I made it. It’s Monday night and I have RHOBH and The Bachelor to look forward to, and maybe a Snickers ice cream candy bar, as well.
Both of my meetings went fine today. This could be because I read Philippians this morning and here is a verse that spoke LOUD and CLEAR to me and basically said, “KRISTIN, PAY ATTENTION!”
“Do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you.” Philippians 2:14
Ahem.
So I smiled a lot. I nodded. Our Leadership Meetings always begin with grade level reports. This is when we’re allowed to complain or congratulate or commiserate or what have you. But after reading that bible verse, I had to rethink first grade’s position.
So, instead of saying:
“That PTT meeting last week was ridonkulous! a bit frustrating”
or
“Synthesize this! We were really disappointed”,
I said, “First Grade is really hoping that we’ll get to see some modeled lessons from the experts utilizing the engagement cube with our mandated curriculum. Is that a possiblity?”
I know.
Kiss my brain and all that.
I know.
The School Site Council Meeting???? I don’t really remember it. I did take notes because the prinicpal asked me to so I’m sure I paid attention somewhat.
I also survived the rain. I had a nice day with the kiddos. Really. No one tried to kiss anyone today so that was already a big improvement over Friday.
We had a kissing bandit. And he did not discriminate. Girl, boy, blond, brunette, spikes, ponytails, jeans, dresses, whatever. Kiss kiss.
One of my girls (a TEACHER’S kid!!) told me right away that she did NOT like it. I asked her where he was kissing her. (On the cheek? On the lips? On the neck? On the swings? On the grass?)
She said he was kissing her back because she was always running away from him. Of course.
We also started our Assessments today.
Kill me now.
The worst part is that the one-on-one portion involves distinguishing between short and long vowel words. For example, I say read the script, “Which word has the long vowel sound? Cut or Cube?”
And I’m either spit on with a rapid fire response of “CUT!” or I’m sitting there in agony while they look back at me like I’m an actual crazy person for asking them this. I can see inside their heads and they’re saying “Vowel? What’s a vowel? When is it time for recess?” It’s usually one or the other.
It doesn’t matter that we go over this and over this. They’re not listening.
They’re supposed to sound out EACH word first. And then thoughtfully give me an answer. The correct answer.
BIG SIGH.
BIGGER SIGH.
I am definitely going to eat that Snickers ice cream candy bar.
Here’s what we’re going to do tomorrow to help out with this short/long vowel situation. Because that’s what it is. A situation.
Short-Long Vowel Sort
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So we’ll sort our long and short vowels. I am a big fan of pictures when it comes to this. Number one: my struggling readers have no struggle. Number two: they actually have to “hear” the vowel when they look at the picture. If that makes sense.
Feel free to grab it if you want it.
I’m off to begin watching my Reality shows while eating a Snickers candy bar and blog stalking. I can do all three. I’m good like that. π
I'd rather get kissed on the back by a kissing bandit than do assessments!!
=) Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Thanks for the sort! Love it! We started our assessments last week and since I'm a procrastinator, I didn't start 'til today. And I want to fall asleep every time someone comes up to test. Boo. By the way, that bible verse is definitely hanging next to my classroom door. I'm constantly reminding the kids to remember it π HA!
Cara π
The First Grade Parade
I'd say you deserve that Snicker's bar! I need to focus on being way more positive at my grade level/school meetings but it's so hard!! I need to repeat that verse to myself OVER and OVER again during them. π
Lisa
Stories From Second
PS: Thanks for the freebies!
I have a kissing bandit also. Not just kissing though… also spanking and hugging. I don't know how many times I have talked to him and the class about good and bad touching….. I truly think he has no idea what everyone's problem is! Visits to the principal don't help either! Ay yi yi.
I drooled all through your post and I am still drooling from the first time you mentioned the snickers ice cream bar. so tasty.
I love your repeat kissing offender. How deliciously naughty! Even though I know it's not nice and probably punishable by law. or the principal. whichever.
Buzzing with Ms. B
I totally agree with Jennifer!!! Too funny! The kissing bandit was at our school at the beginning of the year. He must have escaped!!
Could some of the blank stares we get come from the fact that we are assessing skills that are not developmentally appropriate? Just wondering … I'm in the middle of assessments too … bring on the ice cream!
kinderlearningfun.blogspot.com
I have a little kinder that kisses people's heads and sometimes shoulders… Thanks for this freebie. I literally just put out a blog sos on more resources for short and long vowels. Thanks for sharing.
Kim
Growing Up Teaching
I think I needed to hear that! Thanks for the sort! I do an oral practice where I say a word out loud. If it is a short vowel they squat and if it is a long vowel they stand. Its like whaca-mole. They don't have a clue at first but they catch on after 800 tries.
