180

I learned...that this was the best first class any teacher could ask for. They may have made me tear my hair out but they pushed me to be the best teacher I could be.

Something great that happened...getting hugs from each one of the kids and knowing they meant it.

Something challenging that happened...even down to 5 minutes before school ended Bhavya and Malachi were having a tussle...

A question I have...what was the point of today, aside from saying goodbye? No learning happened, let's face it!

I wonder...what their future holds...

179

I learned...we made it to day 179 without the construction causing any issues with school - but then we got a power outage and fire alarm in the span of 7 minutes!

Something great that happened...playing kickball with the kids - so much fun!

Something challenging that happened...my standoff with Bhavya in the lap over him throwing his book at me.

A question I have is...how much academic progress will be lost by the kiddos over the summer?

I wonder...if I will be super sad or pretty happy for vacation come 12 on Monday...

178

I learned...that if you give a child some responsibility it will make the day go so much better. That and timers are a lifesaver!

Something great that happened...seeing Connor right that amazing letter to the incoming first graders, it made me tear up so much!

Something challenging that happened...having Malachi and Neila wailing (wailing!) on the rug becaue I was so mean to take away center time from them when they misbehaved. oy.

A question I have...are the kiddos a bit less anxious about second grade now?

I wonder...if saying goodbye to kiddos ever gets easier...

177

I learned...that sometimes you just can't chase a child or worry about it, he'll come back eventually!

Something great that happened...the kids having so much fun at the electricity fair. So great for them to see the older kids' projects.

Something challenging that happened...the kids tattling like crazy today. Oy!

A question I have...is it totally normal to just stop teaching and learning before the 180th day? What the point of 180 then?

I wonder...if the kids will be excited or nervous about step-up day.

176

I learned...change the schedule at the end of the year and they just get crazy and silly about it, oy!

Something great that happened...celebrating our amazing year with out fantastic kids and their parents.

Something challenging that happened...having Connor just constantly go and come all day.

A question I have...was it wrong to bribe Connor back into the classroom?

I wonder...if they will remember me years from now...

174

I learned...that a day goes pretty quickly when you don't do any formal academics!

Something great that happened...seeing the kids write their memoires of the year on the chart paper, so special and so proud of them!

Something sad that happened today...having to say goodbye to two of my kiddos today. Since I won't be there Monday, I said goodbye to Natalie and Jonathan today. I will miss them for sure!!

A question I have...what is the point of 180 days if you stop real teaching and learning a few days before anyway?

I wonder...how the parents will like the slideshow!

173

I learned...that the kiddos have some amazing ideas for what the most important thing about first grade is, just amazing.

Something great that happened...the kids writing such amazing things for the important things about their peers - seriously warmed my heart.

Something challenging that happened...Bhavya and Connor having full scale melt-downs at the same time. Not enough hands or reason to deal with it, just better to let it run it's course.

A question I have...is tough love the way to go these last few days?

I wonder...if they will love the slideshow!

172

I learned...popcorn in the popper is by far the most amusing morning meeting game, ever!

Something great that happened...seeing the kids write such amazing "important things about matter" papers - they really enjoyed the short unit.

Something challenging that happened...having someone sound off as Malachi when in reality he wasn't there and then not knowing where he was, scary!

A question I have...what will the kids think the important thing about their friends is?

I wonder...how much time I have logged in the break spot with various kiddos over the year.

171

I learned...being open and honest with the kids about the emotions of the year ending was a great way to get them to understand what what happening and what had to change.

Something great that happened...seeing the kids get so creative and into trying to melt their ice cubes!

Something challenging that happened...having to have the kids not talk at all during lunch. I hated to have to be that mean teacher but it had to be done, a shot across the bow so to speak.

A question I have...will the talk we had actually "work" or was it just a superficial fix?

I wonder...what the kids think the most important thing about first grade is.

170

I learned...that first graders can really grasp and understand the water cycle/three states of matter. Something great that happened...recording the songs with the kids for the sideshow, so fun to preserve these memories. Something challenging that happened...getting called a liar by a 6 year old and trying to not sass back. Not easy but it was more powerful to stare her down with "the look" I learned...that if you take away reading groups in lieu of something fun like recording songs, the kids will actually all go "but, oh man!" A question I have...will we continue to downhill slide each day or can we finish strong?

169

I learned...there is nothing like reading Ramona to my class and having memories of mom reading it to me!

Something great that happened...seeing Daniel read with Shane and Max and do so well at a harder level!

Something challenging that happened...the whole class being SO silly and crazy today. Heaven help us.

A question I have...is it giving into Bhavya when we let him stay at legos even though he's exhausted his warnings/hurt someone, just because he won't/doesn't want to leave?

I wonder...anyone will try the bathtub experiment at home...

168

I learned...that one way to captivate a class of first graders is to race liquids!

Something great that happened...Malachi wanting to show everyone his chart at the end of the day to share his perfect day!

Something challenging that happened...not being able to get through to Bhavya when he is upset, I know it's not just me, but it's difficult.

A question I have is...is Neila's plan no longer working for her?

I wonder...how awesome it will be next year when so many teachers at Heath start using centers in math!

167

I learned...that having no lunch break today was totally worth it to play guess my word with Bhavya such a wonderful memory I now have. Something great that happened...hearing Daniel and Jonathan read through "My New Pet" with such ease! Something challenging that happened...being alone during lunch and trying to get Connor out from under the table and get him a lunch. I felt so stretched. A question I have...what causes kids to loose it as the year ends... I wonder...if they'll ever learn how to spell "be"...

166

I learned...that the ability to answer questions about a fiction text can be quite challenging for some students.

Something great that happened...being able to have a great laugh while reading June B. Jones with the kids, I never was a fan of those books but now I am!

Something challenging that happened...seeing Sara have such difficulty with answering the question packet for Marvin Redpost.

A question I have...how do I help kids like Sara and Nico learn to read a fiction text for meaning and comprehension?

I wonder...they'll remember basic addition tomorrow during morning meeting.

