Dynamic Backdrop

Today was a very long day. My students were walking barometers and the weather change was not nice to me. :) When I got home I felt completly exheausted and then I looked out the front window and witnessed a gorgeous sight. In the background the sky was very dark covered from the storm that went through today and in the foregroung was a gorgeous golden orange tree, with the sun shining just right and illuminating it. It is hard to explain the beauty of it, but it is gorgeous.

Today was an emotionally challenging day, but as the cutest little six year old came up to me with a huge smile on her face and simply sad, "you looked like you needed a hug," I realized that it was all okay. I love the simple way children think and the tenderness of their hearts that are not hardened by the world and the pain. I am coming to realize that that very reason is one of the best things about being a teacher. As a teacher you get to spend every minute of your day looking through the "eyes of a child."

Some day the same children that drive me crazy also keep me sane. For example; one of my little boys was having a very hard time listening today and we had many one on one talks. At the end of the day he ran up to me and gave me a huge hug and said, "I'm sorry about today, Mrs. Talicska. I'll try harder tomorrow." How in the world do you be mad after that.

Is anyone out there????

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you are simply talking to yourself? If you have kids or are a teacher (or have a husband :) ) you probably know what I mean. Today was one of those days for me. I know that it is Friday, but come on!!!!!
Needless to say, first grade was extremely talkative today. I was planning on staying after today and making sure that everything was ready to go for Monday, and then.... I looked around and realized I did not want to be in that room anymore today.
I came home and walked into my recently cleaned and fall smelling living room and simply sat there. Listening to only silence. I didn't even realize I was doing it until the annoying hoodlums rode by my window on their super-loud motorized scooter. Don't they know I want some peace and quiet!!
I am now officially halfway through first grade and feel more and more like a teacher every day. However, on days like today, I wonder if the students are even "getting it." That is if they can even hear me over their CHIT-CHAT!!!!! I am in desperate need of one of those "this is why I do what I do" moments.

I am happily welcoming the weekend and for now will put off Monday for a few days.