I teach at a year-round school so I am just finishing up a very long and glorious 23-day fall break. Of course, my school year began during the second week of July, but really now I don't mind returning to an air-conditioned classroom in July when the temperature outside could possibly read 100 degrees or higher for several consecutive days.
Anyway, I've had lots of time to reflect on my first nine weeks of the 2009-2010 school year.
You know, I'm all refreshed now after my fall vacation and missing my little Kindergarten, first, and second grade reading students. Since most of them tell me school is their favorite place I'm wondering if they did anything memorable over their fall break and I'm hoping and praying SOMEONE read with them over their time at home.
I'm feeling fortunate to have a job in this economy and considering all the blessings teachers experience. Here are just a few I've had this school year:
- Students getting excited when they see their own name in the little books I print from my build a book cd's
- Bringing Kindergarten groups to my reading room and hearing them say how "cool" my room is
- Passing last year's Reading Recovery students in the hall and having them ask me if they can come to my room again
- Watching a child choose paper and pens from the prize box instead of candy
- Watching the pride a first grader has when their parent comes to observe a Reading Recovery Lesson
- An unexpected hug or laugh from a child
- A thank-you from a parent
What about you? Teacher or noneducator....share the blessings from your job. We can all use encouragement.
