paper out now?”
One day I was suffering from a particularly bad headache and the ibuprofen was not working quickly enough. Apparently my pain was evident because one student came up to me, examined my face critically, and gravely informed me that I looked “really bad”. Lucky for me, this was followed with, “You need a hug, Mrs. Moore.” Immediately I found myself the recipient of a warm hug that made me appreciate, again, the heart within my students.
I know the coming year promises many changes and more exciting adventures in the classroom and out of it. We are having more technology training in preparation for new laptops, I will be presenting at two different workshops in San Angelo this year, and I will complete my master’s in July. To top it off, I am blessed with a beautiful family, amazing coworkers, and wonderful students. If nothing else, it will be interesting! Like the student I had who could not find his pencil, only to realize he’d lost it in his hair – we never know where the next discovery will be!
Happy new year to all of you!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!