165

I learned...if you give a group of ready-for-summer-break-first-graders the letters "b" "oo" "t"and "y" in making words you will have to tell them an infinite amount of time to NOT make the word booty.

Something great that happened...seeing the amazing, appropriate words, the kids came up with and I considered the letter selection more challenging!

Something challenging that happened...seeing Shane totally unaware of his body throughout the day, it clearly is distressing to him too.

A question I have...is Malachi really learning off of the Lexia program or is another computer game to him?

I wonder...if all the Spanish they have learned this year will be retained over the summer.

164

I learned...that reflecting back on what it felt like on the 16th day of school with 16 days to go was a sweet and special moment to savor with the kids this morning.

Something great that happened...the kids did SO well on the end of the year math assessment! Over half of them got every one correct and everyone else only missed a few problems!

Something challenging that happened...so many kids having such insane cases of the sillies and spring fever, oy!

A question I have...how much learning is actually getting into their brains at this point?

I wonder...how much community we can maintain as we head into summer.

163

I learned...with the right cocktail of encouragement and faith, any child can turn their week/day around behaviorally.

Something great that happened...seeing Marty be so kind and supportive to Malachi and ask him how many stars he got for his reward! It is amazing to see how the other kids have become "cheerleaders" for the kids who need it most.

Something challenging that happened..seeing Bhavya get so upset, but not dangerously angry, about not being able to checkout a new library book since his other one was missing.

A question I have...is there a better way to get Neila the positive appreciation and attention she clearly desires?

I wonder...how the kids will do on the Math EOYA tomorrow.

162

I learned...that having first graders write juicy sentences is harder than you think!

Something great that happened...watching the kids have so much fun in gym with the parachute games! Super old school and super fun.

Something challenging that happened...getting so much back talk and sass from Neila and my just getting so frustrated with her and probably snapping back a few times, too.

A question I have...is some of the silly/rude/fresh behaviors that we are seeing because the end of the year is so near?

I wonder...if we'll ever have all 19 kids here again before the end of the year.

161

I learned...the sillies are so contagious...so so contagious. Something great that happened...seeing Bhavya come back after being away for a week and have such a great day. Something challenging that happened...having to make Jack take so many breaks, it's frustrating that he has gotten so silly lately. A question that I have...how do we deal end if the year silliness and nerves? I wonder...if everyone will begin to unravel as we get closer to the end of the year...

160

I learned...that only having 11 children makes for a calm and really nice Friday.

Something great that happened...seeing Shane, Jonathan, and Connor come up with such great words with a slightly challenging set of letters!

Something challenging that happened...Nicki going outside on her own to find Ms. Jackson and really having no clue what was wrong with that.

A question I have...is losing choice time always a way to get a child to understand they really did something wrong?

I wonder...how much learning will actually get done in the last 20 (!) days...

159

I learned....that sometimes teachers are better judges of when a child is sick than the nurse.

Something great that happened...seeing the kids have so much fun exploring with mirrors and flashlights. Reminded me of my science days.

Something challenging that happened...catching Neila with a paperclip in her mouth and the subsequent attitude came with that.

A question I have...why have Connor and Neila suddenly gotten so silly/rude again?

I wonder...why strep spreads like wild fire but not the flu...

158

I learned...that sometimes no matter how hard you try a child will work to sabotage themselves.

Something great that happened...sitting with Marty and playing a game during math, it was great to see how quick he is with his subtraction facts.

Something challenging that happened...Nicki being so darn distracted during math today. Is she really out to lunch or is there something else going on?

A question I have...am I too quick to question Neila's actions sometimes or does she need tough love?

I wonder...if strep has stopped its tour of 1L.

157

I learned...that if you give a child a sticker their imagination will run wild!

Something great that happened...seeing the kids loving the word finds I made.

Something challenging that happened...Connor having such a hard time with things today.

A question I have...are computer rewards the right choice for everyone right now?

I wonder...if the questions I'm writing for my reading group are helping them read in the text.

156

I learned...that only having 13 children is a shocking, but pleasant change to the normal chaos of the day.

Something great that happened...seeing Connor do so well reading during reading groups, he's come such a long way.

Something challenging that happened...having Neila and Malachi talk back to me all day long, you'd think I was teaching teenagers, with the amount of attitude they give me.

A question I have...is Malachi's plan really working at an intrinsic level or is just barely scratching the surface.

I wonder...if we are a petri dish for strep right now.

154

I learned...that hanging out in the breakspot is a great place to listen to a kid's thoughts.

Something great that happened...having fun exploring mirrors and other reflective surfaces with Tanya. Such a fun exploration.

Something challenging that happened...the kids overall just testing our patients. So unusual for all 19 of them to do this.

A question I have...why has this plan, with the breaks and points, been the one to work for Bhavya?

I wonder...how it will go tomorrow with one less pairs of hands.

153

I learned...that first graders come up with adorable mother's day coupons, the moms will love them!

Something great that happened...seeing Bhavya enjoy doing the questions for Marvin Redpost, and doing really well at it.

Something challenging that happened...Max and Daniel lying to me about the website they had been on, but history doesn't lie.

A question I have...why has Max been so off lately?

I wonder...how our science lesson with Tanya will go tomorrow.

152

I learned...that even though he may seem to have a hard time keeping it together, Malachi clearly learned during our science unit on shadows!

Something great that happened...figuring out a way to make sure that Bhavya is really reading rather than speed skimming through books, I'm excited to see if it works.

Something challenging that happened...having to get hard on Max, Jeremy, and Daniel and have them loose choice time. Not fun to play bad cop.

A question I have...does taking away choice time actually work for kids?

I wonder...how cute the mother's day tickets will be!

151

I learned...that some sun, great weather, and a new week is sometimes all you need.

Something great that happened...having so much fun just playing with the kids at Eliot park during our gym period. So grateful for the down time with them!

Something challenging that happened...trying to find the best way to manage and track Malachi's behavior, it's a tough nut to crack.

A question I have...(out of left field here) do the florescent lights really affect the kiddos?

I wonder...if his behavior will get better now that his dad is home.

150

I learned...that some days are going to be tough, but that I work with some really supportive people who are there for me on the tough days.

