Today when my students went home at the end of the day, I was left with feelings of accomplishment and success. It was just one of those Really Great Days. I love my job, and sometimes feel the need to pinch myself over the fact that I made it -- I am doing EXACTLY what I've always wanted to do! Today was just so lovely with my kids, I needed to pinch myself twice!
Today I took our math lesson about measurement and perimeter outside. We took metre sticks, and I had my kids inquire about the perimeter of our playscape (playground equipment like slides, etc, fenced in with a wooden frame to hold the wood chips). I split them into groups of four, and they had to use their metre sticks to find the answer. It was cold today, but sunny and clear, and the fresh air combined with a fun way to practice this math skill was highly successful. The kids were completely engaged in the task, and they now have an authentic and kinaesthetic experience to relate perimeter to. I bet they'll never forget that perimeter is measuring "distance around" after this!
We also read the last two chapters of our latest book in the Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker (Clementine's Letter), and the kids were so excited to hear how the story ended. I love reading a chapter book series out loud to my class, and this series has been particularly fun for the kids AND me! They were laughing SO HARD through moments of the last chapter of the book, we all had to stop and just let our laughter overtake us for a minute. It was such a positive moment, that enjoyment of literature. We had a great discussion afterwards about our favourite parts from all three Clementine books so far. The kids can't wait for me to begin the fourth book with them.
Everyone was just so nice today, so cohesive as a classroom family. It was a successful and happy day, one that reminded me of my good fortune in this career. I am so glad for this opportunity, and oh, oh, OH PLEASE (!!!) let me be hired on for a permanent position next year! I just cannot imagine doing anything else but this job.
Tomorrow is big fun - the first of our three skating electives days! We get to have the ice for an hour, and our school even hires skating instructors to teach the kids, so it makes it really easy on the teachers. It's going to be so fun, and a great way to spend a Friday morning!
Love this job. LOVE IT.
What a great post!! That's awesome that your day was fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteAnd reading those books will be memorable to them as well. To this day, I can still remember my Grade 5 teacher reading "Jacob Two-Two meets the Hooded Fang" to us.