Making Play Educational

Ok, so it's the teacher in me....what can I say??? I'm always trying to find ways to make what Gavin's doing more educational. Well, recently he climbed up on a chair and got the grilling tongs that I'd just washed off the kitchen counter and was so fascinated by them. I let him play around with them for a little while, but then decided to get into "teacher mode" and showed him how to use the tongs to pick up blocks and drop them in the basket. He was so focused!

After a while, he started to get frustrated. He could get the block in the tongs, but about half of the time he'd drop it before getting to the basket. So, I switched out his tool and gave him a large spoon and he scooped the blocks up for a little while.

So much fun doing something so simple....who would have thought? I'm thinking that in the fall I'll start doing some "preschool homeschooling" type activities with him since we won't be sending him to preschool for another year or so.

Thirteen Thursday

13 things I miss about teaching -



1. All the hugs in the halls and at recess!

2. Hearing all the funny things kids say - I think the 1st grade teachers at Shaw could write a book filled with all the hilarious comments we heard!

3. The beginning of the year letters from parents - I always had the parents write me a letter about their child, and it was such an eye-opening assignment. I loved hearing about their child from their eyes.

4. Watching the 1st graders come to school in August reading at a level 3 and progress through the year to a 16+. How amazing to see such growth!!!

5. Taking field trips to Victoria Theater - I loved to see the faces of kids who had never been to a theater before. They were in awe!

6. Reading aloud to the class - I loved read alouds!

7. Finding a few minutes through the day to sneak in some adult conversation with some of my closest friends!

8. Talent Show - always super hot in that gym, but so cute to see the kids perform!

9. Morning Meetings - I'm so glad Mrs. Donaldson introduced these to me because I feel like they made a HUGE difference in my teaching.

10. Going to P.E. with my kids - they loved it and it was always fun for them to see me in a different light.

11. Teaching next door to Pat - what a great neighbor!

12. My Data Board :)

13. Our fabulous insurance!!!



And....13 things I don't miss!



1. Report Cards

2. Conferences

3. DRAs

4. The heat in the classroom

5. Packing up at the end of the year

6. IATs

7. Recess Duty on the freezing cold days

8. Getting sick all the time

9. Getting in the shower at 5:45am

10. Paperwork and filing

11. Teaching that math program

12. Meetings that seem to last forever

13. Missing out on spending everyday with Gavin

So sweet...

So, 4 years ago, I was lucky enough to be Jesse's teacher. He was this adorable little boy that was so lovey and sensitive. Every morning, I would greet the kids with an H - a hug, high five, or a handshake. Most of the girls gave hugs, the boys high fives... Not Jesse. I always got a hug from Jesse. Sometimes in the middle of my lessons...he'd just come right up and hug me while I was teaching. The came to be known by the other kids as my Jesse-hugs. Well, as the years went by and Jesse went from 1st to 2nd and so on, I still got my Jesse-hugs. He'd stop by in the mornings and give me a hug, and say "Have a good day, Ms. Pate!"

When time came for me to break the news to the kids that I was moving, I knew I had to let Jesse know I was moving. I gave him my email and address so he could write me, but he immediately asked how he was going to be able to give me my Jesse-hug each morning. We smiled and said we'd figure it out somehow.

Well, look at what I got in the mail. I'd received a letter from Jesse once already, but I was surprised to see a small package in my mailbox. Inside was the cutest magnet ever. He figured out how to give me my Jesse-hug! :)