Something great that happened...the kids doing a great job using the cameras to capture objects making shadows.

Something challenging that happened...Malachi's behavior incident spiraling from a small issue into a whole other can of worms.

A question I have...where did I go wrong today?

I wonder...what the fall out from this will be...

149

I learned...that rain plus a half day plus beginning of the end jitters make it so that the inmates are running the asylum.

Something great that happened...realizing that Marty is back to the fun, kind, not cocky Marty from earlier in the year. It was so fun just chatting with him during snack today.

Something challenging that happened...the whole incident with Malachi, the chair, the forehead, and the bump. Teacher fail. But I did follow through.

A question I have...whose fault is it for what happened upstairs with the chair and forehead incident?

I wonder...if Malachi's parents will be p.o-ed at me....

148

I learned...that seeing the reading progress a child, who spoke 4 words of English on the first day of school, is just a great way to start the morning.

Something great that happened...seeing the kids so excited and involved in making their shadow puppets! They came out so great.

Something challenging that happened...dealing with a bad case of "not living the first 65 times" today. Even kids who usually listen the first time had forgotten how to listen today!

A question I have...how do you keep from using an annoyed or angry tone when you really are feeling that way? Or is it okay to show the children how you are feeling when appropriate?

I wonder...if the sun will come out eventually for our shadow exploration...

147

I learned...that if you give a child a flashlight, there is a small chance they will try to shine it through there head to see if light passes from ear to ear...

Something great that happened...being able to be firm with Connor, but also allow him time to come to math when he was ready. I think we both felt successful!

Something challenging that happened...almost having to follow through with Malachi on going to Ms. Wilson's office. Thankfully he chose wisely.

A question I have...how do I work with Bhavya to make sure he is reading for meaning during reading groups.

I wonder...how our shadow exportation will go tomorrow if it's going to be cloudy...

146

I learned...that playing four sqaure with the kids at recess is just so much fun.

Something great that happened...seeing the class generate a ton of "oa" words during working with words, they floored me!

Something challenging that happened...Bhavya and his new know-it-all tendencies, just so rude and annoying.

A question I have...how do I deal with Bhavya's new know-it-all tendencies in a polite yet firm manner.

I wonder...how I will do tomorrow.

145

I learned...that when down a few kids, the entire dynamic of a group changes, drastically.

Something great that happened...hearing the amazing words the kids came up with during working with words, they may have created some that I hadn't come up with!

Something challenging that happened...the whole incident with Connor outside after morning recess, it just put a damper on the whole day.

A question I have...when is it okay to chase a child?

I wonder...if Connor will take it easy on me when I am alone next Friday...

144

I learned...that if you give a kid with poor proprioception skills a yard stick you are likely going to be smacked in the head a few times with it.

Something great that happened...seeing the kids really able to have a true science discussion today, they are really growing up!

Something challenging that happened...everything go so well until 1:47 when Bhavya attacked Connor. You blink and it happens.

A question I have...how do we deal with the other kids being so absorbed by the other kids' rewards?

I wonder...if yesterday was just a blip for Malachi...

143

I learned...that it is so hard to read parents, well, some parent, more than others.

Something great that happened...watching Annabelle be so helpful with Daniel and Shane during math centers. She is just a natural with them.

Something challenging that happened...having Malachi be so unhappy and uncooperative today with pretty much everything.

A question I have...what Daniel would be like today had he been held back in Kindergarden?

I wonder...why Malachi is so hot and cold about everything...

142

I learned...that first graders throw awesome "retirement" parties for word wall words.

Something great that happened...Malachi's new behavior plan leading to a very successful day and a very happy Malachi!

Something challenging that happened...dealing with Daniel's constant eye-rolling and entitlement.

A question I have...will Daniel's mother want to "hear" how he can be less than charming in the classroom?

I wonder...what will happen on May 1st at 10:30...

141

I learned...that even when it's pouring rain and a new moon, on the first day back from vacation doesn't mean it's going to be a wash out!

Something great that happened...having so much fun measuring the width of the classroom for some of the kids during math!

Something challenging that happened...seeing Connor get pretty upset over me asking him to leave Legos because he couldn't actually focus and use the legos correctly.

A question I have...will Malachi's new behavior plan help him feel less defeated?

I wonder...how our shadow unit will go.

139

I learned...that it is so hard to stick to your guns and keep a straight face with a child who is being utterly ridiculous.

Something great that happened...watching Bhavya be able to regulate himself after he got upset during recess. Such amazing progress.

Something challenging happened...trying to rearrange the seats in the classroom so that everyone is in a better spot for them and the rest of the class.

A question I have is...will Connor really want the new spot he chose when he gets to school tomorrow?

I wonder...if they will get enough paperclips before the other classes are watching the movie.

140

I learned...that sometimes on the day before vacation, the only direct instruction the children gets is their Spanish class...

Something great that happened...having a pretty relaxing last day before vacation with the kids, in our PJs, reading and watching a movie.

Something challenging that happened...Connor having such a hard time coming in from recess for art, but he was able to use his words and did come in on his own, eventually!

A question I have is...will we all come back after vacation, rested and refreshed for the last 40 (!) days of school?

I wonder...how much fun we will have during our shadows unit!

138

I learned...that sometimes the only way to deal with insane behavior days is to laugh it off.

Something great that happened...having the kids love the last science lesson so much! Hearing Jack proclaim, "this is the best science class ever!" and the kids not wanting to stop for center time was just what I needed for my teacher's ego!

Something challenging that happened...both Malachi and Neila being so off. It pained me to send Malachi to his table for the rest of the day, but it had to be done...

A question I have is...is this one bad day for Malachi sour his motivation for his behavior plan?

I wonder...if we'll all make it to 2:20 on Friday in one piece...

137

I learned...first graders can be such prolific poets! Something great that happened...seeing Malachi go all the way "Around the World" during math with Ms. demons together. Even better was seeing the class be so proud of Malachi too! Something challenging that happened...getting clawed, hard, by Bhavya When I told him a 12 point break was not an option. A question I have is...what caused Marty to get so upset when I asked him to not be so silly during the word wall word retirement test? I wonder...how the kids will do next year when they go back to a regular math class format...

