Teaching... — Page 3

On the board is their first journal entry topic that says "What makes a good teacher? What makes a good student?" Please write in complete sentences and in paragraph form. Apparently these kids can barely string together a paragraph so we will be hitting writing pretty hard.

Just another reason to love you. On behalf of people everywhere who love clear communication: Thank You.

Can't wait to hear about the day. And, Sueleen, I believe there is something called a Statue of Eliminations, ok?

---

Kel, those are some great book choices! Number the Stars was one of my favorite books when I was that age. I hope your students enjoy it!

Glad your first day went well!

I completely understand your first sentence. The first week of school is usually exhausting, but so full of new beginnings, you're excited to be there.

So, now sit back with a big glass of wine, and enjoy the success of your first day as a "real live teacher"!

I'm studying to be a teacher and reading how rewarded you feel is truly inspirational. I hope you keep us posted on your progress throughout the year.

---

Congrats, Kel!
The world needs more teachers like you; I can't wait to keep following your journey...
All the best,
Doxy

They stole your car? I can't imagine! That's awful!

Yeah, my car was stolen about 2 years ago. They had it for three days, not knowing that another student of mine (from the days before I started working at the Mecca of Education), keeps in touch with me and in his Christmas card he wrote that he'd just been made Lt. of the Queens Highway Patrol. I called him and he immediately gave my case Top Priority.

He figured that the kid who stole it would bring it to school, so he staked out the front of the school. Sure enough, my car showed up after dismissal--relete with my plates!!!!! I mean how many du-rag wearing kids would drive around with "DOLLY" as their license plate number???

The kid had discarded all the CD's I had in the car, including the obc of DOLLY and Daniely and Mazzie's "Opposite You". He also smashed the small collection of religious statues I've always kept on my dashboard. (I just like to keep my images of my favorite saints with me when I drive.) Yeah, they were only pieces of plastic, but it broke my heart to see those little statues desecrated by a piece of sleaze.

The "student" (who was on the 5 year plan), claimed he didn't STEAL my car; he merely TOOK it.

He spent 90 days on Riker's Island and then returned to our school to take his exams.

---

I have taught 5th grade Religious Education classes for the past four years every Saturday and while it's rough getting up early the feeling of happiness, joy are invaluable. My students insipire me endlessly and set my weekend on a great track.

I read a quote some time ago that a teacher puts ripples in the pond whose circles are endless. I can't agree more.

Kel, your students will remember you for the rest of their lives as their fourth grade teacher. My mom still tells me stories about her elementary school teachers. It's amazing how much a great teacher can affect a student's life.

A teacher's work may not be appreciated daily, but seeing a former student taking action and doing something good for the community is a joy unlike any other.

---

hooray for kel!

today was school day number 6 for me. i begin having classes in my library tomorrow. the ankle biters return

---

Sorry I didn't post yesterday- I was dead. I woke up feeling a little ill and the rest of the day wasn't much better. The only thing that made it tolerable was the kids. We made it through all of our lessons except for science. I came home, picked up my husband and we went to see the progress on the house we are building (we should close on the 24th of Oct BTW), then I came home and collapsed. I slept from 5:30 until 10:30 and then woke up to try to eat, gave it up and went back to sleep until 6:30am. I woke up today and was still tired, but I felt a lot better.

I went in and the kids were all great. We made it through all of our lessons today and the students all adjusted well to the way I run my classroom. I do have one student who is bothering me. I would bet money that he is autistic. His mother has some "problems" and they are effecting him. She won't allow special services to help him so now I am going to be doing what I can to accommodate his needs and help him the best I can until I can throw enough of a fit to get him tested and the help he needs. He has written me a letter everyday telling me how miserable he is and it really bothers me and I am determined to do something for this kid if it is the last thing I do.

Anyways, thank you again guys for all of the encouragement and yet again Dolly I really must encourage you to retire and find something more fulfilling to do with your life because I think you're about done with kids.

---

Oh and I wanted to add that I am influencing the kiddos. When they have silent reading time or they are doing independent work I play music. Today was the Curious George soundtrack aka Jack Johnson and the rest of the day was the CR from Tarzan. Tomorrow I will bring in Mary Poppins. Any other good kid friendly CRs you guys can recommend? No Hello Dolly though. We've seen how that influences teachers

---

Kel, some of the older Broadway shows might be fun. Mame, Fiddler, etc.

Glad everything is going well for you!

---

Wendy, I was wondering if you knew of any good music to play for students with autism or with sensory issues? I know that music can help them "center" and focus and I didn't know if you had any experience with these issues.

---