Fourth Grade

I have this picture on a self behind my desk in my classroom. 

It's me - at recess - with one of my best friends from growing up. When I came across this picture from a billion years ago I had to pop it in a frame and have it in my classroom as a reminder that I was a fourth grader once too. It reminds me and makes me think, "what kind of teacher did that little girl want and need?" and then I try my hardest to be that teacher for that little girl and therefore the best I can be for the present fourth graders right in front of me. It's my motivation. 

Mr. Rogers once said, "I think the best thing we can do is think about what it was like for us and know what our children are going through." Here a clip of that interview here. 

 

The First Day of School

Today was day 11 but I found a few pictures on my phone of the first day of school this year so here we go... 

Click HERE to see the Back to School Blessing. 

Click HERE to see the Night Before Sophomore Year. 

Click HERE to see You're In the Right Place Part 2 (bringing Anna to college for her sophomore year) 

Click HERE to see Day Three in the Classroom. 

So much 'back to school', right?! But it wouldn't be complete without a quick picture of Abigail moments before I dropped her off at her high school on the first day (and then zipped over to my school) 

And here I am in my classroom so excited, nervous, all of the emotions even after all these years! 

This is my awesome team that I get to work with every day: Amy and Brian - we have so much fun! They make me laugh. They let me be me. They share ideas, inspire, and are good good friends! 

Here is a picture of Anna on her first day - she always sends us her outfit! 

And Scott -- I asked him to take a picture of him at his school but didn't get one, one of these years I will :) 

 

The Natural Classroom

I thought I'd post some photos of my classroom.

A few things to know:

1. The class was outside at recess which is why you see backpacks and water bottles.

2. It was the second day of school which is why nothing is hanging on the walls, yet. I believe that their work should cover the walls, not my pinterest or instagram - ness.

3. I believe in a 'natural classroom'. No rainbows. No bright colors. No shiny bright plastic bins. I believe in as much 'natural' as I can. Earthy colors, tans, simple. No posters. No signs.

I could do a whole post on why a too 'busy' looking classroom, a too decorated by the teacher classroom, a pinterest classroom is not what is best for children learning.

4. I believe that the children should have a 'say' in their classroom which is why it's a 'blank slate' (mostly) when they walk in. It is their 'home' too - not my showy showroom.

5. I believe in lots of less overhead florescent lighting, and more lamps with soft colored shades.

6. I believe in "Children First From Day 1" and I hope my classroom throughout the year reflects that.

7. Oh and my school was built in 1955 - so I do the best I can with my vintage room.



Looking from my desk area out toward the classroom.

6 feet apart desks for social distancing...



Work Work/Spelling will be an interactive area and those are white boards.



Mailboxes and soft lighting as they enter the classroom.



That "I Believe In You" will have a big 8x10 photo of them (waiting for them to arrive - I take a photo on the first day) and then I hang their writing on those clips throughout the year.

My classroom looks like a reading specialists room, there are so many books. This is a small bit of the 'classroom library' since there are no cozy carpets this year and not all of the books are out.



This whole wall are my multiple copies for teaching in small groups.





My Dad painted that moon 4 years ago for me...





Open the Magic is something I do every day in the classroom. A picture book a day used for various parts of teaching the curriculum.

Those white papers mounted on burlap will be filled with sticky notes as they answer questions throughout the week about books.



I can't wait to see their smiling faces up on this . -- their own personal bulletin boards!



More Classroom Library books in natural baskets





As they celebrate their birthdays throughout the year they will paint their portrait on these canvases.



And interactive math wall



Looking toward the hall - and no I don't teach cursive but I just can't bear to take it all down - it's so vintage!



A little area on my work table.





I've been wanting to take photos of my classroom  each year and never do - this is the year!

Shout Out

Shout out to all the parents and caregivers who have stepped up and stepped in.

I'm a teacher. I have supplies and strategies and resources and I am sometimes overwhelmed. It's a lot!

If you're leading your students through distance learning, I'm thinking about you.

If you're leading your students AND your own children through distance learning, I'm thinking of you, too.

We are FOR SURE in this together

First Day of School

Today was our 'first day of school' and it was awesome! So so so good to be back! Although of course not back in the classroom... but this day counted as a day of school so I was in my teaching mode all day.

