Slurrrrrrrp!

We were having a serious discussion today before lunch. The kids were focused and engaged. One of the kids was sharing his opinion, when all of a sudden I hear....

Slurrrrrrrrp! 

I looked over, and one of my students, Bob* had spilled some water from his water bottle on his desk. He had his head down on the desk, trying to slurp up the water. 

I couldn't help it. I laughed. I laughed myself to tears. 

Teaching 3rd grade is definitely not boring. 

- Ms. "Slurrrrp" J

Where's the camera when I need it??

I wish I had gotten a picture of this one...

I was teaching reading today, and one of the kids says, "Ms. J, Fred* is under your desk, painting!" So I get to a stopping place and walk over to my desk. Lo and behold, Fred* was under my desk, painting. Fred* had gotten into the classroom supplies, pulled out some paints, and was painting a masterpiece.  

The best part? Fred was painting the floor. Literally. The tile was pink and blue. 

So I took the paint away, and said, "Fred*, we do not paint the floor!" So Fred* cleaned up the mess (before I got a picture!), and I went back to teaching. 

About five minutes later, I caught Fred* under my desk, painting again. I was pretty upset at this point, because Fred* was being a distraction. When I scolded Fred*, he got a wounded look on his face. "Ms. J, you said I couldn't paint the floor. I got paper this time!" 

You're right. I should have said, "we are not painting today." 

It's really not funny, but after they went to music, I laughed myself silly. 

-Ms. J

*names, dates, places, and all other incriminating evidence (just kidding about that part) changed for obvious reasons of keeping the teacher's sanity

Funnies

My students crack me up. 

I've started charging them "paws" (our PBIS tickets - they get them for being safe, respectful and responsible) to go to the bathroom. Yesterday, a boy came up to me, "Ms. J, I really have to go to the bathroom but I don't have a paw." I said, "oh, really? What happened to the fistful you had this morning?" And he said, "Man! You're good at this!" 

Hahahaha! Yes, I have superpowers. 

The best part was that he tried it again today! 

Ahhhh, third grade. 

-Ms. J 

It's Gonna be a Brighter Day

I hope y'all are be-bopping to that song playing in your mind right now. 

Today was a brighter day. The day after a horrible day is usually really good - probably because the kids are scared of what you might do if they are naughty. 

I did sign my contract, in case anyone's wondering. 

I'm still frustrated, though. Frustrated with the stuff that teachers go through all the time - the stuff that we have to deal with so we can do what we want to do (in case you dont know what that is, the answer is teach). 

Well, the problem may not be fixed by what I am currently eating and drinking, but I sure am happy at the moment!

-Ms. J

No bad days...?

I wish I could say that I am such a positive person that days like today wouldn't be so frustrating to me. Unfortunately, I am human (at least that's what my birth certificate says), and days like today really get me upset. 

When kids blatantly disregard directions, encourage others to do the wrong thing, and have no respect for authority, it makes me mad. Probably because they influence others to make bad choices, with no regard for the consequences. I've met 5th graders at the end of the school year with this attitude, but it's always a little concerning when a young student displays this attitude so early in the school year. 

I just got my contract today, and (I'll be honest), the first thought that crossed my mind was, "if I don't sign it, I can quit tomorrow." 

I'm just glad I am surrounded by such a supportive staff, a great principal, and my wonderful family. 

I'm still tired of writing referrals, though. 

- exhausted and in need of chocolate (send it to my classroom by the truckload, please), Ms. J

Compliments

In my class, I give compliments to kids doing the right thing. They get a star on their star chart whenever they get a compliment. I also have times when students are allowed to give compliments to their classmates. The kids have a ton of buy in with this, and it's really helped my classroom management. 

Last night, I dreamt that we were giving compliments, and one kid raised their hand and said, "I want to compliment the teacher, because she's not crabby today." 

I told the class today, and they laughed and said, "well, yeah." Like I'm crabby all the time? I guess I need to work on that... I thought I was a positive, upbeat teacher! Guess I thought wrong. 

I must not be too horrible, though, because I got a poem today. 

"Roses are red, violets are blue, candy is sweet, and I love you! P.s. As my teacher." Hahahaha she wanted to clarify that she loved me as her teacher - love it! 

- crabby ms. J :)

Bad Sub

I was out sick today. Nasty virus. Yuck. 

The sub I got was randomly selected by our sub finding system. Heard some bad reports.... Kids completely out of control, screaming, etc. He had the IAs round up the kids after lunch so he could take recess time away from all of them. 

Really?? That's ridiculous. Makes me not want to be out ever again. 

- ms. J

For me??

Look at this! My own personal, signed copy of "ivy and bean"! A student got it for me.