Friday

FRIDAY

This picture is by Norman Rockwell.

Once again, it is the end of another work week. I have had 3 very busy and challenging weeks at work. My class got 7 new children as of January 4th. These children need a lot of extra attention to become familiar with the work in our room, the rules we have, and in general--get used to being away from Mom and Dad and be happy in school.

Things are going very well. It is nice having more children in the room. Nineteen seemed to be a small class. Now we have 26 (when everyone is present) and we are busy, and the children seem happy. The "new" children are fitting into the classroom routine, and making friends. It is great to see that happen.

As for the teachers--there are three of us in the room most of the time. The addition of 7 more children is good for us--we all have plenty to do and that makes the time go by quickly.

I had a particularly great group activity yesterday. We talked about several thing. Starting with the calendar. I told them that yesterday was in the past, today is the present, and tomorrow is the future. After doing our calendar activity I turned the conversation another direction. We talked about how Norman Rockwell (this month's featured Artist) painted pictures that helped teach people lessons. The conversation lead to a discussion about HOPE. What do you HOPE for. Many children hoped for a certain treat like ice cream or candy. Then I said--OK, no more hopes about food, what else do you hope for? A 5 year old boy said, "I hope one day I will have only one house to live in." (His parents are divorced and have shared custody.) Other children hoped to become Basketball players and Ballerinas. It was one of those magical moments in the classroom. I was so proud of being a teacher that day!

My advice to you today is to think about what you HOPE for. Think big so that you will go about your day and week with HOPE IN YOU HEART.

Take care,

MissT