Catching up!

I have been thinking about how I have so many stories to share recently, but I am just now getting around to typing them up! My students do hilarious things daily, so here are some of my recent favorites:

Because I lost my voice, I had most of my classes watch "The King & I" last week. Why? Because it's an excellent musical, I love Rodgers & Hammerstein, and I knew none of my kids would have seen it. Before I started the movie, I told my kids I'd be happy to answer any questions they had, as long as they didn't talk during the movie. Some of the questions were priceless.

4th Grader: "Ms. R, who's that kid?"

Me: "He's the Crown Prince. That means that he will be the next king, once the king dies."

4th Grader: *thinking* "...like The Lion King?"

Me: "Uh...yeah. Like The Lion King."

After meeting the King's wives...

4th Grader #2: "His WIVES??"

Me: "Yes, his wives. Remember, this is a different culture and a different time."

4th Grader #2: "Isn't that cheating? Don't they get mad, like, 'Stay away from my man!'"

Me: "No, they didn't. They thought men were better than women and that women could be possessions. As the king he could have as many wives as he wanted. We don't believe that in America."

4th Grader #3: "I wish I could do that!"

Me: "Well, you can't, so..."

It was a pretty entertaining week! There was also a day last week that several 5th grade boys got into biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig trouble with the principal. Their punishment was to spend the entire day with a Kindergarten class. I must admit, I had a little fun with them...

As the class took their seats, I croaked with my lost voice, "Kindergarten, we are going to watch a video today since Ms. R. doesn't have a voice! Make sure you are being good listeners while we watch! If you understand, put your finger on your nose!"

All the Kindergartners put their fingers on their noses, and the 5th grade boy just sat there without moving. I looked at him, leaned forward, and said in my sweetest voice, "Do I need to be clearer? Do...not...talk...during...the movie." He just glared at me, while I giggled on the inside. Not my proudest moment as a teacher, but I wanted to remind him that 5th grade is not such a bad place to be. And don't do the crime if you can't do the time!

My voice has since came back, and I'm enjoying singing to my students again! One of the songs I'm singing with my students right now ends with us singing "Too-ra-loo-ra-loo". I caught one of my Kindergarteners singing "Blu-ray, blu-ray, blue!" When I glanced at her with a questioning look, she just giggled. 

That's all for now, folks!

Kindergartners can be little charmers.

I have a confession to make.

I.

Love.

Kindergarten!

They are probably my favorite grade to teach.  Everything for them is so new, and they always love to learn.  Not only that, but kindergartners seem to have a specific charm about them.  Here are a couple conversations I've had already this week with these small ones.

Story 1:

As I walked this specific kindergarten class into my room, I found myself walking next to a very sweet girl.
I said, "Good morning!" and she put her arm around my waist and said, "Good morning, Ms. R.!  You're looking beautiful today!"

Ooh, so good for my self-esteem.

Story 2:

A different kindergarten class walked in this afternoon.  Often, the kids will swarm around the piano bench I'm sitting on to tell me that someone pushed them in line, or they lost a tooth, or they got new shoes.  As I fielded the questions and comments, a boy who has had particular trouble in my class but has been working hard to do a better job of behaving stood in front of me with a very worried look on his face.  I chose to address him right away and asked what he wanted to tell me.  He responded very slowly because he was thinking...

Me: "Yes, what do you want to tell me?"
Kinder: "Um, uh...um...Ms. R?  Do you...know...what my favorite...favorite part of music is?"
Me: "No, what?"
Kinder: "...I like you!"

And little comments like that are what keep me going.

Have a great Wednesday and stay warm, everyone!

Favorites...

Teachers aren't supposed to have favorite students.  Those kids tend to get called "teacher's pet" and seem to receive special treatment from their teachers.

As a teacher, it's reeeeally hard not to have favorite students.  People always have favorite people in their lives, whether they are family members, best friends, or favorite people to be around.  Teachers spend their days with kids, and it's very difficult to not love some kids just a little bit more.  I realize I have favorite students, and I work really hard to not show them any more favor than any other student.

One of my favorite kiddos is a kindergartener.  He is absolutely tiny and the sweetest little kid.  He's smart, has a great little singing voice, and is respectful to the people around him.  He does little things that always make me smile because he's an all-around good kid!  This morning was the first time I'd seen his class in the hallway since Winter Break ended.  I got hugs while walking down the line of his classmates and when I got to him, I hugged him.  What he said then just killed me...

Adorable student: "Ms. R., I wish you were my mom!"

GAHHHHHHHHH. ALL THE FEELS, right in my heart.

I've met his mom before, and she's a great parent to him and his siblings.  But it warmed my heart just the same!

Winter break is over!

Yesterday was the first day of school since December 18th.  It felt like it had been forever since I'd seen my kids!  I prepped my classroom with new rugs, decorations, and little personal touches to make it  feel more like home.  Each time a new class arrived at my door for music, I had a huge smile on my face and told them how glad I was to see them (which was very true!).  My favorite reactions were from 1st graders:


Me: "Welcome back to school! I missed you!"
First Grader 1: "I missed you too, Ms. R.!"

First Grader 2: *throws his hands in the air* "I LOVE you!"
Me: "Haha, I love you too!"
First Grader 2: *blushing and covering his face* "I said 'I love you'..."

And here's the best one...

Me: "Hello!!  I am so glad you're here!  I missed you guys!"
First Grader 3: "I MISSED YOU MORE THAN PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SCOOBY DOO!"
Me: "What."

I got a bajillion hugs from my students, and it was a pretty good day. :)

I was wearing a peplum shirt one day in August, and a first grader told me she liked "my dress".  I had to look down to make sure I was still wearing pants.
I was.

"Wow, Ms. R.  You're so...authoritative today."

Uhhh...thanks.  I am an authority figure.

SLOW DOWN

2nd grader:  "Ms. R, I have a question."
Me:  "Okay, what?"
2nd grader:  "Why do you talk so fast?"

I think I was born talking too fast.  Sorry, 2nd grader.