It sure was a cozy 'first day' of school. The snow fluttered down all day long. I 'attended' an online staff meeting with my principal. I sent out my first email since all of this started to my families with details about "Distance Learning". I set up 22 google meets so that I can be face to face with each one of my students, one at a time starting tomorrow morning at 8:40am. I can't wait to 'talk' to them, see their faces, and begin to actually teach! Right now they all have the learning plan for the week and today on their fist day they started to work through it. Tomorrow I solve all of the problems.

Today I also uploaded my first Google Classroom! I'm doing something from that classroom that I call "Baker Novel Time". I'll be reading one chapter a day to my own girls and I'm recording it for my students. So excited for that daily classroom routine to continue at home!

It was a 'first day' for my girls at home as well as Scott who is a principal. There were a few times this morning that all 4 of us were on a google meets (like of like a face to face conference call) at the same time! It was exciting to listen in while I was answering emails to Abigail talking to her Chinese teacher. So so cool to hear all that was going on!

This is going to be so different. And although I love a busy classroom with lots of excitement and learning, teaching is teaching and I'm doing it!

One day of distance learning down!




And this... I couldn't help myself -- I just had to comment on a blog post about moms who are 'teaching at home' these days...

This isn't about homeschooling (I think that's really great) It was tips (the blogger was asking) on getting school kids through these now home learning days... 

I can't give 'homeschooling' tips because I've never done that (until now) but I can give teacher tips as I'm a 4th grade teacher. It's okay to let some of it slide these days. There is some 'learning' that can only happen in a classroom - only in the relationship between a student and a teacher. And that can't happen right now. It's okay. What they are given right now is 'work'. It's not the magic that happens in a classroom with a dedicated teacher who knows each student inside and out, the curriculum inside and out, the process of learning inside and out, the age/stage of those particular children inside and and out. Just like there is no replacement for the love of a family and for being home --- there is no replacement for a teacher and a student and learning that happens in a classroom. A tip to parents out there? Keep in mind that what they are doing at home right now is some 'work'. Some learning? Sure, but mostly just work. Your tips are great! Just keep in mind that there is no replacement for a wonderful teacher. And I surely hope this whole thing our world is going through right now doesn't become a battle once again between those moms who work vs those who work at home or a battle between moms who teach at home and those who are teachers.

Teaching Tuesday

Some days there are days like this - not often - rarely actually - but once in a while



On days like these I remind myself that "math facts are a very small part of mathematics but unfortunately students who don't memorize math facts well often come to believe that they can never be successful with math and turn away from the subject." - Jo Boaler, Youcubed

15 Minutes of Christmas

So this week blogging sorta fell off my list. I didn't take the photos I could have, wanted to, wish I did.

But I had a killer, rock solid, amazing math lesson today.

Way back in September when I was feeling my most overwhelmed with my teaching (and going back to the classroom) Scott (my own husband who happens to be a principal) told me that if I could just make it to Columbus day in October, I'd feel like everything fell into place. Well Colombus day came and went and by then there were some days that felt really good. But I still didn't feel like I was teaching every day just like I wanted to.

Well, I'm here to report that TODAY was my Colombus day. Today I felt alllll day long like the teacher in me came out. I was just like I used to be all of those years ago, except more. More me, if that makes any sense. I don't want to be that 29 year old teacher. I have new ideas, and new feeling in me, newness about teaching each CHILD in front of me and not just the curriculum.

I love the curriculum that I am privilidegd to teach but I love the children more. I am blessed.

Reading this post on another blog a few years ago I would have rolled my eyes. I hate to admit but I might have judged. Because how could you give so much to your classroom and be the mama you need to be for your family?

Somehow, with God's grace it works. I can feel His love, His strength each day. I know I'm doing the right thing for me, for my 2 precious daughters, for my little family each day. God is doing something really good and I know He's only scratched the surface.

So here are a few 15 minutes of Christmas moments this week.

I sat under the Christmas lights and wrote out all of my envelopes. That was Christmasy.

