Celebrity

Alright, lets get back in the habit of writing these things!

Today I was at the school where I did my long-term job, only today I was in a 2nd grade class.  It's fun when I sub here for the 2nd or 3rd grades, because every time I do, I'm in the same hallway that the 1st grades classes are.  So when I stand outside the door of the room I'm in for the day and the students walk past on their way to their rooms a TON of them all wave and call out "Hi Miss Barnes!"  Some even run over to me to give me hugs. About half of the students say hi to me on their way by - I feel like a celebrity.  There's something amazing about being loved by little kids.  I think Charles Dickens sums it up: "I love little children, and it is not a slight thing when they, who are fresh from God, love us."

Anyway, my charges for the day were a bit chatty, and my biggest challenge was at times getting them to just stop talking and moving around for 10 seconds so I could give them a direction.  Other than that the day went pretty smoothly.  (Much better than my 5th grade trial of Wednesday - which I hope to write about soon and post date, so check later!)  At the end of the day we had a cupcake party for a girl whose birthday is in the summer.  This hyped the kids up so much I was very happy to send them home 30 minutes later! :)

Time Has Flown!

Guys!  It has been SO long!  Yes, I'm still subbing.  I've actually been fairly busy.  But since I was doing that long-term job until the end of January, and I was working on my Master's degree, I didn't really have time or feel inclined to write these blog posts, and then I just plain got out of the habit!  But I'm back now!  Here's a little of what's been happening:

I finished the first grade job at the end of January - making it four months that I had the position.  It was all kinds of stressful and challenging and fun and rewarding.  I worked with the most amazing team of teachers - I was just as sad to leave them as I was to leave my kiddos.  Both the first grade teachers were helpful and supportive all the time - they gave me ideas and advice and answered all my questions, and made me feel like I was doing stuff right.  My last three days at this job were spent team teaching with the returning teacher.  I planned the lessons and taught most of them while the regular teacher observed and assisted.  On the last day she took over some of the lessons and I assisted.  At the end of the day we had a party - the class had earned popcorn and a movie, and one student brought cookies for their birthday.  Then the principal arrived with cupcakes for the kids and flowers and a card for me.  Oh, and I gave the kids bookmarks that I'd made them.  Needless to say they were all very hyped up that afternoon.

The next week I went back to regular subbing.  I emailed all the teachers I'd written to earlier in the year to tell them I was available again.  I've since visited some of the classrooms, although I've only actually been to 7 different schools this year!

In other news - I completed my Master's degree on April 11th!  (Finally, no more homework!)  Then on April 12, my mom, aunt and I flew to Disneyland to celebrate.  Even though I missed out on a couple days of subbing, it was worth it!

I've been keeping a record of where I've gone each day, so I might (if I get really ambitious), go back and write blog posts that are more specific.  Check back and harass me if nothing ever appears!  Only 17 days of school left!