roots

This past Sunday I went back to me and starting to sing again. Sing again you say? You sing every day as part of your job. This is true but, those songs are for children, explain music on a basic level, and are wonderful for those in developmental ages around 5-10. I love my job but, it does not do one thing for sure. Help me grow as a musician.
It is a small, semi-pro, a capella ensemble that sings on the north side and they are lovely. It was a little scary to start singing again. Kyle already sang with this group so that made it a little easier to join in.We are singing some really hard music too. I am so excited to flex my vocal chords and sing "grown up" music again. I feel a little more like me.

please re-state your comment

I had a first grader use the word "ballsy" correctly in a sentence today. I made them say it for me a few times to make sure I heard it correctly.

Naughty

So, the kids have been kinda naughty lately. Especially today. So, one of my co-workers who is a paraprofessional in a class that comes to me suggested that we get an "Elf on the Shelf" and hide it in our rooms. She also suggested we be really careful about it since we are not supposed to be promoting any holiday really. i.e. not making a big deal out of Christmas since not every one celebrates or celebrates in the same way. I am really tempted to do buy one, hide it in my room, and then not say anything but see which kids notice.

I have a student who says not good things. Often out of frustration. Sometimes, things that are inappropriate come out even when they are behaving. Today we were listening to the Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker and using a listening map to follow along with the music. There is a section with flower buds and blooms. We all say  "bud, bud, bud, BLOOM" while doing plies and standing on their toes. My inappropriate friend was doing everything right and not trying to be naughty but they were saying "bud light, bud light, bud light, BLOOM" I had a really hard time not laughing out loud for the rest of class. But, to them the word bud means bud light not flower bud.

Finding Joy

As difficult as at can feel at times, I make is a personal goal to always find some joy in every day. This usually includes me making light of something with a joke or my weird sense of humor. Today, my Great-Grandmother, mom, and I spent the afternoon together and had such a wonderful time. We discussed neat looking fabric and crafts we do and all sorts of things that make up happy. I could not have asked for a better day.
I look for joy at home all the time. It is why I tend to be creative there and relaxed. I need to remind myself to find joy at work as much as I find it at home. I love what I do but with the stresses of everything involved in teaching I forget to find the little moments that remind me why I do everything I do.
Work Joy:
I love that my first grade classes all have at least 5 children who give me a hug every time they see me.
Second grade classes that successfully can sing in a round and with voices that could rival the best children's choir.
Colleagues who listen and support me at work and personally.

Rock Out

Today I uttered:
It is a glockenspiel not a rockin'-spiel. Please play it gently.

Truths

• Special education students should not be treated like babies. 
• Little boys (and girls) know how to incorporate fart jokes at any time
• Many students possess an inability to lie or ignore that someone in the room farted and require immediate informing the teacher
•   I really do need to you be the student right now and you to let me be the teacher. No, I do not need an assistant at this moment. 
• Having a dance party with the class is always a good choice. You do have to dance with them by the way.
• Eat candy after you just had a class that wiped you out. instant fix. 
• No matter how good the day, teaching will wear you out.