And even more Christmasy was dropping them off at the post office with the snow fluttering down. (It has snowed about every other day and it's magical)



I planned a lot for school at night and am finally getting around to changing a few bulletin boards in my classroom but there's always tea in jammies not matter how busy I am.



It's hard to believe that this is the last week before Christmas. SO hard to believe. It almost feels strange how calm I feel. More that when I had 'all the time in the world' and was at home. I'm ready for this Christmas. All of the presents are bought and most are wrapped. We plan on baking this weekend and next. Santa is on our list and a favorite restaurant for this weekend. Maybe, just maybe, not being home has taught me that my moments, my evenings, my weekends that are home are so so precious. And I soak them in even more.

Have a lovely weekend.

Suddenly

In my life sometimes God likes to draw things out. Long, beautiful days of caring for toddlers. Rocking my infant to sleep in the middle of the night. Days that I think will never go away.

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a season in my life forever. And I know in that season that I never want it to change. That I could just camp there for the rest of my life.

But if I did. I would miss out.

I'd miss the blessings He has for me in the next season.

There are times I've wanted to dig my heals in and just stay.

And there are times that I've taken a HUGE leap of faith and jump.

One evening, 14 years ago, Scott and I were doing a Bible study together all cozy on the couch in our back den. (now our family room) Somehow the conversation brought up the fact that we still couldn't get pregnant. I remember as clear as day the conversation.

Scott: Well, you know, we could adopt. There are children all over that need a family.
Me: What? Us? WE could?

Scott jumps up to the computer and googles Chinese adoption. Why he googled Chinese adoption is beyond me. We had never ever thought about it or talked about it. But he did. And all these tiny Chinese baby faces popped up on my screen. And I wanted one so bad I could have jumped into that screen and pulled one out if I could.

Me: Could we really? Oh Scott, really?

Scott: Sure, why not? Why not us? Let's do it.

And just like that we were adopting a baby girl from China.

SUDDENLY

**************************************************************

Recently, I had another 'suddenly' moment.

You know my motto on this ol blog of mine. Just stay little, just stay little, just stay little.

But they won't and they can't.

And really, this suddenly moment has nothing to do with them growing up more. Because I'll always be there mama. Always bake pies for them. Always fix them special breakfasts. Always.

I'm not quite sure how to categorize this 'suddenly' because it doesn't really fit in a category.

Here is what happened...

Wednesday afternoon:

A call from the principal where I spend 2 teeny hours a day teaching reading.

"Hi Tara, I have a position open and I'd like you to interview for it."

Me: ummmmmmmm (not always the best first impression, but going through my mind was that's not for me. Surely Anna going into high school still needs me home)

Me (again): Well, I need to think about that. Can I call you back?

Him: Sure

Me: I'll call you later today.

Now, in that conversation two things happened.

1. I didn't give my rehearsed answer "no, I'm sorry. I can't. I won't be able to take a position like that. Thank you for thinking of me though."

2. I didn't totally say yes. There was still a way out.

But still,

SUDDENLY

**************************************************************************

I was shaking, shocked. So I called Scott. And a friend. And my Mom and Dad. (Scott told me to call my Mom and Dad)

And there was something in my Dad's voice that changed everything. Some kind of sparkle. I didn't have to see it; I could hear it.

Dad: You were born to teach. It's in you. To get back into this town to teach (he taught 6th grade for 42 years in this town) would be amazing. It's so hard to get back in after leaving for that long. Take the opportunity. Interview. You can always say no. It would be amazing.

Me: But what about Abigail. I was going to wait one more year.

Dad: She'll be fine. I've worked with her for 3 summers in the shows. I know she's ready for this. And this school. You love this school. That's everything. Do it.

And so,

SUDDENLY I had an interview for a teaching position.

**************************************************************************

But the interview was in a few days. ANNNNNNND the interview was on the same day we were leaving for Disney World. 9 am interview, 1:15 flight to Disney.



In that few short days Scott (he's an elementary school principal) helped me study and study and study.



My loving family told me that all of that good teaching was still in me and that I could answer those kinds of questions. But I knew I needed to come up higher in things that had changed. (I'd been out of the classroom for 13 years)

I had books out, note books, I took notes, memorized them. I was NOT going to make a fool out of myself.

And then SUDDENLY the morning of Disney and the morning of he interview was here. There were no seconds to spare.

