Blue Ribbons for All

All 14 of my students received blue (superior) ribbons at yesterday's science fair. I couldn't be more proud of them. We have worked on these projects since October and I am so happy that the judges could see how much work each student had put into their project. Yay! Now - what will I do with the extra time now that science fair is over???

eeeekkkkkk

Today is science fair and I am nervous. Geez.

The little people that make my days so fun...

Lessons Learned

So after calming my angered thoughts and seeking some guidance from the Lord - I have come up with a few lessons this whole needy parents things that I believe the Lord is teaching me.

1. I need to learn to not be so sensitive - not everything should be taken personally. Yes they are angry at me, but ultimately I am not who/what they are angry at. I need to learn to remove myself from the situation a bit.

2. Grace should always be given. Even when not deserved - especially when not deserved. This is the definition of grace.

3. I MUST depend on the Lord. I tend to get lax in my quite time and personal Bible study. I often run on my own strength. This experience has taught me that I need to be prepared at all times for anything. If I am to be discerning and wise - I must rely on Him. Therefore, intentional daily time spent in prayer and Bible study is a necessity.

Therefore - all things considered, I need to go read my Bible.

Remind me why I became a teacher again???

Most days I love my job. Today is not that day.

Crazy, ironic part is that what has made today so bad has nothing to do with the students. Instead for some reason, God has given me one set of parents who are the definition of needy.

So what did I do - show them grace. I let them off the hook and will do their part for their child. It is what is best for the student not them. As I stewed over this (sad to admit I was mad), I had a question - "Does showing grace to someone who has habitually taken advantage of you honor Christ or does it cheapen grace?"

The answer God gave me - Christ continually shows me grace even though I habitually and knowingly take advantage of his grace. That's what makes grace so amazing.

Now it's time to pray, repent, go to sleep and maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

Happy 32nd

I turned 32 years old on Monday of this week. Since I am a geek, I baked "honey bee" cupcakes to take to class and celebrate. Imagine my surprise when as my students walk in, I was gifted three bouquets of flowers, several balloons, cards galore, two dozen cupcakes, and over $100 in gift cards.

One of my sweet parents knew my b'day was coming up and organized for students to bring me presents. How sweet is that?

Besides the financial blessing of gift cards, it so encouraged my heart to know how much I am loved. It makes me want to be a better teacher.

I resolve...

So the almost three weeks (thank you snow days) Christmas break is now over and I am three days into returning to school in 2011. Which by the way has been the longest.week.ever.

But as the New Year always does, I have reflected and evaluated my teaching and have come up with a few resolutions.

I resolve:

- to have my lesson plans for the following week completed by Thursday of the preceding week.

- to spend more time with C this semester focusing on his reading issues.

- to make a more conscious effort to encourage my students' parents; probably via emails telling them something good. Far too often, the only news they hear is negative. This needs to change.

- to think before speaking to a student - to watch and see before reacting.

- to use my break times more productively - make copies, clean up, etc...

What are your teacher resolutions?