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!  =)

When you Grow Up...

Have you ever stopped to wonder what certain children will grow up to be based on your observations of their character, or interests. Some examples of my students include;

The child who decided it was best to do nothing in class to earn "classroom money" yet somehow ended up with the most in class.  I questionned how he got so much, and he simply stated he was selling items from home for others money.  He will be some multi million dollar entrepreneur. 

The child who is always washing his hands, washing his food, and reminding others to do the same.  He only eats his healthy food first, and never eats desserts at special occasions.  He wont touch a door knob for fear of germs.  He will be a Doctor.

The child that can read at a Grade 3 level and is in Senior Kindergarten.  Tells the most imaginative stories and is not interested in any other curriculum areas.  She will be a Writer.

Liar Liar pants on Fire!!

I have a child in my class that has an imagination like no other.  He comes up with the most elaborate, far fetched stories and provides details that make you second guess.  I love it!  If I could just sit with him on a daily basis and talk about his "weekend trip to Australia" or  about how "his dad was in World War 1"  I would be in heaven.  I am in awe that he can provide such quick answers to my never ending questions.  The children in the class have come to realize too that when Liam tells you something, he may or may not be telling stories or tricking. I will often hear them asking- Did you really have 341 brothers?  Your having a fashion show at your house tonight,  for real? 

A recent conversation I had with him went like this....

Child- Do you want me to take you out for dinner tonight at McDonalds?

Teacher-  I would love to meet you for dinner, but Ill pay for myself- thanks for offering.

Child-  Okay Ill meet you there at 5

Teacher- How will you get there, is your mom or dad coming?

Child-  Ill take the bus silly.

Teacher- Alright see ya there.

Next day...

Teacher-  I waited for you, but you never came.  I had to eat my Mc Nuggets by myself

Child-  Yeah, sorry about that.  Im going to give that bus driver a piece of my mind.  He was late! 

Teacher-  Ah well next time....as I turn and grin! 

Would you confront the child about "lying" or making up stories or embrace the creativity and delight in the joys of their imagination?