Two More...

All it takes is for that first student to finish

his/her journal to start the ball rolling.

Now all of the students

are scrambling to finish

their own journals so they can get a brand new one.

Here are our newest Jounalists...so to speak!

Aurora and Casey

Whoops!

I handed them the wrong journal.

But, they are such cuties,

I had to post all four photos!

My Favorite Spot In The Classroom!

A few years ago, I moonlighted at the amazing retail store Bath and Body Works. I was there for three years and even made it to a management position. However, teaching and being at school for 9-10 hours a day and then spending four more at the mall each night really took its toll on this ole body of mine.

One of the perks (if not THE perk) of working at such a store was the opportunity of purchasing the props for dirt cheap. This little number, the bright red bathtub, was worth all the days of sore feet, rude customers, and lost weekends.

Guess how much I bought it for? FIVE DOLLARS! Yup! Just $5.00. It is made of solid plastic that is about two inches thick. It fits a first grader perfectly! I bought a body pillow which also fits perfectly. I rounded up a comfy pillow for the head. A grandmother of one of my last year's students made a blanket with a crocheted edge just for the tub. (Don't worry, I take them home and wash them frequently!) This cute tub was what sparked my love of rubber ducks. It's a whole package you know!

Each week, we have an Aviator of the Week. As part of the "honor", the Aviator gets to read in the tub at any time during the day. The children LOVE it. So do I.

I sometimes secretly wish I were the size of a first grader so that I could read in the tub.

Don't lie...you wish you could try it too don't you?

Chloe reading to Arthur!

Look at the sweet child!

How did I get to be so lucky?

Casey enjoying the book "Dem Bones".

I Saw A Ghost!

(OOPS! I've tried several times to upload the video to this post and it's running way faster than the audio. I've already spent WAYYYY too long trying to figure out what I've done wrong...does anyone know?? So, for now, just enjoy their cute faces moving much too quickly for the adorable recitation of our weekly poem. So sorry!)

Casey, Brieanna, Chloe, Zoe, and Aurora

I saw a ghost one night last week,

All long and lean and slinky.

When I stepped outside my house,

In darkness black and inky.

He waved his arms and legs at me.

The moon began to shine.

Awe SHUCKS!!!

Just daddy's underwear hangin' on the line!

The whole concept of long underwear was a mystery to the children. As was the "line" business. I was shocked I tell you. They were definitely giggling by the end of my explanation though. Each Friday we have "Performance Friday" where whoever has memorized the weekly poem gets to perform it for the rest of the class. It's my favorite time of the week.

I realize this performance was very quiet. Don't worry...these performances will improve with time! I'm hoping that I'LL manage to stay out of the video next time!

Don't you just love these little shavers???

I do.

How do they do that??

Casey in the middle.

Alex on the right.

I PROMISE I'm Not Bribing Your Children!

I have the most amazingly "aware" children in my class this year. They listen to everything I say. They notice their surroundings. I don't think I've had a group of children who have had so many little ones pay attention like this one. I love it! When we ran low on pencils I simply said "I can't believe we are already out of pencils! You are such good writers that you're using up all the writing utensils!" Next thing I knew...the very next day, in walks a student with a pack of pencils to donate to our diminishing class supply.

See what I mean?

I'm guessing that everyone knows of my Diet Coke love. Last year when the Coke machine stockers arrived at school, one of the first graders yelled "Look Mrs. Anderson, your truck is here!" I loved it. Probably too much. I can't help it.

Last week I was tickled pink to be greeted by not one, not two, not three, but FOUR mornings with a Diet Coke. It totally made my day! I love these children! One mother told me that she has to check her daughter's backpack every morning as her Diet Cokes have come up missing from her refrigerator!! Soooooory! :)

So, to all of you who brought me the wonderful treats last week...thank you! I think I'm in love with these 19 darling first graders!

Aurora brought two cans one morning.

One can was nicely chilled!

Heston showed up with a fountain drink.

When I told him how much I appreciated it he truly made

this statement:

So cute.

And, finally, how could I NOT have a good day

after these two beauties from Casey and Zoe.

Thank you! Thank you! And remember...I am NOT bribing the children. They are just super darling and generous. I love you all.