Lessons Learned from My First Month of School

Wow!  One month of school is already in the past!  It's hard to believe.  I remember when we barely  had a couple weeks finished when Labor Day weekend rolled around.  Honestly, I prefer this calendar.  Miss Dye, my student teacher, and I have already finished a mini health unit and a science unit.  When we return next week, our new focus will be on economics...and oh the fun we have with that!

But...as I sit here contemplating what I need to do before I head out, I decided to share some of the "Pearls of Wisdom" I've learned from my first month....Enjoy a chuckle or two.

Lesson 1....

Most students can be honest to a fault.  One boy came up to me after recess one day and said, "Miss Pflaumer, my armpits really stink." Hmmm, sounds like a great teachable moment about hygiene?
The same student asked someone if they were having a bad hair day.  I suppose students don't realize that humid weather can do strange things to a lady's hair.

Lesson 2...

Sometimes...you just "gotta go".  My class frequents the restroom often.  Some do so more than others.  However, after lunch, there's always a student or two that just "gotta go"..."ya know".  So, off they go. When it's been a while, I'll meander down to check on them and by their response, there is no doubt that business is getting taken care of.  Hmmm....too bad our "bowels" don't realize that math instruction is taking place.  Oh well...math can wait...other things can't.

Lesson 3...

If cleanliness is next to godliness...then we may have some problems.  As I look at the 10 desks that I can view from my teacher chair, I see...one...two...um...NO clean desks.  Of course, if I look to my left or...at my computer desk...mine isn't any type of an example of being clean.  Good thing that old cliche is false....or we'd all be in trouble.

Lesson 4...

Animation does wonders.  When I read, I make "voices" and sound effects.  So, at any given moment of the day, I may suddenly start talking like "Mrs. Jewels" or "Louis" or "Sammy".  Suddenly, no matter how distracted the students are, I've regained their attention.  Hmmm, maybe our administrators should try that during a staff meeting and see if it wakes us up?

Lesson 5...

Knuckle bumps mean a lot.  I give more "knuckle bumps" (Thanks, Howie Mandel) than ever before.  It used to be "high fives", but this year...the knuckle bump congratulates high scores on AR quizzes, completed Accelerated Math folders, finished books, and a variety of positive announcements from my students each day.  Have you given a knuckle bump today?

Lesson 6...

Little successes should be celebrated.  If a student receives his first A on a test, we celebrate.  If birthday treats arrive, we sing, eat, and celebrate.  If a student who often scoots through our behavior plan quickly has a day that he only does "one thing"...well...he shares his instrument and receives applause.  Everyone needs someone cheering them on and believing that tomorrow will be better and they can "do it" whatever "it" is in their case.

Lesson 7...

Teachers are celebrities...in our own little world.  Yesterday, I ventured to the ball field to watch one of my boys play a few innings.  I had to leave before it ended, but he didn't mind...because I was there...I was present. I made his day.  Of course, as soon as he arrived this morning, he asked if I had posted his picture on our FB page.  This afternoon, as I walked to the bus, students from the past two years scurried up to give me a "hello/good-bye" hug.  Ah, the love of a child...there's nothing better.  Celebrities with paparazzi problems can keep them...I'll gladly keep the affection & admiration of my students any day.

Lesson 8...

We learn early to try to blame someone else.  This morning, a student tried to tell us we didn't give him his homework.  After cleaning his desk, I hadn't found it.  Then, wouldn't you know, there it was in the tray with the homework. He had forgotten that he had finished it, so the natural response was to say "you" didn't give it to me.  Hmmm, I do that too....

Lesson 9...

Sometimes, saying something nice...is easier in writing.  Last night, one of my girls sent me an e-mail to let me know that she loves my class. (Aww, how sweet was that!)  She often smiles, face-to-face, but declarations like that...are easier shared in writing.  Hmmm...that's me too.  I'd much rather put a positive note in writing.  I tell myself it's because the recipients can read it over...and over...whenever  they need a little reminder that someone appreciates them and cares.  Is that really the reason?  Or...is it just easier?

Lesson 10...

I love my job. Yes, I knew that.  But...over the past four weeks, I've been reminded about how much I enjoy my career and the peace I have knowing that I'm where He wants me to be...doing what He's called me to do.  Miss Dye comes in at least once a week sharing how excited she is to be at school...in our room...learning to be an elementary teacher.  Brandi, my teacher's aide, shared one of the kindest comments with me the other day.  I hope she doesn't mind me sharing, but she told me that she had told someone else that she wanted to become a teacher "like Miss Pflaumer".

Aww, my cup runneth over.  I am blessed...

and as I sit here realizing that it's after 4:00...

that I don't see anyone else in my hallway (long weekend, why am I still here?)...

and that I still need to print off my spelling for next weekend, clean my desks (that pesky goal), and enter some test scores...

I realize...

that as much as I will enjoy this long weekend (hmm, maybe I'll sleep until 7:30?)...

I truly enjoy the life He's given me.  

Thanks for sharing just a bit of it with me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

On Your Mark?

A new school year began three weeks ago.  This is year 19th for me as a third grade teacher.  Each year comes with a new group of kids and a new lesson or lessons for me to learn.

So, what am I learning this year?

Well, first, I'm learning how to be more independent.  For the past 15 years, give or take, I've planned my yearly curriculum with Mary Wilson.  Through those years, she became one of my dearest friends.  However, she retired last June, so this year...I'm learning to plan "solo".  It's a new experience, but God has given me the creativity and mindset to focus.  Plus, I have all my "old unit plans" saved, so I simply edit & revise to fit this class and this year's new schedule.

What else am I learning?  How to be more accepting...I suppose.  My beliefs and my faith make me who I am, but I've been convicted to accept others as they are.  I can't expect others to follow my faith & beliefs.  Everyone makes choices, and their choices are their business.  [Psst, I still keep praying, though.]

I'm also learning how to be "okay" just being "Jodi".  I realize that I often "don't fit".  I've, at times, shed tears by this thought.  However, through prayer, Bible study, and singing praises...God is reminding me that He created me to be..."me".  Plus, He throws Bible verses and well-known quotes into my thoughts whenever a "pity party" begins....

"Be still, and know that I am God." [Don't fret Jodi, I've got this.]
"You are wonderfully and fearfully made." [I created you the way you are, so don't think you don't measure up.  I'm your Creator."
"Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out." [Dr. Seuss was right, Jodi.  Be the person I created you to be rather than trying to fit the molds of others.]
"Keep being Jodi." [Who do you think prompted the writer to send you that note?]

Yes....the race has started!  There are 19 third graders, 1 student teacher, 1 teacher's aide, and 1 cadet teacher who call 302 "home" for at least part of the day/year.  So, make it count.

On your mark....get set.....GO!