Multiplication-
Multiplication has taken over my life. I eat, sleep, breathe, and sing multiplication. I bought an awesome rap CD that the kids are in love with and created a multiplication wall where the kids get to build ice cream sundaes as they progress through their times tables. Most of the kids are really into it and are anxious to take their daily timed tests. I am excited to say that ALL of my homeroom students are passed their 3's and I have just one student working on 3's in my other class. I am also excited to say that I have 4 students who have completed all 13 tests (0-12)!
(They have more stickers and lots of ice cream on their pages now. Updated picture soon!)
Pictures happened earlier, but we got them back from the company, and I was just so excited to have my first "grown-up" picture. Hopefully my first of many teacher pictures to come!
Ms. Lackey LIVES for competitions. When my team and I found out that there was going to be a holiday door decorating competition, they all agreed that they would just "let me win." My team saw how competitive I got with the can competition, and they were afraid to challenge me for the door decorating. When we found out about it, we were told we couldn't decorate until the next week, but of course, I had my kids get started immediately. We didn't actually decorate the door until the next Monday, but the kids were very into it. Some of the teachers on my team did end up decorating their doors, but on party day, they announced that my class won. :) (Like anyone was surprised?)
(The tree is made of my kid's hands and the star is made of my hands. The tree skirt is made of their feet, and the tree stump is my feet. We added a tag that we all signed our names on above the door handle.)
Nutcracker-
The Grand Prairie Education Foundation provided us (as well as all of the other third graders in the district) with the opportunity to go see The Nutcracker at UTA. While I knew that it would be difficult for some of my kids to sit still and be attentive during a ballet, it was an experience that some of my kids really needed. Some of these boys and girls have never been anywhere like this and may not get the opportunity to do something like this again. We all got dressed up and headed to UTA. The bus ride was miserable. I don't enjoy bus rides anyways, but when we got to UTA, we sat on the bus in the parking lot for a good 30 minutes while they were unloading other schools. When we finally got to the very top of the theater, the kids really did enjoy the ballet. It was so funny to watch them watch the dancers. The students next to me were so amazed that every applause starts with just one single person clapping. They were determined to "start" applause's. (They were, in fact, successful!) What a great experience!
Appraisal-
Although new teachers are supposed to be appraised before November, mine didn't happen until December 14th. The last Tuesday before the holiday break. Things like that don't usually make me nervous, and I actually had fun figuring out what exciting things I could plan for that day. I'm usually a nut with my kids anyway, so I didn't do anything differently! While the principal was in my room, I did my usual singing and dancing and silly things and had a good time with it. The lesson was on fractions and so I got to use lots of fun materials! I even painted my nails to use as an example. The lesson went well! I got my appraisal back today and am pleased with everything my principal had to say about me and the lesson!
PTA-
The December PTA meeting featured the third graders doing a holiday program. I talked my mom into coming and seeing my dears sing and dance their little hearts out. It didn't surprise me when I found out that many of my students had been given speaking parts. They have so much energy and absolutely ZERO stage fright! I was so proud of them!
Polar Express-
I am in LOVE with Polar Express day! We got to wear our pajamas to school and teach lessons that involved the book. My kids were so precious in their pj's! After lunch, my class and Mrs.Saldivar's class got together and watched the movie. Mrs. Saldivar and I bought them popcorn and juice boxes so they had a great time!
(my class!)
(most of my team!)
Gifts-My kids are too good to me. I was showered with gifts and goodies and notes from my precious boys and girls. They sure know how to make my day. :)
I dealt with my fair share of challenges in the past month, too. As I listened to my kids talk to me about what they aren't going to get to do for Christmas, how someone broke into their house and stole their Christmas things, and how their parents are getting a divorce and their dad walked out, all I can do is keep it together, think of something encouraging to say, and pray. Their struggles are my struggles and that was the toughest part of this two week break. These kids don't have what other kids have. They don't have the support systems at home that other kids have. This breaks my heart and it's all I can do to step into the hallway before I let tears fall. I count my blessings daily, and I can't wait to give each one of those kids a big 'ol hug when they walk in the door Monday morning.
I'm anxious to see what all 2011 will have in store for me in my classroom. There's never a dull moment!
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