Gamecocks win 34-0, and look bad doing it...

Check out a review of the Gamecock's first win of the season at edgeofthegalaxy.blogspot.com

- Edge

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Well, I have made it 1 whole week. It's had it's ups and downs. I am really learning some things about my kids, the arrangement (per admin.), and how much work I have in store for this year. Wednesday I wanted to cry at the end of the day. My kids just had the worst time making choices. All I wanted to do was scream. We have been encouraged to use the Adult Voice. That's the voice that says: "I hear what you are saying/doing. I am sorry that this has happened/you feel this way/your feelings are hurt. I understand because I would feel the same way if...What can we do to fix the situation/make it better/help you?" Basically you use the acronym HEAT--Hear, Empathize, Appologize, and Take Action. Now, for those of you who know my communtiy of learners (don't cha love the teacher lingo?), you will realize that this is voice is not always effective. Sometimes the Parent Voice needs to be used. For example: "You betta get over here right now or else!" Think Madea. Well, sorta. Please know I don't use this voice often, but sometimes those little ones need to remember who is in charge! :)

I have also found out that a few of my darlings are not anywhere where they need to be accademically. Unfortunetly 1 sweetie really should not be in 2nd grade. That is difficult. By now she should know her letters/sounds/and be able to read and write. Not so. I have my hands full. I won't go into details, but pray for me. I am imagining that half of my class will be pulled at some point during the day. I know I will need your prayers.

Now on to something funny. Let me preface this by saying that I love my nephew to pieces. He is a mess and I know it. I have helped spoil him at times, so I could be partially guilty for his behavior. Well, guess what? He started Kindergarten this year. This week he has missed lunch twice. He had to sit alone 1 day and with the principal the next. Well, teacher sounds like she knows what she is doing and "nipping it in the bud" sooner rather than later. Memphis has been in day care since he was 1. But it was not a formal setting with rules, procedures, etc. Now he is and he is having a hard time adjusting. He is smart though! He is an auditory learner for sure. This is the funny part: The other day he told/asked my sister Melissa for a drink. He finally told her that "I asked for a drink 2 times and you didn't get it. That's unacceptable behavior!" I can't remember if he told her she needed to get into trouble or not, but...I have to laugh. I knew this was going to happen. What can you say??? Out of the mouths of babes!

The First 2 Days

Well, I a made it. I have officially had 8 first days. My class consists of 19 little 6-7 year olds. I have 2 others that have not shown up, but watch out! I betcha they come on Monday! I was ready for the most part. I got to meet some of my darlings on Monday night. Others on Thursday. I have made many interesting observations so far and boy am I in for a year. A good one I hope and pray. I have doubles in my class. I have 2 boys and 2 girls with the same name! I am supposed to have 3 boys with the same name, but one of them is a student who has not shown up. We will see! The last year I had multiples like that was in 2005. IT was by far my best year. 3 Emilys, 2 Codys, 2 Katherine Lees....I am not joking! Luckily then, the latter went by Katie and the other Kaylie. :) Anyway, I digress...
I was able to thwart a breakdown at the end of the day and for that I was happy. It was Friday afternoon for goodness sakes! He is a cutie and I think pretty doggone smart (I can tell just by our conversations!! No time for assessments YET).
We spent the last 2 days covering routines, procedures, and community building. We did a really cool thing today with an energy ball. If you don't know what that is, I'll tell ya! It's a little ball that lights up when their is a circuit that is fully connected. Basically, the 2 pieces of metal have to be connected. I can't explain it any other way. It makes a weird sound and lights up. My kids loved it! Our school also emphasizes movement (it's all based on brain based research). So I bought this crazy CD that has the best songs for movement. We did one today about colors. With each color you do something. For example, "if you're wearing red, stand up and shake your head! If you're wearing white, stand up and turn to the right!" Get it? The other song I did yesterday is called Tarzan. It's my favorite because it gets fast and faster! It reminds me of some Camp La Vida songs we used to sing.
My favorite activity though was reading a book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? It is about how everyone has an invisible bucket that they carry with them daily. We can either be bucket fillers--those do nice things for others, be caring, loving, sharing, etc., or you can be a bucket dipper. Students worked on thinking of ways to fill buckets and how NOT to dip. If you dip out of someone's bucket, you also have nothing in your bucket. LOVED IT! The kids really got it too!
Now, you ask, why did school start on Thursday? Because we teachers are so exhausted just getting ready, we need the weekend for a break! No, really, one reason is for our littlest darlings. I know this is a fact because my nephew Memphis started kindergarten. He was wooped after the first day. Poor babies...they are so tired. And so am I so I am signing off for now! Oh, check out Erik's blog. I have no idea what he is thinking! He just can't share anything with his wife! Just kidding....bye!