I slid on a pretty dress and heals. And drove to the school my Dad taught at and retired from when Abigail was a baby. (the interview was held at his old school because of construction at the elementary school)

I parked in his space he always parked in.



Looked over my notes one last time.

Opened my umbrella and walked in.

I sat up tall, tried not to shake from nerves and started talking.

SUDDENLY I was in an interview for teaching.

**************************************************************************

When he asked the opening question "tell us why we should consider you for this position" I told the story of how when I was 8 my family traveled out west to see the Grand Canyon and we happened upon a book store smack dab in the middle of the country. I was looking around at books and my Dad slid one off the shelf. He said, "you'd like this one." The book was Little House in the Big Woods. And I read it before we even got to the Grand Canyon. And before we drove all the way back to Connecticut I had read most of the series and decided that I HAD to be a teacher when I grew up.

As the interview went on I felt my confidence rise. When they (the interview committee) looked down for a second to write what I just said I glanced at my notes for a second to make sure I was grounded in my answers.



Somehow in that 45 minutes I felt like me. I wanted to portray me. Not some powerhouse teacher. I wanted to be me: the children's book collector, the chapter book library maker, the ukuleue teacher player, the gentle calm teacher. And so I was.

I remember the last question "so tell us anything you'd like us to know that would further your canadacy.

I took a deep breath and felt God so close to me. Proud of me for taking just this step. The one He opened the door for.

And I was me. I said, "I can do this. I always knew I'd return. This is what I was meant to do."

And I walked out.

SUDDENLY it was over. I had interviewed for a classroom position.

******************************************************************************

He told me that there would be a second interview and a performance assessment for a next step (and somehow I'd have to handle that while in Disney)

When I pulled up at home my Disney girls were already in the car. I will always remember how beaming proud they were of me; sitting there in their seats ready for Disney. I had a "I can't believe they're mine" moment.









Scott was holding my clothes and shoes to change into and doing the final lock up. I slid into my capris and Disney tee and we headed for the airport.

We spent 8 nights in Disney and it was a good distraction. A really good one. Because it took that principal 3 days to call me.

We were in the hotel room. The call went something like this.

Principal: Are you in Disney?

Me: yes

Principal: I'm about to make your trip even more magical... I'd like to offer you the 4th grade position.

Me: ummmmmmm (there I go again) Wow! Really?! I have to talk to my husband. I'll call you back.

So we talked. We were both shocked. And just like on that couch 14 years ago we looked at each other when we said yes to adoption and said yes again.

SUDDENLY I was back. A classroom teacher. Suddenly.

********************************************************************************

When I called him back minutes later he told me all about the interview. I scribbled down the things he said.



I was so flattered.

He said it was the most child-centered interview he'd ever heard, that he was blown away, that he would never forget this interview ever, and that he was deeply marked. Impossible to forget. I'm so glad I was just me.

And off to Epoct we went. We walked around that place like we were on cloud nine that night. In shock. In disbelief. In joy. In some worry (of course).

I kept thinking, what happened to my standard answer? In the past when I've been offered an interview I've said, "no thank you, I just can't right now"

But God took over and changed that.

It is my dream school and with 11 elementary schools in this town, getting a classroom position in this school is almost impossible. It is my dream town to teach in. So many of my past colleagues that left for starting a family tried so hard to get back into this town but had to settle for traveling longer distances to other towns.

It isn't my dream year. I would have chosen to wait just one more year to get Abigail to middle school.

But waiting 8 years to be parents back then wasn't my dream time table either. And that was just as it should be.... timed perfect.

So we took a leap of FAITH. A true leap of FAITH.

And that's my story for now friends. There is so much more I could say but that's just about how it happend.

Two weeks ago I was in the middle of some wonderful lazy summer days. Today I am a 4th grade classroom teacher. I have 7 days before Open House when those kiddos come in to meet me. Yup, 7 days to get a classroom to look welcoming and ready. I need 7 months but with Scott and my girls I can do it in 7 days.

And I am a witness to the fact that God works in the slow days. God works in rocking your baby back to sleep days. God works in the driving your children to activity days. God works in the toddler lots of days at home days. But God also works in THESE DAYS. And with me SUDDENLY seems to work best when it's time to move me.