136

I learned...that a behavior plan is only as motivating as the child who it is for.

Something great that happened...when Jane said that in her eyes I have done more than a take-over week with all the days I have been flying solo.

Something challenging that happened...being unable to get the kids to line up and get ready to go outside for extra recess. Sheesh, we had been doing so well, too.

A question I have is...how do we address/deal with the factor that half of Connor's stuff is Connor's stuff and half is Connor not wanting to do things on some days?

I wonder...how the new computer sign up for choice time will work...

135

I learned...that Elaine is a visual learner and that our math centers are really unique and special. Something great that happened...having the math centers go so well today, smoother than I can even have imagined! Seething challenging that happened...it being a great week for his behavior and then have him hit Malachi with an hour left to go... A question I have is...Is it giving in to Bhavya by allowing him to not always wait for his turn like the other kids, how does he learn that it's part of life? I wonder...hiw much spring break fever we'll have to battle next week.

134

I learned...that more often than not, a child is really different at home than to in school!

Something great that happened...seeing Jane really support me and feel bad that I have to face Elaine alone tomorrow, it is also really great knowing that she has faith in my ability to manage it all!

Something challenging that happened...seeing Bhavya suddenly get so upset when Jane asked him, innocently, what had happened at the end of math.

A question I have is...will Bhavya always be like a shaken coke can waiting to be opened?

I wonder...if Elaine will have different thoughts after the math lesson tomorrow...

133

I learned...that having a substitute is so helpful when I am dealing with Connor leaving the classroom at 8:10 am. Something great that happened...reading the amazing poems the kids wrote with Ms. Steinberg, I was blown away by their prose. Something challenging that happened...being so flustered so early in the morning, it was truly starting the day off n the wrong foot. A question I have is...why does Connor suddenly snap our of his funks at the same time everyday? I wonder...if Malachi's plan will begin to work for him and motivate him...

132

I learned...that first graders are amazingly tech-savy. I honestly didn't know they could use a back button!

Something great that happened...enjoying the new, quieter, lunch system with the kids. It went faster and was calmer than I could have imagined!

Something challenging that happened...playing a nearly hour long game of cat and mouse with Connor and having only an inkling of an idea of what was bothering him.

A question I have is...will I always feel slightly guilty when ratting out kids and their less than desired behavior to their parents?

I wonder...how everyone will do with all the Plan B's tomorrow.

131

I learned...that we have a great group of kids who are going to Bhavya's birthday party, even though they may have mixed feelings about him and how he acts in the classroom.

Something great that happened...the science lesson went so well! The kids were engaged, really grasping the concepts, and using science talk! I felt like I had a great command over the kids and it just felt great!

Something challenging that happened...having Malachi pitch a fit during word work because I asked him to wait to make his word and then not want to do it when it was his turn.

A question I have is...will the choppy week throw the kids for a loop next week?

I wonder...how the new lunch system will go on Monday for our very routine based kiddos

130

I learned...that you have to tell seven year olds that it is just down right nasty to chew on your shoe laces...

Something great that happened...seeing the kids get the concept I was teaching during science today, after I was doubtful they were getting it. It made me feel really good to know that I was effective in how I taught the concept today!

Something challenging that happened...having to snap at Malachi today because he was saying my name over and over and over again. It seemed to get through to him though...

A question I have is...was I wrong to snap at Malachi? I didn't raise my voice, but I felt bad about what I did...

I wonder...what Malachi's hearing test will show...

129

I learned...that 1/2 of my class has some idea of what happens to an apple core and yogurt cup left out for a few days and the other 1/2 really need this unit.

Something great that happened was...seeing Malachi have one of his most successful days in a long time, thanks to his new behavior plan.

Something challenging that happened was...having Shane be so off today, between being mean to Annabelle at lunch and hurting Max at dismissal, it was very unexpected.

A question I have is...do kids magically know when we're meeting with their parents/met with their parents? Because their behavior is pretty insane on either side of the conferences!

I wonder...how I'll do planning the math centers for two weeks time.

128

I learned...seeing a struggling child have a successful day can really lift your sprits as well as theirs.

Something great that happened was...having Bhavya come back and do so well, for the first time in a while. He seems to really like his new plan and it was great to see him happy and successful at school.

Something challenging that happened was...having to deal with a few of the girls being, pretty much, mean. Talking about other kids, being sneaky about it, etc. It was very unlike them.

A question I have is...will Malachi's new behavior plan really work for him?

I wonder...how the kickoff to my unit will go tomorrow...

127

I learned...that more often than not you spend conferences discussing issues totally unrelated to academics, but rather social matters and other various miscellaneous matters.

Something great that happened was...enjoying the 8th grade musical with the kids and them being so engaged and well behaved, which allowed me to be able to enjoy it!

Something challenging that happened was...having a child make mention of being smacked and then having to tell Jane, and then have us all go through the motions of dealing with it, including asking the child to go to the nurse to be checked for marks.

A question I have is...will Daniel regress after being gone for 3 weeks in Israel, where he won't be speaking English or academics?

I wonder...what the kids are "planting" out on the playground, because they are sure involved in it!

126

I learned...that if you tell first graders there is going to be a fire drill some of them will run to the rug and assume the fetal position like it's an earthquake...

Something great that happened was...being able to sit on the rug with the kids during Spanish and listen and write the numbers and see them so excited when I got it right.

Something challenging that happened was...hearing from Jack and his mom that there was inappropriate behavior again on the playground yesterday, even after the serious talk with all the kids last week.

A question I have is...does Shane really not realize when he is being crazy and really out of control?

I wonder...if the new plans will work come Monday for Bhavya...

125

I learned...that there is a great group of people who are really on Bhavya's side and fighting for him.

Something great that happened was...sitting with Jack and Nico and making flower petals for the newest bulletin board, just being able to do crafts and chat with them, a great 20 minutes.

Something challenging that happened was...having Jed pretty much tell us straight out that Bhavya can't get an aid (yet/right now?) because that person wouldn't be experienced. Um what?