Now why doesn't this surprise me?

Erik's got a new blog now too....

Check out http://edgeofthegalaxy.blogspot.com/

School has started back!

Well...the teachers in my district have. I went back last Thursday. There were 2 days of long meetings. Worth it in many ways. I think it sets my mind on the truly important aspects of my job. I was very surprised on Thursday though. My principal is a tough cookie. He is a man of integrity and does a lot of deep reflecting. He doesn't do things without a lot of thought put behind it. He started last year giving out awards for the hard work people have done. He bases them on the 18 LIFESKILLS and 5 Lifelong Guidelines we teach. (Ask me later if you want to know what those are!) I was a recipient of an award this year. He began to describe the person--me, and when he said 1 thing in particular, I turned beet red! I was honored to be thought of. I doubted myself A LOT last year and what I was doing as a teacher! I seriously thought of changing professions. I don't often need praise for my hard work, but sometimes hearing from your boss that you are doing a good job and that I was a good hire makes all the difference in the world! My award was for displaying the LIFESKILL of truthfulness. I could go on and tell you why specifically that one, but it's a year long story and I KNOW you don't want to hear it! :)

So...the meetings...the lack of time in my classroom have been on my mind a lot. I would have worked this weekend (yes, that does happen at my school quite often!) but I decided to take the last weekend and enjoy my friends who came to visit and my in-laws. It was fun. Erik had his annual Fantasy Football League Draft. So we entertained family and friends. At 1 point Saturday, there were far too many men in my house! Kayte E., Erik's mom, and I left them in their glory. So....I am excited because I have started a Bible study on David. It's a Beth Moore study and I love her stuff! I believe God has been urging me to do a study and I decided He was right. as usual. I started A Heart Like His. I am very excited about where God will lead me on this. For a long time now I have not spent a lot of time with my heavenly Dad. I have heard of people who have stepped away from their walk for long periods of time. I never undestood that myself. But the last couple of years have been a "dry spell" for me. I was just like the people around me. I don't desire that any longer. Please pray for me as I journey along with Beth. I am not in a study with a group, but I splurged and bought the audio CD's of her teachings about the book itself. I look forward to it more than I can say! Until next time....

Today's Adventures

Well, my day didn't go as I had planned. But it was fun nontheless. My poor Momma and Daddy's air went out at their house. Now, that's bad for August 2 for most people. But for 2 people on oxygen, it's even worse! My brother-in-law and brother were called in to help. That meant I was too! Memphis and Rayne (my precious nephew and niece) needed watching to "get out from under their feet" fixing the air conditioner. I decided that we would go swimming at our neighborhood pool. I have not been all summer (that's another story for another time!) and was happy to go. So Erik and I go get the kids--from my Mom's, go to their house (to get swimsuits) and then to 2 stores to gather needed things. What you should know is that Memphis and Rayne have constantly empty stomaches! I knew they would want to eat. So we finally got to our house (almost an hour later!!) and fixed our lunch. They were so excited so I got them ready as fast as we could and still let their tummies settle, and headed for the pool. I was insistant they wear their swimmies (which I had just bought) and stay near me. Do you think that happened? NO!! But what I found out was this: those kids can swim! Yes! Rayne is 4 and Memphis is nearly 6 but they are FISH! :) They stayed where they could stand. The deapest was 5 ft. but they played and played! They jumped in, they got out, they jumped in again, and had a glorious time! I did too! I only worried when Rayne needed to head natures call and the restroom doors were locked! Oh, no! I called and got that fixed, thank goodness. They loved it and amazed me all at the same time. I am tired and pink now as most people are after spending a few hours in a pool. I can't wait to go back. I am just sad that I had to wait until the 2nd day of August to go!