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.

Thankful Feathers

Many second grade teachers in my school have a giant paper turkey cut out that gets adorned with feathers decorated by students and then hung outside the classroom. Each feather is done at home and is supposed to be filled with all of the things the student is thankful for. The teacher always puts one together too. This year I looked at the one of the class across the hall from me and saw one that broke my heart. The feather was beautifully done and along with all the usual (food, my parents, siblings, xbox, my dog) it said my mom's doctor. This child is the youngest of their siblings and has a mother who is battling a debilitating and life ending disease. I feel sad just knowing what this student is reminded of daily. None the less, they are an amazing and bright student who is kind and sweet. I want to thank this doctor for giving a child more time, quality time, with their mother.

Maybe I should make my thankful feather an put it outside my room. I have much to be thankful for.