A question I have is...in the long run, will the class be stronger and more accepting because of their experiences with Bhavya and Connor?

I wonder...why Neila has regressed so much this week...

124

I learned...that suddenly the kids are so much closer and more like second graders than kindergartners. Where did the time go!?

Something great that happened was...seeing Shane read at a Level G and actually see the wheels turning as he really worked to read the texts well!

Something challenging that happened was...sadly having to spend the morning waiting for the ball to drop with Bhavya, literally.

A question I have is...what do you do when a child calls you rude and is just rude herself?

I wonder...what the outcome will be from the emergency meeting tomorrow.

123

I learned...it is a huge relief that when a bunch of kids have no clue what the directions are, a large majority of the kids do. At least someone understood!

Something great that happened was...having Jane pay me that wonderful compliment on all I have been doing while she polishes off the BAS work with the kids.

Something challenging that happened was...having Malachi get so upset during writing because he really couldn't think of a small moment to write about.  It is sad that he can really only think about video games.

A question I have is...was I wrong to force Malachi to write about something other than a video game?

I wonder...if reentry will be harder the longer Bhavya has been away from school.

122

I learned...that the kids that irk you for much of the year can with the drop of a hat be so endearing and on.

Something great that happened...seeing the kids so excited to be playing Sorry! during math and center time! Brought back such amazing memories from my childhood.

Something challenging that happened...having Neila hide under the table during science, all because I asked her to clean up  some blocks she accidentally dropped on the floor.

A question I have...how do we deal with Connor turning inward lately and not wanting to participate?

I wonder...if Bhavya will be back tomorrow and how it will go.

121

I learned...that it is possible for an entire team to be at a loss over what to do with a child.

Something great that happened was...seeing Malachi be so successful in working with words, and him being so proud over the number of words he wrote.

Something challenging that happened was...Bhavya hitting me and having him tell me that he meant to hit me and he needed to hit me. I can honestly say that I was scared.

A question I have...how soon is it to amend an IEP?

I wonder...if Monday will be the fresh start that many of us need so much.

120

I learned...that it is okay to feel frazzled and off when a child attacks you, a sad feeling to have but good to know even veteran teachers feel that way too.

Something great that happened was...my lesson going so well. The kids were engaged, learning, loving what they were doing, and behaving!

Something challenging that happened was...this whole mess with Bhavya - just all of us being at our whits end and so frazzled.

A question I have is...how does he not have an aide? Who else does he have to hurt?

I wonder...what the future holds for Bhavya and his behavior in our class.

119

I learned...that having another body in the room is a godsent when someone needs the break spot!

Something great that happened was...having Christin just up and offer letting me give Malachi the BAS, on my own. And then being able to sit with her and have her help me score it!

Something challenging that happened was...having Connor get super cheeky about not wanting to clean up the block area.

A question I have is...should I have pursued what happened with Neila hitting during center time or trusted Ms. Lynch to handle it.

I wonder...if my previewing about Elaine coming will help with how they act tomorrow...

118

I learned...that sometimes a good idea just doesn't translate to reality. Oh well.

Something great that happened was...despite the new idea for Tuesday handwriting not working, I was able to put the kibosh on it and salvage the lesson, on my own.

Something challenging that happened was...seeing a kid who was so sweet in the beginning of the year become "too cool for school."

A question I have is...

I wonder...how tomorrow will go with Jane out again tomorrow. I'm hoping for the best!

117

I learned...three kids out, really makes a large difference!

Something great that happened was...really feeling on my game, even though I wasn't feeling 100% - particularly when I offered Jane the idea for our Level E reading group and she really liked it!

Something challenging that happened was...having Marty snap/yell at Annabelle and Stephan over his bragging. Wow, didn't expect that at 9:30!

A question I have is...can Malachi get an aide, based on his need to have someone always keeping him on task/behaving?

I wonder...if the velcro under his chair will help...

116

I learned...to some children, do unto others as you wish others to do to you is lost and unimportant.

Something great that happened was...giving Bhavya long math problems and seeing him solve them and then having him give me some back!

Something challenging that happened was...having Marty straight out say that he doesn't like Bhavya and for me to have to talk to him about keeping certain emotions inside.

A question I have...was it right to tell Marty he can not like Bhavya, as long as he doesn't say it to people?

I wonder...why kids can be mean sometimes and why it starts...

115

I learned...asking a child to write what they think the rules are is a great method of reverse psychology.

Something great that happened was...brainstorming a fraction math center with Jane and then coming up with and designing a great center!

Something challenging that happened...Neila snapping at me and rolling her eyes several times when I would ask her to listen and follow the directions.

A question I have is...could charges be pressed against that father for what he did on the playground?

I wonder...how the reader's theater performances will go...

114

I learned...that it's actually possible for my class to work silently! Who knew! And it was amazing.

Something great that happened was...seeing the smile on Connor's face as he worked so hard during writing workshop and shared his story. It made all the tough times so worth it!

Something challenging that happened was...being thrust into the meeting with Sally, Carrie, and John about accusations of bullying from one parent, which seem to be fabricated by his child. Hello, serious stuff at 9am.

A question I have is...if this parent egging their kid on? Or is the kid making it up?

I wonder...if we're back on a good behavior upswing...

113

I learned...that some days are hard, but it's even harder to not let your bad mood sour the day.

Something great that happened was...hearing Max's personal narrative. He put so much time, effort, and details into it and it was so wonderful to hear him share it.

Something challenging that happened was...Bhavya pulling out a chunk of my hair and that just putting me in a funk for the rest of the day.

A question I have is...does making Bhavya write an apology help in any way besides teaching him manners?

I wonder...if tomorrow will be the best day in a week?

112

I learned...that trying not to introduce "bossy r" by saying "ar says arrrr like a pirate" takes every ounce of strength in my at 9am.

Something great that happened was...having the majority of the class being back to "normal" today and being able to get through some great lessons with them, today.

Something challenging that happened was...having Malachi spend much of the day in his cubby, just trying to get attention.

