YAY!

Today was a day of randomness. A lot happened today and a lot of random comments from my kids and coworkers were said. I tried writing down as many as I could, but there were too many to keep up. (I forgot them at school and will have to add them tomorrow.)

My kids are showing progress in their behavior and also their ability to turn work in. That may be because I'm tired of listening to them talk non-stop and I'm also tired of seeing "missing" in the grade book. I'm "cracking the whip" on both...a warning is given for talking out and then they miss 5 minutes of recess. It may seem a bit harsh for some of you, but these kiddos think they can talk all day and nobody can tell them otherwise. Having their recess taken away seems to be the only consequence that means anything to them...even though it's already worn off for some. I've also looked through my grade book and told those with missing work that they will not be going to recess until I have the work. Fortunately, those with lots of missing work haven't figured out that they could get away with a little speaking out because they've already lost all of their recess. DUH!

I felt like a successful teacher today...kids were working, quality work was being done, and cooperative learning conversations were taking place. YAY!!!!

Today was also my first interview on the "other side of the table". I can't even claim to be very experienced with them because I was hired after my second interview (unheard of, right?!). The other aspect of this interview that was different was that the interviewee was a current long-term sub at our school who is already liked by her teammates and administration. Unfortunately, we aren't that crazy about her. They don't really want to give us any other choices, but we want choices. In the end, she may be the best choice, but we need to learn that for ourselves. With our team, there are two things that you need to show in the interview...good answers and a great personality. We're a lively bunch and need someone who can keep up, but also do a quality job with our crazy kiddos. We're still looking for the just right person to have a portable to themselves next year (just like I've lived with since I started). hahahaha