Related?

Done! Tomorrow morning, even though I may wake up at 6:30 like the alarm has insisted I do these past six week, I will not necessarily get up right away. Probably should just stay in the habit, but we'll see. ;)

Kindergarteners are an interesting age. Their emotions and words to match are always right there, ready to burst out, whether it's joy, anger, goofiness, hurt, pride, or whatever the current mood brings. For the most part they are eager to please, but need oh so much guidance. I hurt for some of them, all of them actually. By the things some of them talk about, it is obvious that they have been exposed to SO much (not necessarily good stuff) early in their lives. It is refreshing to be around the 5-year olds who are just, well, 5-year olds!
These are a few of the "self portraits" I asked the students to draw for me on my last day with them. The artist of the one in the lower right told me, "The second person is you, and we're both wearing high heels."

I have to share an ah-ha! moment one of them had. A little girl was printing her name, when a lightbulb went on for her. She exclaimed, "I'm related to Monday! My name begins with M-o-n, too!" That kind of comment just makes my day!

Another thing that is a definite "day maker" is getting 22 sweet hugs to close out a long-term job!

A Singing Surprise

Did I say snowed under? Yep, that's how it's been, especially the last three weeks. I've spent all of those days, except weekends, with 22 kindergarten students, as I've been filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. Three more weeks to go! They're a good group, and I do have a full-time aide, which is a definite blessing!

On Friday, just as we were starting a lesson with them all gathered around on the carpet, we had visitors in the room. It seems that someone had ordered a singing valentine to be delivered to me at school. (a rose and card, two songs by the barbershop quartet, and a packet of chocolate kisses) Several people commented how special they thought that was, and I do agree. : )

Thank you, B.
I love you too!

Celebrating.....

.....another graduation for K.
This is graduation from Kindergarten, May 25, 1993.

Hopefully she'll be a bit more enthusiastic at her college graduation, May 24, 2009!

(Sorry about the tiny, grainy scan of the photo.)

Related?

The other day I was in a kindergarten class that I hadn't subbed with before. I asked one little boy if he and a certain girl were related.

His answer, "No, we're twins."

Almost Here

We're getting ready for T's high school graduation this Saturday, so it's rather busy around here. This evening was the school's academic banquet. Among other things, T was recognized for perfect attendance this year and received a local FCCLA scholarship!

Right now it sounds like the weather might cooperate. Here's hoping!

Thursday Thirteen-Spicy Days

Subbing I've done this school year includes:

1. Elementary, middle school, and senior high special education
2. Business classes (accounting, yearbook, computers, personal finance)
3. Middle school boys, middle school girls, and elementary PE
   
4. World geography (sophomore boys)
5. 7th and 8th grade social studies and seminar (study hall),
6. H.S. weightlifting
7. Reading classes
   
8. H.S. math classes
9. Spanish
   
10. Family and Career classes
11. English
    
12. American History
    
13. Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Grades
    

Variety is the spice of life!

It's Still November

Subbing--that's it. I'll blame my blogging absence on the fact that the calls are finally coming in this year. In fact, I've subbed every school day since the 16th, with tomorrow also scheduled. This run has ranged from Kindergarten and 5th grade to junior and/or senior high math, social studies, and "home ec" classes.

Yes, Thanksgiving is over, but awhile back I told a cousin I would post my "greeter". This bird spent most of November on the breezeway, welcoming all who entered our home via the back door. (The way our house is set up, the front door is rarely used by guests.)
We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with B's sister, then traveled to my mom's home for another dinner on Friday with my side of the family. We have much to be thankful for!