Energized

Spring break started on Friday at 4 pm. And I stayed away from "teaching stuff" until about 30 minutes ago.

The first three days were awesome. Full of sleep and family.

But today I became bored. Until NOW.

At 7:20 pm I opened up my notebook (full of notes since last June) and another notebook, and looked at Amazon and Lakeshore.

I'm home.

If you need me, I will be looking, planning, reading, and thinking all things first grade for the next five days.

Sunday Scoop

As my school enters into our final quarter of the year, I am eager to make this a great week. 

Here is my plan for the day. 

Thanks to Teaching Trio for a Sunday Scoop party.

The Special Days

Oh, the Special Days.

I super love my quiet, peaceful mornings at school before everyone arrives. It allows me to get centered and breathe.

But knowing that our school would be filled with Dads and their kids for the special breakfast 45 minutes before school started left me a little frustrated.

And then I heard them in the hall (through my closed door), disturbing my peace. And then, some came into my room (before the bell rang).

Next came something beautiful.

Smiling dads. Smiling children.

All I could do was sit back and open myself to the experience.

The dads just wanted to see where their children spend 7 hours a day. The children just wanted to let the dads look around (too shy to show them anything). The tender way the dads started helping the children pass out Valentines (I did not tell them to do that, but what a great idea!!!). The way the dads wanted to see inside the desks. To explore the room. Visit with other dads. Smiling.

My heart grew ten times in those 40 minutes.

I guess that "centering" can happen in unexpected ways. If I am open to it.

In the Quiet of the Weekend...

I find myself reflecting on a quote I saw on Instagram last night.

No matter how many years we have been teaching, we should feel like a ROOKIE every year by trying something new and not being afraid to fail. --Heidi Pauer, educator

Dreaming about the classroom I want to create.

Sipping a chai tea.

Pinteresting--finding tools and ideas that would be awesome in my dream classroom.

Pulling that all together...

I often feel like I am trying something new that I saw on IG, FB, or a blog. I love to incorporate someone's great idea or teacher trick. These have helped my classroom be fun and exciting for me (and hopefully the students). 

And I often wonder--when will it be good enough? Will my classroom, my instruction ever meet my expectations?

Probably not. 

That used to stress me out, but not any more. Because each change, each idea is adding to the instruction and hopefully the success of the students who pass through my classroom. 

So--off to incorporate the something new for next week!

Things Kids Say

You know that "kids say the darndest things"...

1. At recess Friday afternoon--

Student: "Mrs. Bartel, can I go get an ice pack for my hand?"

Me: "What happened to your hand?"

Student: "I bit it."

Really? You bit your hand? I really wanted to say all that, but his hand hurt, so I decided to be nice and let him get an ice pack.

2. After school on Friday--

Student: While patting the messy bun on my head, "Mrs. Bartel, you finally did your hair, it's beautiful."

She thinks that my normal hair (which isn't fancy, but works for me) needs a pony or something... And has told me that before.

Moving on...

Yesterday was Kansas Day and we celebrated semi-big in first grade. Some pioneer learning and dressing up.

Now I leave you with a few pictures of our fun...

Magic #2

Yesterday was The Day.

The Day.

The day that I dreamed of when I was little, and in the summer and all the days in between.

The day that the stars aligned. Everyone had enough water, breakfast, chai tea and sleep. The little minds assimilated all of the information that grown ups have been patiently, eagerly giving them. And they read.

Read words. Fluently. With confidence. 

Tears dripped from my eyes. Smiles across all the faces. And I witnessed a six and seven year old realize they could do it. Without me.

More magic in first grade. Pure magic.

January 2016 CURRENTLY

2016!

Thanks to Farley and her monthly party.

Today is such a great day. For reflecting. For dreaming. But before I get to all that--how about some explanations...

Listening--My house is quiet. Everyone has an electronic devise and are plugged in (not proud of it, but it is what it is).

Loving--On the Saturday of the start of this break, I created a list. (Thanks to Alison at A Teacher's Best Friend for a wonderful post on thinking and being intentional.) Mostly the list gave me permission to rest, and fill my soul with good things that get depleted during the throes of the school week/year. So, as I come to the end of my Break, I am loving how I feel: rested, refreshed, and grateful.

Thinking--Nothing more needs to be said. I planned on doing it sooner, but some other stuff took priority (rest, refresh, gratitude).

Needing--Sometimes I just need my BTPSM (best teaching partner soul mate). Hoping that can happen soon. Check out this article... Teacher BFF or BTPSM in my case for a smile.

One Little Word-- I think this year will take some courage. Good things are happening, and hard things are happening. So, I will fill up my courage cup and do the best I can in every situation.

Do you have a word for the new year? I think this is the first time I've had a word. My wish is that my word can guide me and keep me grounded. 

Here's to a great 2016!!!

Hop on over to Farley's place and read some more Currentlys.