*******************************************************************************

Some things will not change. I will still back pies and make lunches. I will still cuddle with Abigail at night before she goes to sleep. I will still blog sitting at the same table as Anna while she does too many hours of homework. I will bake muffins and decorate my mantles for each season. But I will teach 4th grade. I will teach 4th grade. I will hang on to the strength of God and trust Him as He alone can tell me, "Take this next step. It is time. Trust me. Trust me."

SUDDENLY

I Could Go For Years on This

I was tired and feeling worn out. I asked God for a sign of encouragement that day. Just something so I would know He was right there with me.

And then this...



Which reminds me that He is always there right beside me. Guiding my path. And suddenly all was right with the world again...

Kindergarten Teacher

Mr. Labadia is the greatest kindergarten teacher that ever existed.  (besides this amazing one of course) He's retired now.  Here is how I know him:

When I was eight years old (Abigail's age) my Dad did these amazing shows.  (He still does.. there here here on this blog)  This summer will be is 42 summer show.  Abigail was in one last year and I was in them when I was little.  Anyway,

While I was in my Dad's summer shows I also got to be in one other class.  (there were four periods, three were with my Dad) One year I took calligraphy.  One year I took puppetry.  Mr. Labadia taught puppetry.

Mr. Labadia had a beard and a soft voice.  He was kind and creative. He was patient and I liked him instantly.  He was sweet to me. (he knew my Dad)

Fast forward lots of years...

I'm now a teacher.  A first grade teacher.  I was in my fourth year of teaching and I moved to a different school.  I'll never forget hearing his voice down the hall on the day I was moving in.  I knew it instantly, even after all of those years.

A big hug and lots of support for me as I was learning the 'ins and outs' of a new town and a new school.  He'd help in the afternoons after school.  He'd sit and help me prepare science lessons.  He taught me everything he could about teaching young children.  And I soaked him up.

I watched him walk his Kindergarten class to lunch or music or art.  I'd listen and practice his patience and firm sweetness with his class.  I'd pop in his room just to marvel at how it was set up.  I was in awe.  Everyone was.

But he was so so humble. Always complimenting other teachers, always giving away his materials, units he'd developed, anything he had.  He told me I was wonderful with young children.  I'm not so sure I was but he believed I was, so I was.

He was the first to hug me in the school the day I came back after my Grandpa had died.  He was the first to applaud when I announced to the staff that I was adopting a baby from China.  He stood by me when I waited for that referral for a year.  He sent encouraging notes to me like this one that's now in Anna's album.  He gave me children's books throughout the year that were signed by the author for the future Anna.  Eric Carle, signed to Anna.  On and on an on.



It's no wonder that on the day after Scott and I got the call (back here I talk about it) I asked Mr. Labadia to announce it to the staff.  For years and years I'd watch as the lights blinked on and off on a Friday morning teachers room breakfast and a friend would announce a teacher's pregnancy.  I waited.  And when 'my moment' came Mr. Labadia, who'd known me since I was a little girl, blinked the lights and said, "it's not too often in life that an angel taps you on the shoulder. Well, we have a new angel. And her name is Anna Jiang Qian. Here she is." And he held up this copy of a photo. I'd just gotten the photo of Anna the night before. It was about the size of a wallet. He simply took it and enlarged it on the copier. It was the first time I'd seen it that size and I cried as he held it up.







I taught for only two more weeks. It was the last day of school and he gave me a big hug and wished me the best luck. He was so happy for me.

Over the years I spent home mothering Anna and Abigail I visited him occasionally in his classroom. But he ALWAYS stopped by in December with an 'author signed' children's book for my girls. And he always painted a little something for me. He's so talented. A little snowman, and ornament that looked just like our house, on and on. He never forgot me.

It was no wonder that after all of those years when it was time to step back into part time teaching I called Mr. Labadia for a letter of recommendation. It glowed. And I'd cry if I tried to type the words here. I sent it in with pride and his good luck along with it.

That reading teacher position that I'm in now I'm sure is because of that letter. Everyone who is anyone in education knows Mr. Labadia. I'm just the blessed one to know him as a friend.

