Happy February!! Well last week we made it through a full week of school. With all the snow, rain, ice over the last couple of weeks we have lost a lot of instructional time, so we are really happy to have had the children back. I think they were even glad to be back.
As I sit here today, I have been thinking about all of the growth that I have seen in the children this year and it is only midyear. We have hit the half way point and next week it will be the 100th day!! That is always exciting, especially for the younger students.
Over the next few weeks, we will be working with our students on following some new formats when traveling in the hallways. This will help to form some consistent routines and also not disturb other classes while they are instructing. It will also teach students how to be respectful to others. We are looking forward to implementing these new procedures.
The last few weeks has also had me thinking about my days in elementary school. There are so many bits and pieces that I remember. I remember most of my teachers and also how I respected them in class and tried not to get in trouble. There were a few times I slipped though, but that is normal. At least that is what I realize now. Overall though, I remember loving elementary school and I think that has help shape me into the person I am today.
So as children come to see me in my office throughout the week, I always reflect on what happened and how they feel in the spot they are sitting. I've been there before, although briefly, and I know I learned my lesson pretty quickly. We do need to give children the opportunity to learn lessons, but also to make changes to their behaviors. We are not only teachers, but guides as well. They are going to fail. That is evident. However, who says that failing is wrong or bad for children if they learn from all of it?
So I leave you with a question (feel free to respond), think back to your days in school and let me know what was something positive that you remember? Also, is there anything that you learned in school that has had an impact on who you are today?
Happy beginning of February!
Brandi Robertson
