Cactus

So... we were to read a book for reading today called "A Cactus Hotel" I couldn't find the book in my materials (remember I moved into this room and these materials) so I just read the text that was in my manual. The kiddos were enthralled! Because of their fascination with cacti and my desire to do something new and inventive for my school, I decided to do a tree map with the kids. Then they had to do a non-fiction writing about the saguaro cactus. WOW! To say they were writers and illustrators would be a gross understatement! They were AWESOME!!!

Wrap up of States of Matter

So... I had the fixins for Shamrock Shakes still from St. Patty's day. We didn't make them because somehow one of the wee leprechaun's 4-Color Click-Pen came up missing. I said we wouldn't have the shakes til the pen was found, and it wasn't "found" until like 4 minutes left in the day. By found, I mean that the trickster that took it finally figured out a way to get it out of his possession. Anyway, I had these ingredients and I needed a way to justify it since we are not allowed to use any food at all as a reward (AND I think we have seen behavior in the toilet because they think a few Fruit Loops are going to make a kid fat). So, we are finishing up our states of matter unit and it occurs to me that a float is all of the states of matter, and it even shows a transition from a solid to a liquid. <> We had the floats and the kids told me the states of matter and how we knew each was that type... then we had the floats. AWESOME!!!

Our Splat the Cat responses.

Our newest board.

Why is it always the good ones?

So... I teach in a transient area with a TON of apartment housing projects. Not the easiest place to be. Sometimes we get these amazing kiddos that you would take home if you had an inkling that their parents didn't care about them, but of course they do. Well, I have a few of them this year, and one of them is leaving me. My heart broke on Friday as she took her stuff and packed it away, and returned my supplies to me. She told me that if I gave her my # she would call me. I was tempted. Instead, I gave her my address, and hope she will write. So... she is leaving, but the one who punches me and threatens other kids stays. And the school won't do anything about the bully whose mom, grandma, uncle, aunt, and himself told me mom moved. We just let him stay, but my sweet beautiful lovely cherub leaves. Monday is gonna stink :(

2012 week 2

So... another week down. I started the week with Mr. "I take up more than my fair share of your attention" in full swing. Well, by Wednesday, I had enough of his holding the classroom hostage and stealing supplies from students AS THEY WERE USING THEM!!! I called his guardian, who called his mom, then came up and took him home. I know this isn't the answer, and I know things won't change, but for 2 days we were able to learn without worrying about our stuff. When he left on Wednesday, the class cheered. I absolutely discourage this behavior, but it is hard to yell at them when inside I am doing the *happy dance*.

I attended an amazing writing workshop put on by IED about common core and writing. Besides the fact that I am certain the lady teaches all exceptional students, I learned a LOT! I have already put a few strategies into practice, and will continue to try to put her work into place.

On Thursday (while enjoying the fact that we had a relatively peaceful day since Mr. was gone, we worked on Martin Luther King writing and a craftivity. I stayed late despite treacherous driving conditions to get them put on the BB in the hall (we are waiting for a visit from the "OBSERVERS"). I hate BB but I think this one is pretty cute. I will get pictures up on Tuesday.

Why?!?

I am feeling frustrated for my sweet sweet kiddos. That is because due to the new rules put on schools, we have to keep an education terrorist in the room. Teaching and learning have to stop because of the need to put student safety first. :( When this person is gone, the kids breathe a sigh of relief. Several have even said they like it much better when "so and so" isn't in class. That is terrible!

Our resolution writing

Here is the door we created for New Years. The whole building seems sad because all of the holiday decorations were taken down. Next year I will cover the door with BB paper so the faces pop. The idea was originally from Cara at the First Grade Parade (one of my favorite's)

YIKES!

Ok, so we went back today after a PD day yesterday. All break I was hoping (and expecting) R. moved. Boy, did my heart drop to my stomach when he walked in to the gym today. Between him and D. acting up, it was a rough day. R. walked out of the class and lied to the 5th grade teacher he was places with. We did manage a successful fire drill today, and also almost finished CUTIE Happy New Year heads, but not that I look at them, they NEED hair. We all look creepy without them. Pictures and credits to come as soon as the hair is on :). I have caught up on the last minute paperwork that was demanded of us. Now I am going to enjoy some QT with my big buddy.

It's BAAAAAACK!

WHY WHY WHY! I have enjoyed my *oh so short* break, and am having panic attacks about going back to school with the crazies. Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of kiddos that I have missed, and love with all my heart, but there are those (and they swore that they were moving or had moved and were told not to tell) that make my tummy hurt just thinking about. What in the planet will I do if R. punches me again? They never taught that in college, and the workshops about dealing with difficult students have lovely ideas, but never tell you what to do when a boy terrorizes the classroom and steals stuff from kids' hands while they are working. I mean REALLY! Who does that! So, I am avoiding the inevitable and just playing on the computer instead of thinking about school.

By the way... I need to be rich. I have a bazillion things in my TPT cart and really want them. I also have at least 10 clip art packs I REALLY REALLY need :) and have a strong desire to decorate and organize my life (which costs money). I would sell my creations, but have no idea about the copy rights and would hate to make a mistake. GRRR!!! So, I am throwing ii up to the $$ Gods and begging for a windfall :)

Cheers and here's to a GREAT 2012