School is Almost Out for Summer

 After my walk this morning I just had to take a photo walk around my yard.  It is blooming. Raindrops on roses, favorite things, you know the song.  Anywhoo, it's pretty out there.

I haven't written for a bit. Busy with the usual.  I am packing up to go camping next week. I am on a reading kick. And I'm still in school.

In March I wrote that I was back in the classroom as a substitute teacher. 

 I am trying to finish the school year strong. The kids are tired, the teachers are tired, and it's the middle of June.  It needs to be over.

I have really enjoyed substitute teaching this Spring.  I can pick and choose when I work.  Hubby and I can have some days off together. There is a lot of flexibility with this gig.  Obviously, I am not going to teach music or P.E.  Know your talent level and stay within it, that's my thinking.

I have subbed on a first grade field trip to the beach and on a fifth grade field trip to the skating rink. 

 I am not gonna lie, it is STRESSFUL! All students were accounted for and safe at the end of these field trips. Thank you Baby Jesus.

 And no, I didn't skate.

 I have filled out four behavior plans each hour in a kindergarten class in addition to helping the two students in that classroom that speak very little English. Whoa, that teacher has super powers.

I have sent back packs of food home with students that do not have enough food for over the weekend in their house.  The school takes good care of these little friends and I am thankful for that but I worry about what summer means to some students.

I have laughed a lot. And I have come home and cried.

I get artwork for gifts and even better I get hugs in the hallway from kids I maybe taught a day last week.  Hey, Mrs. R!

I get compliments. Three kindergarten boys were reading with me at the table when one of them says to me, you smell good, another leans over, sniffs and says to him, she does!  There was a general consensus at the table that I smell good.  Probably better than fifth graders after recess, just sayin'.

I get random questions. In the middle of working on an assignment...

Mrs R.?

Yes?

Are you Asian?

Uh mm no?

Oh, well what are you?

I'm Dutch.

So is my Mom!

Who is your Mom?

It turns out her Mom and I were friends in high school.  I ran into her Mom last week and we had a good visit with a lot of laughter.

I know the weather song, the days of the week song and the months of the year song. I know there are many ways for kindergarten and first grade classes to do the calendar. And every student will cry out, thatsnothewaywedoit, if I don't do it the way their teacher does it. Yeah, well, she isn't here is she?

I love the actual teaching and when I look out at the class and see light bulb moments.

I love the friendly and helpful the school secretaries.

It great to be back at school.  Of course, that is easy to say when Summer vacation is just a few days away.  The summer vacation, Christmas vacation and just random days off are pretty nice.

And now I have a good excuse to buy school supplies.  I love, love, love new pencils and markers. And last but not least, I get to go school shopping in August for new clothes. Right?