Testing

This week, and much of last week, the "big kids" in our school (and around the state) are taking The Test. This usually doesn't effect us much, other than being extra quiet in the hallways. However, this year our classroom is right next door to the SPED room. In fact, we share a door, which is awesome when I need quick coverage. Not so awesome when we have to be quiet to give the "big kids" the opportunity to do their very best.

Being kindergarteners, our natural state is loud. Very Loud. But our loudness is in direct correlation the our excitement about whatever we are learning, be it subtraction number stories or a hot debate over how many legs an octopus has. Boy, are we excitable.

So, it has been a bit of a struggle to control our volume these past few days. The introduction of silent movie voices (mouthing words with no sound at all) into our dramatic collection has been a hit, but only lasts so long. Using our break between lunch and specials (when testing kids are at lunch) to do our music and movement has also been a big help, keeping a sense of normalcy in our room. However, the reminders to use whisper voices are frequent.

Ah well, only three more days!

I love my job, loudness and all!

Party

Yesterday was our October birthday party. Our school doesn't allow Halloween parties, but I do have a celebration sometime during the month to celebrate all the kids who have birthdays that month. This helps in keeping cupcakes and other sugary snacks to a minimum.

This was also the first party of the year. My kids were over the moon excited for it, and had a very, VERY hard time staying focused. In fact, three kindergarten people had to miss part of the festivities because of their behavior. I thought I was going to go crazy from reminding and redirecting behavior.

But it was worth it. My little Southern Belle came up to me, smiled her shy smile and said "This is the best party ever!!!"

I love my job!

Sick

I feel bad for my kids, I'm a total grouch when I'm sick. Our screwed up testing schedule has not helped at all either. Going to the doctor tomorrow, hoping I'll be back in action on Wednesday.