My Lesson

We have been talking at work about improving communication and creating a code of conduct to encourage a friendlier environment. The whole time we have been doing this I have been nodding my head and thinking, "Duh. Of course we need to improve our communication. Why can't everyone see this?"

Today I realized that the same problems others are having at work are manifesting themselves in some of my personal relationships. The openness and honesty that are so obvious to me in my place of employment (and most other areas in my life) were completely missing in a few key areas. No wonder there were problems. I have resolved to make some changes, even if it means being the "grown-up" in a situation where I am not actually the grown-up.

Exercise that's FUN

This afternoon, I played an intense, 30 minute soccer game with some of the boys in my class. They ran circles around me, and I loved every minute of it. It was nice to have some small group time with these particular boys - good bonding and whatnot. They were very kind about my lack of skills on the field, and it was a great way to end the week even if it did make me look like I was on the verge of passing out. My students practiced making similies as we walked back inside. "Mrs. H, your face is as red as a strawberry and your freckles are like the seeds." (Whoo hoo, they're learning something!) I plan on doing it again very soon.

Um

Hi. I thought I would come tell you things, but I can't think of anything to say. Or rather, I can think of lots of things to say, but none of them are right for this particular venue. My class is great, my dogs are great, my hubby is great, my life is great. I am happy. This week I have been helpful to those who needed help, and I have extended an olive branch to one who needed it. I have tried to share the joy that is flowing through me with those around me. Although I continue to be slothful and prone to procrasitination, I have made an effort to overcome these vices. I guess I'm pretty satisfied with things. I can only hope that all of you are feeling some of this, too.

Stuff

I will do as Kathy suggested and videotape the project in its final glory if it should happen to reach that stage. :) Thanks to all who are adding to my list of names.

- - - -

It is amazing how much of a difference a couple of kids can make. I usually have about 30 in my room. Today, with 4 absent, I kept thinking, "Why is it so quiet in here?" Of coure, it can make a difference WHICH kids are gone sometimes. This time it was more a product of just 4 fewer bodies/voices/issues.

- - - -

Scholastic Book Clubs (a wonderful setup that has netted me many free books for both my classroom library and my resource library) has a great online ordering thing. It is quick and easy. Unless every other click leads you to an error page. Ugh. I hope it is back to normal tomorrow.

- - - -

Mikey and I set up a double looped walking/jogging track on our property. If you complete both loops you travel 1/3 of a mile. This evening, as soon as I got home, we walked the whole thing 3 times. Hooray us. We are also trying to eat more fresh fruits and veggies as snacks instead of chips and candy. We were very successful with that today (I nearly turned into a bunny!) Where are we getting the motivation for this? Over the weekend we bought a new bathroom scale. If you stand on it barefoot, it can measure your bodyfat. Quite the motivator.

- - - -

On the same trip that we bought the scale, we also got some bathroom towels, clothing, video games, and a remarkable number of other items that we didn't actually need. It's a good thing we don't go to town together very often.

- - - -

Time for bed. I am exhausted tonight (YAWN) and I have an important and potentially stressful meeting first thing in the morning. Sleep well, all.

Project Update

Told the kids that I had an interesting idea involving a play that I wanted to talk to them about. We will be listening to the story/song and discussing the idea for the project tomorrow. They thought it was funny that I would have to bleep out some words from the song. :) Also discovered that there is another person at my school who has heard of and enjoys David Wilcox. Who know?

Idea Update

David Wilcox has already responded (or had his manager respond) saying it was fine to use his story. I am fleshing out the idea further. I will let you know when I have a finished script. In the meantime, I still need the names of bridgebuilders throughout time and space. :)

My list currently holds:

Ghandi
John Lennon
Jesus
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mother Teresa
Oscar Schindler
the Dalai Lama
Jimmy Carter

I want it to be MUCH bigger - hopefully one per student (32) at least.

Brilliant Idea!!!

I have just sent an email to David Wilcox. No, I'm not becoming a stalker fan. Rather, I had a wonderful idea on my way home and I am asking for his assistance in making it a possiblity.