A question I have is...what do you do with children who are just calling out for attention - how do you break the habbit?

I wonder...in the long term what it means for the kids who are learning to ignore children with disruptive behaviors.

111

I learned...that if you think your day is already one of those days, wait 15 minutes and your orthodontist will be the special guest dentist giving a presentation to the class.

Something great that happened was...being able to ignore Malachi and give a great lesson on sequencing the progression of a plant and then having the kids go make the mini-book themselves.

Something challenging that happened was...having Connor, Malachi, and Bhavya all be "off" today, on a Friday, after an already long week.

A question I have is...how do you not laugh (from  exasperation) when a kid is just off the wall and unmanageable?

I wonder...what next week will be like...

110

I learned...that seeing Jonathan, who spoke two words of English 110 school days ago, phonetically spell words during writing workshop, can make any bad day melt away!

Something great that happened was...being able to easily calm down Bhavya when he was upset about not being able to find a spot for him to sit at math centers. I used what I knew worked and it felt great, for both of us.

Something challenging that happened was...the kids being so insanely out of it today. Whoa, nelly.

A question I have is...how do you talk to a child about their behavior without them thinking you are picking on them?

I wonder...how much farther Jonathan's English proficiency will come in the next 70 days.

109

I learned...that sometimes you can't help but laugh at/with the kids. Better than blowing steam, right?

Something great that happened was...being able to help Ava figure out the tough math problems without giving away the answer, hard but I was able to manage it.

Something challenging that happened was...having Neila get so mad at me when I called her over to ask her why she shouted at Shane. Clearly it's all my fault.

A question I have is...was I too tough on Marty when I told him to leave him football in the basket? Or if I made Shane do it, Marty needs to too?

I wonder...when our plants will start to grow!

108

I learned...that using reader's theater is a great way to spice up reading groups for all those involved!

Something great that happened was...beginning to give Malachi the WJ-III and feeling really great about it and having him not fight me on it.

Something challenging that happened was...possibly jumping the gun with Malachi about swatting at Neila, maybe I over reacted, but it looked like he was trying to slap her.

A question I have is...what is the best way to respond to "stupid questions" because let's face it there is such a thing as a stupid question.

I wonder...if the kids will predict what will grow in our mystery pots.

107

I learned...that for some children, two weeks away, helps them remember how we behave in school, a welcome return to decorum!

Something great that happened was...seeing Jonathan do so well with writing today - his thoughts came to him so easily in English and he only needed me to write them down so he could copy them himself! How far we've come even since January!

Something challenging that happened was...feeling stretched thin while trying to help Malachi, Sara, and Daniel with story problems at math today. I didn't know who to give my attention to!

A question I have is...how do you know when you can push a child to do tougher work and when they really can't do it and when they are just trying to get out of it?

I wonder...how there are only 72 days left of school!?

106

I learned...that maybe Elaine doesn't mind me too much, after all!

Something great that happened was...helping Jack with some tough math today and seeing him get it and figure out ways to help him solve basic multiplication problems.

Something challenging that happened was...having to retell to Malachi the plan for the day 15 times and have him get so upset about part of it, despite our attempts at previewing numerous times.

A question I have is...will I be able to really bring in more prompts and activities to my E reading group?

I wonder...how well rested we will be after vacation...

105

I learned...that the alien greeting really, really, bugs me. Particularly at 8am.

Something great that happened was...seeing Connor do so well during the math station he was so hesitant to go to!

Something challenging that happened was...trying to get Bhavya to understand that he cannot laugh at others but then get so mad when they may laugh at him (or not as the case tends to be).

A question I have is...what is going on in Malachi's head?

I wonder...will Daniel, Shane, and Malachi pull it together for my observation tomorrow?

104

I learned...that an entire class experiencing an adrenaline drain leads to a really calm rest of the day...

Something great that happened was...the kids doing so well on their folktales performances!

Something challenging that happened was...having Bhavya try to flee the room when I was alone with the kids.

A question I have is...was it right of me to tell Bhavya he had to apologize today or during center tomorrow?

I wonder...how my lesson on the computer will go tomorrow.

103

I learned...that getting valentines from 19 little kiddos is the sweetest thing ever.

Something great that happened was...seeing Shane be successful working on a math sheet in the hallway. It was great to see him focus, and be proud of how he was able to focus.

Something challenging that happened was...the kids being insane during our dress rehearsal. I don't know if it was nerves or the holiday, but yikes stripes!

A question I have is...how do I help my reading group answer their questions without really doing too much for them?

I wonder...if the kids will pull it together for their parents tomorrow?

102

I learned...that post-it notes used during an assessment cannot be subpoenaed since they are your own notes that can be removed form the test documents.  

Something great that happened was...starting a new week with a fresh slate and having a much better go of it.

Something challenging that happened was...having Shane be down right rude to me when I was asking him to stop certain behaviors.

A question I have is...when is it rudeness and when is it a part of inattention and hyperactivity?

I wonder...how our Valentines day celebration will be tomorrow.

101

I learned...that some days are tough. Even after 100 days, some days are just, tough.

Something great that happened was...being able to use quarters to help Ava learn how to split 150 in half. I think she got it, really got it, better than if I had just told her.

Something challenging that happened was...feeling like I was a total failure today.

A question I have is...what am I doing wrong?

I wonder...if I really am competent - can I really manage a classroom...

100

I learned...that you can spend two fun hours celebrating the 100th day of school and the kids have no idea they are actually learning!

Something great that happened was...seeing the kids have so much fun celebrating the 100th day and get so into counting out 100 things! I hope they are always this energized on the 100th day!

Something challenging that happened was...still have to remind some of the kids how to behave, maybe it was all the excitement, but some of them have forgotten how first graders behave.

A question I have is...when are kids "crushing" on each other and when is it becoming teasing?

I wonder...how the next 80 days will go and how much more the kids will grow by then.

99

I learned...that 99 days into the school year, its normal to have to review the rules and talk about how we act.

Something great that happened was...having Bhavya do so well pushing me on the tire swing, not to mention getting to play on the tire swing with the kids!

