I'm Trying...

I'm working on changing too many things in my world right now. It's driving be a bit crazy...ok - completely crazy!

I am working on 3 different major elements at the same time... I am co-creator and teacher for a new Tech Club which we hope to get up and running in 2 weeks. I am working on an application for Grad. school which is due next week. I am rewriting my entire SS curriculum for the rest of the year.

WHY!!!

That was my husband shaking his head and wondering out loud...

To that I answer...because I can.

I love new things. That is one of the most appealing parts of teaching. I love to create new ways of presenting the same old facts. New techniques for reaching my students. New approaches to the same old problem. I love that.

But, I have all these ideas and I need someone else to help me carry them out. Or, I need a deadline to force me to carry them out. Or I need a moment to plan how to carry them out. See a theme here?

Really, it's not that big a deal until I line them all up at the same time and realize that there is a reason I feel a little crazy!

So, I create my lists. I steal moments at night. And I ignore the problems and write. Each of these helps my sanity a little bit. And then I tackle the issue.

I usually realize that the anticipating the creating is so much harder than the actual project. I often have much of the unit or process in my head before I ever put my hands on a keyboard.

So, I can check things off my list. And add new ones in it's place.

That' what teaching is for me. I am a work in progress just like my kids learning is. I love to learn along with them! Maybe that 's really the secret!

Anywal, it's time to tackle my list!!

Substitute Teachers

I truly believe there is a special place in heaven for subs! What a job - you never quite have your own way of things -always picking up where someone else left off. Never seeing the completion of a thing. Yet, we have incredible people subbing in our building.

Today was one of those days when every place you looked there was a sub. One was teaching on the other side of the curtain - the other 4th grade class. She was a retired Jr. High science teacher. Goodness junior high teaching and now this. I'm not sure which would be more impossible.

But, she was so excited. They were studying owl pellets. The nasty, hairy bits that owls regurgitate after eating an animal. These hairballs are filled with skeletons of the little critters they devour. She said in all her years of teaching she had never used owl pellets -and couldn't wait to help the 4th graders with these.

You know sometimes you just have to stand amazed at the way God puts things together. I can think of several subs that wouldn't have had quite the same reaction! :)

Anyway - I'm so thankful for those kind souls who want to step into my room and share my world for a day. I rest much easier knowing that my kids are in capable and encourging hands!

Thank you to all subs out there!!!