To Win or not to Win....

My husband always jokes that I only think I'm really good at stuff because I compare myself to kindergarteners.  For example;  I was bragging one evening that I was undefeated in chess, checkers and tic tac toe.  I however, forgot to mention that I had only played against 5 and 6 year olds.  This brought me to my next topic... winning. 

Should you let your child win every time?  I would have to stand up and shout and undoubtedly NO!  I can easily  point out the children in my class who have won every game of any sort at home.  They are the ones, who are poor losers, are crying or are refusing to continue to play if they see they will inevitably lose the game.  This is not a good character trait.  I can reassure you I also do not like to lose, I am a very competitive person but feel its essential to teach children that its okay to lose sometimes and to do it with grace.

No Toys Allowed

As crazy as that sounds for a Kindergarten teacher to post a No Toy Zone on her door- its happened.  And I have to admit I agree.  In our school we seem to have the never ending problem of students bringing items from home into the classroom. 
This causes many problems....
1. It causes distractions
2. It could get broken, stolen or go missing
3. Children sometimes trade toys.  15 minutes later, one believes the trade was unfair and wants their toy back, the other child refuses. There are tears, name calling and pushing.  Before you know it- you have wasted 30 minutes of your lunch break mediating over some Bey Blade.  (for an example)

If a child is caught with a toy in the classroom it is taken away until the end of the day.We do have show and tell once a week and encourage students to bring items of interest.  Any thoughts?!!

I gotta go!

As a teacher we cannot just leave our classroom when nature calls.  I am grateful this year to have an assistant in my class so we often just sneak out for a tea, washroom break or to breathe.  However, there were many years when going to the washroom needed to fit into a 25 minute prep period in which you also needed to photocopy, email parents, talk to colleagues or clean. I think washroom breaks when you actually have to go should be a constitutional right! 

Birthdays in the Classroom

I have witnessed first hand the mayhem that can arise during birthday parties in the classroom.  I'm talking balloons being let loose, wildy flying around, half full of spit, hitting innocent bystanders-   
 to parents bringing a cake with four inches of icing thats big enough for 50 into a class with 15 students.  Oh and not to mention the dreaded loot bags, which by the way should always have the exact same toys, candies and other goodies.  I have also dealt with the birthday inviation ordeal.  A couple kids arent invited,  tears, parents emails.

 I told myself from day one I would have definetly encourage birthday celebrations in my class- with certain limitations.  I believe that birthdays are a big deal- I certainly make my own birthday a month long feista!  Here are my birthday guidelines...
1. All invitations go through me.  If not every chid is invited, I will hand them out privately- directly to parents.

2.  The parent is permitted to bring in one peanut free treat for the children- be it; cake, cupcakes, popsicles, fruit.  This is eaten at the last snack of the day, before recess. Go and burn off the sugar kids!

3.  The child will complete a Birthday Walk- they use a globe and go around a sun one time for as many years they are old.  During each rotation I talk about what they were starting to do developmentally, and their interests.   We sing happy birthday!

4.  The child can donate a birthday book to our classroom.  Inside I write their name, year and birthday.  The book is then put in our classroom library for others to share. 

5.  I present the child with a birthday certificate and small present.
6. Above all- stay calm and keep cool

Elementary Teacher Must Haves

According to me (this is my blog) there are some items that every elementary teacher must have.  This list is complied with convenience, practicality and fun in mind. 

1.  A large sturdy bag for carrying items back and forth- Do not just get your average cloth grocery story bag.  Spice it up a little.

2. Unique and effective rainboots.  These are not only a conversation piece but also come in handy during those dreary, wet days. 

3. Stickers.  Of all shapes, sizes, smells and textures. Stickers for every season, holiday and event can bring many smiles.

4. An emergency kit.  These items come in handy for the unexpected.  Mine includes; Tide to Go, Lipgloss, Gum, Hair Elastic, Deodorant, Bouncy Ball, Cards, Floss,  $10, Needle and Thread, Tylenol, Granola Bar, Band Aids, Wet Naps

5. An art coat.  I always put on my art coat when we are about to get out the glue, paints and sparkles.  You will be glad you did!

6. Mountains of books!!

7. Festive clothes- yes you can break out the ghost socks and flashing Santa earrings.  

Don't quit your day job!

"Funniest thing happened today at school"... this is typically how I start my carpooling conversation with my husband upon pick up- that is unless I give him the "don't even talk to me look"!

Today as everyone was working away at this and that- one child called to me from across the room.
"Hey, how come you never go to work?" 
I smiled and replied "  I come to work everyday, I work here"
He laughed and said " All you do is go to school, my dad, mom and everyone else goes to work- but you just come here."
I try to explain..." Your dad, mom and everyone is good at something.  That is why they choose their job.  I am good with kids so I work as a teacher."
He turned from me and said "hmmm.. I think you should get a real job" 

Just a Teacher

When I told my sister I was going to Teachers College. She simply replied, "You're going to be just a teacher?"  For years this has stuck with me.  The funny thing is that now  5 years later she is in Teacher's College herself.  I can guarentee you that a teacher is hardly ever just a teacher.  Please see the poem below. 

I Am A Teacher

I am a counselor and psychologist to a problem-filled child,
I am a police officer that controls a child gone wild.
I am a travel agent scheduling our trips for the year,
I am a confidante that wipes a crying child's tear.
I am a banker collecting money for a ton of different things,
I am a librarian showing adventures that a storybook brings.
I am a custodian that has to clean certain little messes,
I am a psychic that learns to know all that everybody only guesses.
I am a photographer keeping pictures of a child's yearly growth,
When mother and father are gone for the day, I become both.
I am a doctor that detects when a child is feeling sick,
I am a politician that must know the laws and recognize a trick.
I am a party planner for holidays to celebrate with all,
I am a decorator of a room, filling every wall.
I am a news reporter updating on our nation's current events,
I am a detective solving small mysteries and ending all suspense.
I am a clown and comedian that makes the children laugh,
I am a dietician assuring they have lunch or from mine I give them half.
When we seem to stray from values, I become a preacher,
But I'm proud to have to be these people because ...
I'm proud to say, "I am a teacher."

by
Stacy Bonino

I would also have to add

Dentist.  I've pulled out 5 teeth so far this year!

Nurse. Never ending scraps and bumps

Musician.  You should hear me belt out Ole McDonald

Chef.  Don't forget those memorable cooking days

Entertainer. Need a good game? A rainy day activity? Or someone who can make the kids  happy using only a sponge and some toothpicks? 

Referee. Playing fair is not always easy! 

Artist. You need to be able to draw just about everything.

So remember your teacher today  on National Teachers Day...and get them something special... and please no chocolates, candles or body lotions!  =)