Something challenging that happened was...having to handle the situation between Connor and his dad this afternoon. I know I handled it well, but it was challenging and stressful.

A question I have is...how will my boys doing reading next Friday when Elaine comes?

I wonder...how quickly the last 80 days of school will go...

98

I learned...watching six and seven year olds act out folktales is pretty hilarious.

Something great that happened was...administering the CTOPP and it going so smoothly and being able to score it easily!

Something challenging that happened was...having the whole class be so ornery and out of control at 8:15 this morning. I felt like I had no power over them and they wouldn't respect or listen to me.

A question I have is...why do full moons really affect kids (and adults)?

I wonder about...if they will remember how to behave on the 99th day of school...

97

I learned...that sometimes first graders can be downright mean over nothing.

Something great that happened was...playing on the structure with the kids today and playing some basketball as well. Nothing like impressing your class before 10am on a Monday.

Something challenging that happened was...seeing Marty not want to play with Connor, for no apparent reason.

A question I have is...when do you get involved when a child refuses to include another child?

I wonder about...how Bhavya will do with the new upheaval in his life...

96

I learned...that even at age 6.5 Malachi realizes that he isn't getting everything in the classroom. It's heartbreaking, but also encouraging to see that he can realize this.

Something great that happened was...seeing Malachi do so much better on his BOYA! Only getting a few problems wrong, but being close on them, so great to see progress.

Something challenging that happened was...having the kids all picked up the tattling bug. I mean really, where does this come from?

A question I have is...why you have to be 7 to be tested for CAPD, isn't that wasting valuable treatment time?

I wonder about...how Bhavya will do with no recess next week.

95

I learned...that even first graders know that pulling a poor groundhog out of its hole to "predict" the end of winter is lame and not probable.

Something great that happened was...a fabulous field trip to the puppet theater, the kids were great, the show was great, we all had fun!

Something challenging that happened was...have Max and Shane being so mean to Nicki in the block area, six year olds saying someone's rear end is too big, really?

A question I have is...how do you deal with a child that may fabricate the truth quite a bit during share time? Do you let it slide so he'll share?

I wonder about...why Neila has suddenly slipped with her behavior.

94

I learned...that I am giving good positive reinforcement to Malachi, because when he was the "teacher" today he gave me and Marsha the same type of feedback, "you got it!" and "correct!" Pretty adorable!

Something great that happened was...playing soccer with the boys during recess. Way to help me feel like a kid again!

Something challenging that happened was...having Connor not want to go help clean up the blocks and having to tell him that if he didn't he wouldn't be able to have blocks at all tomorrow.

A question I have is...did I threaten Connor or was that setting expectations?

I wonder about...how our field trip will be tomorrow, I know I'm excited!

93

I learned...that for every "scolding" it's 5 steps back and it takes 15 more "praises" to get back to par.

Something great that happened was...seeing the kids really learn the contractions today during working with words.

Something challenging that happened was...having Connor being all over the place - from high to low - and dealing with the fallout from telling us that his dad had hit him, which was a lie.

A question I have is...what do you do with a child who excuses a parent of hurting them, especially when the child is known to fabricate the truth?

I wonder about...how Malachi will be in the long term, socially and academically.

92

I learned...switching lunch spots around is not as easy as it seems. at. all.

Something great that happened was...being able to sign the beam and be with the kids as we all watched it get lifted into place!

Something challenging that happened was...working with Connor on his reading and seeing him struggle over reading his own name. His brain wasn't in automatic mode...

A question I have is...is Malachi really a danger to himself right now or is it attention seeking?

I wonder about...why Malachi and Connor tested so low on BAS compared to what they read in class.

91

I learned...that writing TGIF as the morning greeting can actually offend some children!

Something great that happened was...ending the week on a positive note with the classes behavior overall, great to end on a more positive note.

Something challenging that happened was...having a child hurt himself and say things about harming himself.

A question I have is...when is a child trying to get attention with threats of hurting them self and when is it serious?

I wonder about...how my lessons on contractions will go next week...

90

I learned...that even with massive amounts of waterworks and drama I can stand firm and not give into a kid who was not listening.

Something great that happened was...having Connor actually write using the computer, it wasn't super easy but he did it!

Something challenging that happened was...having to give the class a "talk" about following the rules and behaving like big 6 and 7 year olds.

A question I have is...is Malachi beginning to throw tantrums because he is confused or because he is trying to be ornery?

I wonder about...if our class is about to get the "bug"

89

I learned...that one way to get a bunch of kids who are excited for recess quiet quickly is to have the Vice Principal walk into the room.

Something great that happened was...giving Malachi the Peabody and it going well! Even better was that I was able to score it, all by myself!

Something challenging that happened was...having Bhavya hurt Connor during Center Time, when I was alone in the room with the kids. But again, I managed it.

A question I have is...is Malachi always saying he has to go to the bathroom his new way to get out of the room when he is overwhelmed?

I wonder about...what the Chinese New Year celebration will be like tomorrow, I'm excited.

88

I learned...that solar flairs and a new moon make kids insane!!

Something great that happened was...having my kiddos wish me a happy birthday, give me hugs, and cards, and sing to me today!

Something challenging that happened was...having to lower the boom on the kids and give them the "behaving talk" - not fun!

A question I have is...how do you deal with a class when they are all off the wall and misbehaving?

I wonder about...if the kids will be a bit more balanced tomorrow...

87

I learned...that watching 19 children frolic in the snow makes the Monday blues melt away!

Something great that happened was...watching Malachi do so well on his Words Their Way assessment! Such an amazing improvement since September, I was so proud!

Something challenging that happened was...having to tell a child he couldn't go to the bathroom even though it was an "emergency" mainly because I was 99% sure he wanted because his best friend went 30 seconds earlier.

A question I have is...will we really be able to help Malachi even more now that we have this newest spelling information?

I wonder about...how well Malachi will do on the other assessments I am going to give him...

86

I learned...that watching your class perform in the music concert is one of the most adorable things ever!

Something great that happened was...watching Connor want to perform (and do it so well) in the concert this morning! AND! Watching Malachi do so so so well this afternoon in the LC, what a way to end the week!

