Success!

It's been a rather interesting past few days. All of the kindergarten classes have been in rare form. From puking during snack time, to destroying valuable collector's items, to throwing all out tantrums, I am pretty sure I've seen and heard it all so far this week. It's almost enough to make me want to throw in the towel.

But then they go and surprise me.

Today's goal was finishing up assessments for progress reports. I dreaded testing two particular students, both of which were on the lower end of the academic spectrum. I finally called them back today (individually), and was pleasently surprised. Scatch that, I had my socks blown completely off. Both kids whizzed through the assessment with confidence and near 100% accuracy! I wanted to get up and do a dance; I was so thrilled! Their smiles before going back to their previous activities were priceless. A much needed reminder of why I teach.

Man, I LOVE my job!

Discovery

Today during afternoon seat work, one of my kindergarten people came up to me and said "Ms. S! Look!  Blue and yellow make green!"  He brought me his paper and showed me how he had colored over a yellow spot with his blue crayon, making green. We celebrated his discovery with a high five, and he skipped off happily to his seat.

Now that the essence of kindergarten...discovery and amazement.

I love my job!!!

P.S. I know that I am behind on my Smart Board posts, but I promise they are coming!!!

Terrific Thursday

Today was "Theodore Thursday" and we had green eggs and ham! Our creative art teacher even created some Seussian verses ala Green Eggs and Ham using the names of each kindergarten teacher. My sprouts thought it was the coolest.

Of course, we read the book and discussed how the main character thinks green eggs and ham are gross but finds that they are very yummy. I then served the green eggs and ham scramble I made in the morning to my kids. Their reactions were what I expected: "Ummm, are these really eggs?" "This looks gross!" Their reactions after eating them, however, I was not expecting: " These are delicious! Can I have some more? It is soooo good!"

If you have ever seen green scrambled eggs with chopped up lunch meat ham in it, you know it doesn't look good and (to me) smells/ tastes even worse. Besides a little butter, salt, and pepper it was straight eggs and ham (instead of the delicious breakfast casserole I was supposed to make). But they loved, and even more exciting, they loved writing about it. We did a shared writing in the morning after announcements, an invitation to the principals to join us for green eggs and ham. My little writers also shared their opinion about green eggs and ham, which will soon adorn our bulletin board.

It was thrilling to watch my sprouts try something new, form their very own opinions, and then share them. It made me realize how much they've grown in the short time I've had them. Before I know it, they will be first graders.

Christmas in February

I set out new toys for Free Centers today, some from my kit and others from school storage. You would have thought my kids died and went to heaven. I had girls foaming at the mouth to play with the Polly Pockets, and my boys were absolutely enthralled with the Motorworks set. Everyone was gaga for our new cash register, play money, and grocery cart full of housekeeping toys. I'm thrilled that my students are getting to enjoy some of the "classic elements" of a kindergarten class. I'm looking forward to seeing them with the Dress Up center.

Best part of the day: Mr. "I-just-can't- do-it" tied his shoes ON HIS OWN! A much needed victory for this kid, and an awesome example of the little miracles I get to see everyday.