Monday, August 10, 2009

sixth grade happenings

I am LOVING sixth grade English!! I never thought middle school was my thing, but I knew if I never tried it, I'd never know. Teaching little first graders was just who I was, but I've got to tell you, I am having so much fun! I knew it would be a big adjustment, so I spent a lot of time thinking it through and processing aloud with sweet listeners like my precious mama and husband:) I'm so thankful I've had lots of people praying for me!! I felt surprisingly peaceful throughout inservice week and the first three days! I am so thankful for God's granting me peace!

The other sixth grade teachers have made me feel so welcome and a part of their team! When I first accepted the job, I was nervous about interacting with middle school teachers, because they always seemed so different than us elementary people, but they are WONDERFUL! They love the kids and support one another. They have all been friendly, warm, and hospitable.

The kids have been sweet too! They're great listeners and are so good at following directions:) I had them write stories on Friday and had the best time reading them this weekend. I wasn't sure what to expect from their writing, but I was pleasantly surprised with their use of paragraphs and adjectives!!
My sweet family is always so supportive and helps me get my classroom ready for a new school year, and since they were far away and couldn't be here to help, they sent me these beautiful flowers just in time for open house!!!! Isn't that so thoughtful?!!! They're the BEST:) These pretty flowers have been the perfect welcome to my classroom and have made it smell good too!Keith's sweet mom knew how much I was missing my mom as I set up my classroom, so she made me this super cute curtain to hide the kids' cubbies!!! Once again, SO sweet!!
Then, as if that wasn't enough, Lourene and Laura (Keith's mom and sister) surprised me with this SUPER cute wreath!!! Aren't they talented and crafty?!! They worked all day the day before school started just to make me feel special! All of the pencils remind the kids of how much writing we're going to do this year:)
I am so thankful that Keith and I both have such sweet families to encourage us!!! Thanks guys!! It's looking like a fantastic school year so far!! I hope all of you Texas teachers enjoy your last week of summer!