Wrap-Up: Jan 25-29

Monday: I don't remember. Oh yeah, the kids were outlandishly crazy for a Monday. I blocked it out.

Tuesday: I was observed. It went well. The kids were better and I remembered that if I am boring than they will not pay attention which in turn will drive me nuts which I will blame on them but is actually my fault. Even if I'm not excited, pretending to be is key.

Wednesday: 1/2 day for students and a full day for me. I actually enjoyed my 2nd half of the day and am ready to teach my kids how to infer. Can you read the clues about what the author wants you to know but isn't actually telling you? Also, there are 13 different types of inferences a person can make. 13!??! Thankfully, Kindergarten is only expected to be able to label 2.

Thursday: We made a small part of the classroom wall into an ocean with fish, octopus, and jellyfish. It still needs a little more seaweed and a boat on top, but the kids think it's pretty great. We are finally settling back into a routine and are remembering most of the rules. It's only taken a month but I think we've finally made it back.

Friday: DIBELS DAY! I had a sub in my room while I spent the day pulling kids out to give them the DIBELS test. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills but has become a verb as we talk about "Dibeling" or how I "Dibeled" 3 students this morning and have 4 left. It's gotten a little out of control. BORING. However, I did get to use my really cool PDA which told me exactly what to do and made it SOOOO much easier than pen and paper. The kids were so good that another teacher asked me if I had given them sedatives. I hadn't, but it was a relief to know that they can behave for a sub. Also, it was treat day which is by far the best day of the month because everybody brings in great, amazing food for the staff to share. Basically, a potluck day. I have yet to experience a treat day that wasn't the highlight of the month.

Updates: B is recovering but still having issues breathing and regaining her energy. She is hoping to come back to half days next week. Uncle Terry has been moved to a special neurological institute in Peoria for very intensive therapy. It's an answer to prayer and a reminder that God is in control. There are still many unknowns about what is ahead but for now we are grateful for the progress he's made and all the prayers from friends and family everywhere.

Next week? Groundhog's Day and the 100th day of school! LOTS of excitement. February is going to fly by folks so take advantage of every minute. You never know when everything might change.