Sunday's Words for the Week

 I have been enjoying getting to know my new third graders this year.  They are a diverse group each with his and her own unique story and now I get to step in and get to take on an important part-assume a lead role.  Such a responsibility, such an honor, such a privilege. 

I believe I was meant to be in their lives and they in mine. They add value to my life.

I pray I am able to do the same for them. 

Sunday's Words for the Week

My Bible study group is finishing up our reading of Timothy Keller's book and video series, Gospel in Life. What a great one this was! So many thought provoking points in this series.It focused on how to live out the gospel in our day to day lives- first in our hearts, then in community and finally how to bring it out into the world. Schools are rooted within community so I found this series helpful in my dealings with children, parents and whole families.

 

Our last lesson dealt with mercy. Timothy Keller makes this point, "Clearly, Christians who understand grace will not be quick to give up  on an "undeserving" needy person. Christ's mercy was not based on worthiness. It was given to make us worthy. So also our mercy must not only be given to

those who reach some standard of worthiness."

 

A good lesson for me. As a public school teacher I must reach out to make a connection with each and every child and parent I come into contact with no matter what their background and situation is.  Each one is deserving of compassion and mercy.

Let me give it freely.

Sunday's Words for the Week

After a hot few days here, we were blessed with a cool, clear weekend.

I took full advantage and spent the majority of my time out of doors.

We biked and spent time on the water. It was a great diversion from my work load and the stress of the week.

 

 

 

As devoted as we are to our jobs, I think it is equally as important to spend time unwinding and pursuing other interests.  It calms my spirit and makes me a better teacher, friend, mother and wife.

 

 

 

Balance...my word of the week and year.

How do you achieve it?  Would love to hear from you!

Doris

youngdor8@gmail.com

Sunday's Words for the Week

School officially begins with children on Tuesday. I am looking forward to the school year ahead but know that teaching is not always easy and I will encounter many obstacles that must be hurdled and challenges that will need to be overcome. I adopted "I Will Not Be Shaken" as my teacher anthem toward the end of the last school year. Take a listen...

 

"This mountain rises higher. The way seems so unclear. But I know that You go with me. So I will never fear. I will trust in You.  Whatever tomorrow brings...together we'll rise and sing...we won't shaken.

We will trust in You.  We will not be moved."

 

Great words of strength for those of us who believe.

 

Back to School Preparations

Wow, what a crazy, busy week it has been.  I worked a full five days and there is still more to do. 

I got to meet my new third graders today during our Back to School morning. Students came to see the classroom and drop off supplies.  One of my teammates shared this idea for a Back to School Treat bag. I am offering the tag free on TPT.  

Head here to get your download:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Treat-Bag-853082

 I set up a "Wonder Wall" for students and parents to post questions about this new grade level. I also like to use a wonder wall whenever I begin a new unit.  I simply change out the topic.  This gives me a chance to gauge students' prior knowledge and gives them a focus as we search for answers to their questions.  My new third graders have lots of questions about recess and lunch.  One sweet child wonders if she will be nervous on the first day.  We can learn a lot about our students when we give them a chance to question before learning!

 I also ran my first estimation station.  Parents and students estimated how many starbursts were in the jar. This is also an ongoing routine in my classroom. I try to change out  this station weekly to give students practice in estimating with many different units. We estimate weight, length, time, temperature, etc., etc.  It is a great way to connect math with other areas of the curriculum too.

Although I am exhausted by the work it takes getting ready for a brand new school year, I am super excited about the possibilities and the chance to get to work with these children this year. Thank goodness we have a long weekend to recharge and reenergize for our first week with students. 

So how about you?  Would love to hear about your plans for the new year. 

Sunday's Words for the Week

The final week of summer vacation has come and gone. We start back tomorrow for a work week before students arrive after Labor Day.  Are you ready to face the challenge of a new school year?