On his album, East Ashville Hardware, there is a story about a carpenter. In breif, this carpenter is asked to build a wall between two feuding neighbors, but instead builds a bridge, bringing them back together before heading into the sunset. I have always enjoyed this particular story, because it reminds me of my Grandpa Norm. However, this evening I had a new vision. I pictured my 5th graders performing this story. I know exactly which one would recite it. I could envision the set dressings and the actions perfectly. There would be 2 feuding families (allowing for more parts, you know) and in the end, after they are reunited as friends, my students would hold up the names of everyone we can think of throughout history who has reached across the boundry of difference and fear to build a bridge. They would say,

"BUILD A BRIDGE. YOU'RE IN GOOD COMPANY."

Or something like that.

Anyway, I have emailed Mr. Wilcox asking if we could get permission to use his story. You could help me by adding to my list of BridgeBuilders. On my way home I came up with...
Ghandi
John Lennon
Jesus
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mother Teresa
and
Oscar Schindler

Please help me expand on this small group. I want it to be as diverse as possible, so the more creative the better. If possible, leave me a link or a blurb about the bridges they built. :)

You Know What Happens When You're Having Fun...

We have now completed 3 weeks of school. I have roughly 35 weeks left with these kids. time moves too damn fast, you know. On a more positive note, I realized mid-week that I have transitioned out of the beginning of the year mode where I have to pre-think everyone's names before I say them to the more comfortable mode of saying a name before I consciously realize who is talking to me. It feels good to be the leader of a group of friendly faces. Much easier than trying to lead complete strangers.

I am definitely reaping the benefits of a year of experience and a summer of prep time. While I am still staying later than I would like (not because I don't like it at school, but because there are so few hours left to spend with hubby and home), I am able to plan farther in advance, available for more one on one instruction, and doing things like documenting parent contact and "important" daily events. I am also participating in the running of the school on a greater level.

The best thing about this is that I am working more social/emotional development, art, and music into my schedule. We are conducting a once weekly class meeting, and the children are already using it productively. They have shared numerous compliments with one another, as well as addressed important classroom management issues (the same people keep getting to lie on the crotched blankets at silent reading time and people are moving backpacks around so they can have the "best" hook). Each Monday, my students will either spend 20 minutes doing an art project with another teacher (while I work with his kids) or learning music appreciation with me. It's not much, but it is more than my kids got last year. I am also going to try to participate in the morning exercise program. Students have 15 minutes to run or walk around the playing field. Those who reach certain goals (25 miles, 50 miles, etc.) receive goodies from one of the local grocery stores. I can't remember a teacher ever taking part, but I figure it will encourage more of my students to do so AND as an added bonus, give me 15 minutes of exercise each morning. We'll see if it works out.

All in all, I am feeling quite pleased with the progress my group has made toward becoming a cohesive unit. I am looking forward to a very productive and enjoyable year. Oh! And best of all, the kids have relaxed enough to laugh at my little jokes instead of worrying that I am being serious all the time.

Treading Softly

There are times in my classroom when I feel the need to tread lightly and think even more carefully than usual before speaking. The majority of these days seem to be when we are discussing politics or religion. I know that my opinions aren't necessarily the same as those my students hear at home. It is important, for both job security and general comfort, that I balance the need to share my thoughts and feelings with my need to respect and understand the background of my students. Tricky business, I tell you.

In the near future I will be dealing with two such times. Sept. 11th is falling on a school day for the first time in three years. People have very strong feelings about the Middle East, terrorism, and war - even 10 year olds. I will not allow "Patriot Day" (yes, I'm afraid those are sarcastic quote marks you see there) to become a day of celebration and Yay, America-ism. However, if I am going to focus on the horrors of violence, hatred, and war, I have to do it carefully or I will find dozens of nasty voicemails blinking at me on Sept. 12th. For example, I most likely will NOT get to point out the fact that Bush's war has killed more Americans (2,646 military + 136 civilian) than the fall of the World Trade Center towers (2,752).

Next, we have Sept. 15th. This has been identified as "Constitution Day" and we are required to spend 1 hour teaching our classes about the U.S. Constitution. This, by itself, is not the problem. The problem is that I will be sorely tempted to focus on the recent dismantling of this important document. The fact that our basic rights are being taken away one by one in the name of national security and "patriotism" is disturbing and wrong. The trick is getting that point across to my students without seeming as though I am attacking people they love and respect.

Instead of shouting my thoughts from the top of a soapbox, I will be asking and encouraging questions. I won't get to say all the things I would like to say, but I will be able to challenge my students and get them thinking a little bit further than their own dining room table. I'm going to count that as a win.