38

I learned...that kids in New England are so immune to the cold that shorts and snow is a common site.

Something great that happened was...I planned for and led Malachi's LC session this morning and it went well and I got good feedback!

Something challenging that happened was...trying to get Connor back into the classroom all while trying to figure out was bothering him.

A question I have is...how do you resolve issues like Connor's "I don't want to be in school" gently but firmly and appropriately.

I wonder about...how hopped up on sugar the kids will be tomorrow...

37

I learned...praising and encouraging a child can go help limit the number of stubborn moments amazingly well!

Something great that happened was...Malachi was ON today! He did so well upstairs at the learning center and it was so wonderful to see him engaged and doing well!

Something challenging that happened was...trying to help Neila during math while she insisted her answer was correct.

A question I have is...how do you reign in a child who is a bit out of control without hurting their self-esteem?

I wonder about...when it's right to ignore a child who is in a mood or when you should talk it out with them.

36

I learned...that positive praise and encouragement can help a child overcome their negativity issues.

Something great that happened was...I taught my first poetry/writing workshop lesson today and I feel like it went well! I was able to hold their attention, explain the prompts, and help them write great poems.

Something challenging that happened was...having Malachi in tears because someone blamed him for something he claimed he didn't do. It broke my heart to see the big tears stream down his face.

A question I have is...how do you break the cycle of a child constantly giving you attitude?

I wonder about...if several of our kiddos actually are taking a break or are just taking an opportunity to wonder away...

35

I learned...it's so hard to juggle a reading group and a child having a meltdown at the same time.

Something great that happened was...I spoke up and mentioned to Jane I had a great idea for a type of poem to teach the kids and I get to teach it tomorrow!

Something challenging that happened was...the class was very disruptive and un-attentive today during my math lesson and it was hard to keep them quiet and focused.

A question I have is...how do you really nip the class clown behavior it the bud? When does being gentle and kind about it stop working?

I wonder about...where al the information we fill the kids' heads with goes, it's amazing how much they've learned in 8 weeks.

45

 I learned...the best way to start a conference with a parent is to ask them how their child likes school.

Something great that happened was...sitting down and planning with Jane today. It felt good to have a discussion about the curriculum next week and get a sense that she really thinks I'm doing well

Something challenging that happened was...trying to take Bhavya to the office and him refusing to go and then him trying to grab and hit me. I felt quite alone and quite nervous about what to do.

A question I have is...when is it ok to touch a student?

I wonder about...how the moon can seriously affect the kids (and anyone for that matter).

34

I learned...that even six year olds can write amazing poems. Never underestimate the power of a child's brain!

Something great that happened was...I was able to have the class walk from lunch back to the room silently and orderly! Amazing what the incentive of a reward will do!

Something challenging that happened was...keeping the class focused and quiet during the end of morning meeting. It was a bit of a struggle, but I think I did well.

A question I have is...is walking in the halls perfectly silently actually necessary?

I wonder about...why some kids are so emotional while some are so "tough"...

33

I learned...that being able to quickly figure out the anticedent of a behavior means an easy fix and a positive outcome for all involved.

Something great that happened was...I led my first reading group and it went really well! I feel like the boys got the lesson, they read the book well, and seemed to enjoy it.

Something challenging that happened was...having to take several of our kiddos to the bathroom since they've lost the privilege of going alone. Not really sure who this is punishing though...

A question I have is...how do you help children learn why they are in school?

I wonder about...what meaning money really has to a bunch of 6 year olds...