Mr. Labadia retired. He and his lovely (she is so lovely) wife (also a kindergarten teacher) have four grandchildren. He became an published author. His books are here. And he does book talks to children all over.

On Friday he was at 'my' school and I couldn't wait to see him. Our time was brief but wonderful. I felt all lit up inside to be with him.  He only asked and asked about Anna and Abigail and about me. He was so proud of me and happy for my baby steps back into teaching. It meant the world to me.



He was and is the greatest kindergarten teacher in the whole wide world.

"But Mommy... Why Would We Celebrate?" ~ Abigail tonight

I know you've been waiting for me to be over -the - moon with it's here... the last day of school tomorrow but tonight, our last Monday night, I find myself weepy. For those of you knee deep into summer, you are wondering, what's wrong with that girl? All she ever wanted was for the school year to end for summer to begin. I've been reading about that for months! Now she's sad? 

I know it makes no sense. It's just that I'm not good at transitions. On our honeymoon I begged, begged I tell you Scott to take me home. HOME to Connecticut from HAWAII... crazy I tell you. But that's how I am. It was oh so hard to leave my parents on my wedding night. No matter how much I adored my newly married husband, I wanted to be home. That switch from home being my mom and dad to home becoming mine; mine and Scott's that was a rough switch.

So here I am... on the cusp of that I've been longing for... long summer days. Sunscreen, pool days, sticky popsicle finger days. It's here and I'm excited but I hate saying goodbye to the best Kindergarten teacher in the world. I hate the idea that Abigail doesn't belong to her anymore and she doesn't belong to Abigail after Tuesday at 3:20. They'll be new "baby Kindergarteners" (as Abigail calls them) and it won't be my daughter.

And then Anna. Fourth grade was such a transition year for her. And she was with an angel of a teacher too. She carefully helped Anna navigate though the rough waters of rocky friendships. She applauded her academically and made Anna strive to not only be top of her class but top of the grade level. That little girl who was once a behind first grade reader now top of her class. I'm so proud of her achievements this year.

It's hard friends to let go of such a magical year. The year I spent more time volunteering in the classroom than working at home. Wonderful, happy memories tucked away forever. Like these:

Kindergarten Walking Field Trip to the Park


















Fourth Grade "beach day" at the school






Beach Day picnic friends... thank you God for sending these girls into Anna's life!


Two more principals sharing awards... wow!




Mexican Fiesta






And so tonight while I was giving Abigail her last Kindergarten bath (yes, I'm a sap that way) I told her we would be going to Flat Bread for dinner to celebrate the last day of school tomorrow night. And she said, "but why would we celebrate mommy?" With a puzzled look on her face and her heart not too far from my 23 year old one that wanted to come home from her honeymoon I held her and said instead, "well, maybe it'll be a cheer up dinner.  I could use one too.  Do you love Mrs. Mulready?  (she nodded) I do too." 

So I washed the bubbles off of her, put her powder and jammies on and tucked my little kindergartener in bed.  Off to sleep she went.  And then Anna reading in bed.  I went to tuck her in and turn off her light.  All I said was, "say thank you tomorrow."  And her eyes, they filled up with tears. 

So it's not in the genes.  I've just raised girls to be grateful for teachers.  Sad when it's over, and to realize how much God blesses their lives. 

And tonight as I typed, Anna walked downstairs with silent tears.  She told me she was sorry but that after I turned off her light she stayed up and wrote a letter to Miss Kearns.  I said it was okay and that "it would be okay."  I knew she needed more.  So I held her right here at my desk.  We prayed and listened to this song.  She let out some more tears and then went up to bed again with a grateful to God heart.  So will I.  

I'm grateful for these happy, sappy feelings.  I'm grateful that my girls adore school and their teachers. I'm grateful that I was home this year to be in that class over and over. 

My last time Kinder volunteering... be still my heart... thank you God for letting me be there! 


The greatest Kinder teacher in the world...


Tonight, the big sap in me doesn't want to say goodbye to kinderland and fourth grade.  I guess part of me will still always be that 23 year old newly married girl who could have skipped her honeymoon and stayed at home.  And possibly that will be my girls too.  "Mommy, why would we celebrate?"