Being a Teacher...

...is hard work. But overall, it is something I am very grateful for! I am reminded constantly of the love I feel and learn to have from children. They are so full of love. Just a small example--I have one girl who can tell when I am getting frustrated with some students. Whenever I look over at her, she'll give me a HUGE smile and show me this:

It has picked up with the whole class and now whenever we give class responses with our fingers and the third choice is correct, I see a whole class of "I love you" signs. I can't help but smile.
This week was teacher appreciation week. I always love this week because not only am I reminded that people DO recognize the work I do, but I also am reminded how much I love what I do. (Also the fact that it's May, the sun is out, and we are winding down...) On Tuesday we had "Bring your teacher an apple" day. I was bombarded with apples and apple "things."

Thursday was "Bring your teacher a flower" day. Again, I was amazed at all the beautiful flowers I received!! (Even the weeds after dance festival practice outside...hey, it's the thought that counts, right??)

I am grateful for my job and the chance I have to teach these 25 boys and girls every day.
They remind me of the simple things in life. And make me laugh every day, too. :)

**Quotes of the week:
Middle of our CRTs (end of the year test) boy raises his hand. I go over and ask what he needs. "What if I was the only kid who showed up for school tomorrow? That'd be weird." "Yes, that would be weird. Answer the question now, please."
Class is all coming back to the kiva. I have a bruise that was bugging me on my shin so I went to look at it and right away a pleasant little boy goes "Whoa! That's a white leg!!" "Thanks, (name), thanks."
Working on Mother's Day project. Boy drops cup full of markers. Markers fly everywhere. Instead of getting upset or embarrassed, he just goes "Happy Markers Day!" (Maybe that was one where you just had to be there.)
Doing Morning Meeting on Friday. We go around the room and all finish the same sentence "When I grow up, I...". I get to a girl and go "Good morning, (name)." "Good morning, Miss Sucher. When I grow up, I want to be an ictheologist." "A what?" "An ictheologist." "What do they do?" "They study fish." "Oh, cool."
Next girl. "Good morning, (name)." "Good morning, Miss Sucher. When I grow up, I want to be just like you!"