Something challenging that happened was...honestly, today was a whirlwind, but I cannot think of anything challenging!

A question I have is...how will all the testing I am about to start on Malachi go?

I wonder about...how snowy the rest of the winter will be and if we'll get a snow day...

85

I learned...that it stinks to play the "bad guy" and punish a child for something as mundane as having to eat yogurt with a spoon rather than squishing it out of the container.

Something great that happened was...seeing the kids work so well with their 6M buddies and finish some great all-about books.

Something challenging that happened was...all the kids being on edge in anticipation of the music concert tomorrow. They were snipping at each other and it was a tense day.

A question I have is...what it really necessary to insist Malachi use a spoon to eat his yogurt.

I wonder about...how Connor and Bhavya will do in the concert tomorrow, as well as the rest of 1L!

84

I learned...when kids are loving what they are doing, they will take up their Center Time to continue working on their work!

Something great that happened was...seeing several of the kids' working numbers go up! Progress!

Something challenging that happened was...having to take Center Time away from Max because he hit Carter on the playground, never easy, but it had to be done.

A question I have is...are all these assessments really as daunting and high stakes as they are made out to be?

I wonder about...what I will find when I begin my assessments on Malachi.

83

I learned...that the only reason why you speak on the risers is if there is a fire or if you need to go to throw up.

Something great that happened was...after brining Nicki her lunch bag in extended day having her run to catch up with me and give me a huge hug good-bye.

Something challenging that happened was...seeing Daniel struggle so much with writing workshop and realize that in the two weeks of the unit he had written one page.

A question I have is...when you are taking dictation from an ELL is it right to take it verbatim to show what they could do?

I wonder about...how much instructional time is lost to putting on and taking off snow gear...

82

I learned...that creativity is great, but it's okay to draw the line when a child tries to invent "cream cheese-chocolate pudding" spread at lunch.

Something great that happened was...being able to ignore a child who was actively defying the rules and continue working with another child who was.

Something challenging that happened was...having to discipline Malachi for so many different issues.

A question I have is...when do you talk to parents about behavior issues and when don't you.

I wonder about...if these children will go on to make a difference in the world after learning about segregation.

81

I learned...that first graders know an amazing amount about topics that interest them and can really write about them.

Something great that happened was...seeing Malachi so excited about reading "Ed" today, it was really heart warming.

Something challenging that happened was...having the kids be so ornery during lunch. I think they spent more time standing than sitting and eating and they just, wouldn't listen, at all.

A question I have is...when do you just give up trying to get kids to sit down, or listen, and just let it be, especially if they aren't doing anything extremely wrong or dangerous?

I wonder about...if Connor will be a bit better tomorrow, even with Daniel out again.

80

I learned...that when a kid is "on" you have to seize the moment and ride the wave!

Something great that happened was...administering my first assessment to Jack and having it go super well and being super excited to see his results and begin analyzing them.

Something challenging that happened was...watching Shane struggle to read the book during reading groups, even when we moved him back into an "easier" level.

A question I have is...what is the reason behind Malachi's good days and how do we capitalize on them?

I wonder about...how quickly the 20 days to the 100th day of school will go.

79

I learned...that even six year olds know that segregation was wrong and that what they did to Rosa Parks was "non-sense"

Something great that happened...Jane thanking me for launching the "all-about" unit so well!

Something challenging that happened...having Malachi downright defy me when I asked him to move his seat during the assembly.

A question I have...is it really wrong that my challenging situations revolve around the same kids most days?

I wonder...if kids really are understanding the civil rights lessons on a deeper level.

78

I learned...that Jonathan has enough English to laugh at slightly bad jokes!

Something great that happened was...sitting down at consult with Jane and Marsha and really talking shop, feeling like I could put my two cents in and feeling like their equal.

Something challenging that happened was...seeing Shane struggle to focus in the classroom because he was just so distracted, even though he knew what to do and how to do it.

A question I have is...is it okay to use things like "if I have to say anything on our walk back to 1L I'll take time off center time" if it worked?

I wonder about...if the testing we're hoping to get for Malachi will really reveal what's going on and ways to help him.

77

I learned...that Jane really does have faith in me and felt 100% comfortable with me at the helm while she was sick.

Something great that happened was...Jane was back! Even though it went so well the past 3 days it was great to have back-up and everything back to normal today!

Something challenging that happened was...Shane and Max goofing off and not staying focused during working with words.

A question I have is...did I explain how to write their all about books well enough to let result in a great finished product?

I wonder about...if the powers at be had any clue that I was rocking it on my own this past week...

76

I learned...that I really can manage a classroom and do it well!

Something great that happened was...really feeling like I was in control today and really feeling like I can do this, plan, teach, manage, breathe, all at once.

Something challenging that happened was...being totally alone during writing workshop and having to support 3 kids so intensively, which kinda resulted in my ignoring the other kiddos.

A question I have is...seriously, how do you teach writing to 19 kids, alone, with no aid, when 2 have behavioral needs, 1 has an LD, and 2 are ELLs? Oy!

I wonder about...if this counts as my takeover week...

75

I learned...that it just being me and the kids for 2 (going on 3 days) had resulted in them really respecting my authority, which is really great.

Something great that happened was...really being in the groover today, day 2 of being the sole (alone) teacher and it feeling really great.

Something challenging that happened was...having Malachi being so out of it and ornery today. It's hard because I know why he is so lost and I have pity, but he is also just out of control.

A question I have is...what is the best way to help Jonathan learn to read the English words he now knows?

I wonder about...if this counts as my take-over weak.

74

I learned...that kids can come back after a vacation and get back into the groove, really well.

Something great that happened was...that despite being alone on the first day back from vacation it went really well and I felt totally in charge and on top of everything.

Something challenging that happened was...being a bit flustered about trying to introduce our new writing topic, I knew what I was doing, I was just nervous. I think they got it, I hope.

A question I have is...how do you re-explain a new topic to kids without confusing them even more?

I wonder about...how tomorrow will go, being alone with the kiddos again.