I love that bible verse, boy do I need to meditate on that one. Thanks for sharing, that just got me back focus on whats truly important π
First Grade Journal
Love the sort! I feel the same way about the sorts! Hope you enjoyed your snickers ice cram bar–that sounds REALLY good right now!
α¦DeAnne
First Grade and Fabulous
Thank you for the Bible verse reminder. I think I will write it over and over during our grade level meeting tomorrow or maybe mumble it under my breath when certain people come to talk to me while I am trying to work and tell me things I do not need to hear!
I have had a child that was constantly kissing ME and I am talking BIG, WET smooches!
To put things in perspective(and this DID NOT happen in my room!!!!), Dracula boy crawls under the table and bits a girl between the legs. The nurse has to check out this area…yeppers, he drew blood!
Do you feel better now? =)
I hope you enjoyed your Snickers and cannot wait to read your play by play of The Bachelor tomorrow! =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
I always know where to come for a pick me up at the end of the day π Thank you again for raising my spirits and giving me a giggle.
~Stephanie
Teaching in Room 6
Needed this today. Thanks.
My oh my how you crack me up.
You synthesize it all…. soooo VERY well.
I'm starting assessments next week… boo!
β₯ Dragonflies in First β₯
Hi BlogFriend!
I thought of you when I was at my SSC meeting today… and when it rained on my school (Nooooo recess for us!)
Unfortunately I read this AFTER my meeting. Let's just say I got "the look" after one too many comments. If I ate ice cream DURING the meeting, I would be preoccupied–and, thus, would limit my outbursts!
Wishing you a sunshine-filled (or at least moisture-limited) tomorrow.
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
Great sort! And way to stay positive during the times it seems impossible!
Ashley
Live 2 Learn
That verse is totally my favorite {and the rest of the verse where it talks about shining like stars is why I have a star tattoo!} I can totally relate to you and assessment, I was "progress monitoring" kiddos today and I wanted to bang my head on the table.
βͺ Miss W
Miss W Teaches
Thanks for the sort! I need to start my assessments but I am totally putting it off. TORTURE! Snickers ice cream, on the other hand, seems right up my alley!
Jenn
Finally in First
A kissing bandit? Hmmm…I'm not sure if I would rather have a kissing bandit or a chair stealing bandit. I have a kid who is constanly taking the other kids' chairs and hiding them under the writing table because it has a long table cloth. Yeesh. You would think that I would wise up and remove the table cloth.
I love the same Bible verse. I need to start reading it daily!
Can't wait to read what you thought of RHOBH!
-Megan
First Grade Magic
Thanks for the sorting activity. Love it!
You go girl! I should probably take some advice from the Bible before my next staff meeting. Grading fact fluency tests seemed to help last time, but I still opened my big mouth one more time than I should have. Is the kissing bandit worse than the pencil poker – a little girl who actually put a pencil in another girls nose yesterday!!! I'm tellin' ya…I needed to count to 10 three times for that one.
Kimberly
Funky First Grade Fun
Thanks for the post. Happy reading!
Girl, even in 2nd grade they sometimes stare at you like you have 10 heads! ha!! But I like to do a little physical kinesthetic activity….squat if it's a short vowel and stand if it's a long vowel..doesn't take all that long…AND it could help with that dreaded indoor recess you sometimes have to have – ha!
β₯ Jen
The Teachers' Cauldron
I'm thinking of becoming a kissing bandit based on this post. I just like the idea of people running away from me at school.
I hate assessments just as much. In fact my lesson plan book is empty because all we are going to do is Daily 5 and assessments. Try not to be jealous about me being able to do the Daily 5. π
First in Maine
I totally get your frustration with assessments. How do you usually manage to do one-on-one assessments with the other kids in your classroom; how do you keep them busy? I am currently struggling with that one. Long/short vowels are definitely a tricky thing for first graders to grasp, as I am finding out now! Thanks for the freebie, will be using it in my class (maybe while I do assessments, haha!)
-Amanda
http://amandasadventuresinteaching.blogspot.com/
That is a great verse, that I needed to be reminded of this year! And I have to say I had to truly laugh out loud with your kissing bandit! Sorry, as a third grade teacher I haven't had much experience with that. π Bless you!
3rdgradetimesinct.blogspot.com
Kristin – your blog is hilarious π I feel like it's a good run down of the things I say in my head… all day long.
We've had some kissing issues in my class too… loved your kiddo's response (because she was always running away) ha!
Amanda
Learn, Laugh, Grow
I can't believe I just started following you. You're a riot. A sincere thank you for all the laughs!