School Days, School Day, Good Old Fashioned School Days

Remember that poem? Well, we are in the midst of those days. Reading and writing and arithmetic (and history, art, Latin, and Bible).

Being the daughter of a 34 year teaching veteran, I know how a teacher loves to tell you about her class. Let me tell you about mine:

Student A: She is the most experienced student in the class. Student A is smart, real smart. She can work well independently in most subject areas. Once in a while, however she finds herself at an impasse. During this time, she will sit. and stare. as though she has beams in her eyes that will somehow over power the problem before here and cause the work to finish itself for her.

Student H: This child has been above grade level since the start of school. As many experienced teachers will tell you, many of the above grade starters often level off at about second grade. I still would not say that is true of this student. She has slowed down her speed of learning in math but continues to push ahead in reading and writing. She would tell you though that she "hates writing things!". Since she watches Student A, Student H desires a lot of independence in her learning. This can be a challenge for the teacher at times to make sure she has mastered a subject area. But I welcome her independence.

Student J: This is her first formal year at school. She has schooled since infancy at one time or another by the default of proximity. Now, she is at the desk learning officially. Her enthusiasm is great. It lasts the perfect amount of time to complete her subjects. Then recess can't get here soon enough. She is learning to read and doing quite well. Her penmanship is perfectly kindergarten. Student J has great reading comprehension. What a joy it is to teach this age.

Student E: He is the least experienced student of all. He is only in class two days per week. This young student does not have a desk. I think he is jealous. He goes to the other students' desks and attempts to claim their property as his own. Fortunately for him, the other students find him quite handsome (they are always calling him cute) and seem to understand his limitations (age) and don't bat an eye at taking something away or moving it out of his reach. Student E usually ends up on the floor playing with manipulatives (toys). He loves recess time the best. That is when the other students join him in his class.

This is my class. They are the best class ever! I love each of the children and count it a privilege to be their teacher and mother (except Student E, I am his auntie!)