Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Beamed Down by Aliens


The last week and a half has been a blur to me. You may have noticed I've been a bit absent lately, and here's why.

I was abducted by aliens.

Well okay, not really, but I was standing in my classroom yesterday, in front of my new sixth graders on the first day of school, and I thought to myself, "How did I get here? I was just on summer vacation and then KA-BLAM! Here I am. Back in the classroom."

My girls came back with me too, and I'm super excited about having them at my school this year. It's going to simplify everything. And annoy me to the point of wanting to jump off a bridge when they're bickering in my classroom after school, but they're there with me, and that is just the coolest thing. Now I can deal with snakes first hand when they crop up. I can't wait.

I just got the one picture yesterday because we were running late. We got up in plenty of time, hard as it was, but Zoe Bug woke up looking like this again, and that threw a wrench in the getting ready routine. It set us back a good fifteen minutes. Plus, because we're so lucky, it was raining. I had to rush the first day of school picture, and as a result it's a little blurry.

I am back in the saddle though, and looking forward to a routine again. I'm pretty happy with my new sixth graders. I have another super sweet class, and it's going to be a great year, I can already tell. Today I had them read "Dear New Sixth Grader" letters from my class last year, and I got a little teary eyed while reminiscing. It made me laugh to read some of the tips and advice given to my new sixth graders. Here's a small sampling of the nuggets of wisdom that were dispensed.

Sixth grade is pretty epic. You learn a lot and have fun.

Hmmm. I have to stop and look up the word "epic." I'm not sure it was used appropriately. It's dang cute though. I should make a vinyl quote for my classroom wall. Yes, that's it! I'm doing it.

About Mrs. Scott, be careful. She's OCD and a little clutzy.

Word.

Give Mrs. Scott presents. She loves presents.

And you my dear, get an A.  A big. Fat. A.

She is fun, and sometimes, I have to admit, she's boring.

Join the club, sister. This isn't MTV.

Um, does that even exist anymore?

She is a funny teacher sometimes, but when you get on her bad side, her head will pop off and chase you around the room, so it's better to be on her good side.

Most excellent advice, if I do say so myself.

Mrs. Scott is a crafty person, so she will make you little bookmarks and all kinds of stuff that is crafty.

I seriously cannot help it. I want to make them things because they are so dang cute. And sweet. And amazing.

You need to know that Mrs. Scott likes to joke around and give lots of homework.

I have no idea what this person is talking about.

Oh, and she hates the word reduce, so don't say it, say simplify.

What can I say? I'm quirky. And picky.

She is really nice and she also likes everything really clean and straight in the classroom, but that's a good thing because then you won't have to clean a lot.

I have symmetry issues. This is true.

Rule #1 - Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself, Rule #2 - stay in your seat when someone is talking, Rule #3 - No airborne objects.

It's true. I absolutely insist that they do not throw their desks.

They just kill me. I can't wait to read what my new class writes at the end of this school year.

16 comments:

  1. i can just imagine your head popping off and chasing students around the room...hahahaha!
    i'm so glad alex in in your class this year!!!

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  2. I love this--that advice to your new sixth graders is so funny! What a mean teacher you are to insist they do not throw their desks! Ha, ha, I love it!

    Have a wonderful year. I teach 5th grade boys in Sunday School and just got presents for my first time. It is such a thrill! I like presents too. Here's my link to the post I wrote about this if you have time to stop by:
    http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2010/08/surprises-from-some-super-boys-that.html

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  3. How funny are they! Very cute things they picked up on. Watch ~ this year they have a teacher that doesn't like the word "simplify" and wants them to use the word "reduce". No wonder our youth can be screwy! : )

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  4. I love what your "old" 6th graders wrote! And what is up with the word EPIC!

    We started this week and get the kids next!

    Have a great day

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  5. You sound like you are an amazing teacher. I wish I lived by you so my kids could have you. The advice letters are hilarious. What a good idea. Good luck this year. We all love you teachers.

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  6. Could you post some video of your head popping off and chasing the kids around the room?

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  7. Epic is just another word turned catch phrase. My kids started with it last year as well in 6th grade. Depending on when they use it, it can be awesome bad or awesome good. Those are some funny things that they wrote.

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  8. I love it!!!
    I hope you get chocolate and lots of it.
    Where did the summer go? I think we didn't have it.

    Cute girls! I'm glad they are in school with you. They are such lucky kids. They'll be the most popular.

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  9. Glad to see you're still alive. Love the letters. Sounds like you had some interesting students last year. Good luck with the new year.

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  10. So after reading your post, I had to go back and click on all the past posts you have linked to in this one. First- I wish I had an answer for Zoe's hair. But wow. Thats an amazing thing. Poor girl getting that combed out and poor momma for having to do it. Another reason I am thankful for my boys.

    and 2- the snake post- I am STILL laughing. HILARIOUS. I heart your girls. Both of them. JUST because of that post. yup- STILL laughing...

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  11. Love that phrase: no airborne objects! I'm a sub, so I always make sure to mention in the morning about not throwing things, even making "baskets" with paper or tissue...just leads to problems.

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  12. Why in the world do your girls look so grown up all of a sudden? And what's with the long sleeve shirts and pants? It's going to be 91 here in Colorado tomorrow! :(

    I didn't know you were a teacher. You sound like a great one for kids to leave those kind of comments. My oldest started 5th grade, our oldest grade in the school. It *is* epic! I love that!

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  13. Little kids are awsome. Danica's goal for her first day of Kindergarten was to learn to read so she could read to her little brother.

    I can't wait to see what her goal for the first day of grade six will be. :-P

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  14. I just signed up to your blogs rss feed. Will you post more on this subject?

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