Sometimes I have stories that I don't think are "blog-worthy". Then when I'm shooting the breeze with co-workers and friends, they say..."You should soooo post that! That's hilarious!" Today's Daley Laugh is one of those stories. So...here it goes!
The school I work at was collecting canned goods for Thanksgiving to send to the community food bank. To increase the amount of canned goods we collect, our principal creates a little healthy competition. Usually the class who collects the most canned goods wins a pizza party. So you know the competition is heavy in the building. Sometimes the teachers go at it and plot to steal canned goods from another class to increase their chances of winning.
Well...one of the little angels in my class (we'll call him Anthony) was SERIOUS about winning the competition this year. Everyday he made it a point to remind his peers to bring canned goods into school. If one of the children forgos to bring in cans, he would be prepared with a lecture and a pep talk as to why it was important for us to bring in canned goods (of course his reason was so that our class could win the pizza party).
As the canned food drive progressed, Little Anthony started stressing his peers AND his parents out at home (You would think this child has never eaten pizza before!)! Each morning, Anthony's dad would say, "Ms. Daley! This child is stressing me out about these canned goods! Is it that serious?!?!?!" I explained to Anthony's dad that the class with the most canned goods would win a pizza party. Of course Anthony's dad is like, "Pizza?!?! We eat that at least once a week! It's not that serious!"
The last day of the canned food drive arrived. I'm in my classroom taking attendance, collecting homework, and all those other wonderful morning tasks when I hear Anthony's dad call my name. I come to the doorway and I see Anthony crouched into a little ball, weeping outside my door.
Anthony's dad says, "See! Dis yo fault! This canned food drive done made the boy go crazy!"
Of course I'm confused and I ask what is going on. Anthony's dad proceeds to tell me that Little Anthony is upset because his dad did not buy any canned foods to donate to our food drive. Anthony is also upset because he feels that if his dad bought canned foods, our class would have been guaranteed a victory.
I look at Little Anthony and say, "Anthony? Canned foods? It's not that serious. Please come in the classroom and get ready to begin the day."
Little Anthony drags himself into the coat closet and then I hear Anthony's dad say, "You still actin' crazy? Everybody out." I have never seen those children file out of the coat closet so quickly. Then I hear a smack and then it's quiet.
When Anthony's dad emerges from the closet, he lets me know that he had to handle some business. Then he said, "Canned goods??? It's not that serious!"
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
BUSTED!
Hello all! Here I am with a brand, spanking new post to my blog. It was quite a busy day. The funny thing is I didn't go to work today. Today was my son's birthday and I decided to take the day to deliver goodies to his class and sugar up other people's children, then send them home. I guess it worked since his class was loaded with cupcakes from their Thanksgiving feast AND the goodies my son shared with his class. One sugared up child is enough!
On with my story...I took the day off to spend with my son for his 5th birthday. Well my son had an early dismissal and so did my school. I needed to run an errand and I made the mistake of running that errand in the vicinity of the school I work at (STUPID MOVE, MRS. DALEY!). Not only was I in very close proximity of the school, I also decided to run that errand as my school was dismissing. Obviously I wasn't thinking. DUH! I run into the store and am on line about to make my purchase when I hear..."Mrs. Daley! There you are!"
At this point I'm cringing because I know when I turn around I will be staring into the face of a child from my school. Just my luck, the child would be in my class. Of course I was extremely lucky and I turned around to look into the face of a child and mother from my class. Well it gets better...the child begins his interrogation process. Now of course, when I'm teaching Reading and I ask this child to make up some good questions to ask about the story, he can barely do that. However he knew ALL the right questions to ask (in front of his mother, might I add) about why I wasn't school and what was I doing in the store.
Georgie - Mrs. Daley! Where were you today?
Me - (trying to maintain composure in front of the parent) Well, I was feeling a little under the weather today.
Georgie - Under the weather? What does that mean? You stayed home because of the weather? It's nice out today.
Me - Under the weather means that I wasn't feeling well today.
Georgie - Then why did you come outside? You should be home.
Me - You're right...I should be home.
Georgie - Well, maybe you're feeling a little better. That means you will be in school on Monday, right?
Me - Of course! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Georgie - Ok...see you Monday.
Well, needless to say I was quite embarassed and it felt as though the line was moving slower than ever! It was clear the parent wanted to start laughing and say, "BUSTED!" I truly was busted today.
Mental note to self: Do not run errands in the vicinity of the school on alleged "sick days".
Mental note #2: If I need to run errands in the vicinity of the school, make sure I run them WELL after dismissal time.
On with my story...I took the day off to spend with my son for his 5th birthday. Well my son had an early dismissal and so did my school. I needed to run an errand and I made the mistake of running that errand in the vicinity of the school I work at (STUPID MOVE, MRS. DALEY!). Not only was I in very close proximity of the school, I also decided to run that errand as my school was dismissing. Obviously I wasn't thinking. DUH! I run into the store and am on line about to make my purchase when I hear..."Mrs. Daley! There you are!"
At this point I'm cringing because I know when I turn around I will be staring into the face of a child from my school. Just my luck, the child would be in my class. Of course I was extremely lucky and I turned around to look into the face of a child and mother from my class. Well it gets better...the child begins his interrogation process. Now of course, when I'm teaching Reading and I ask this child to make up some good questions to ask about the story, he can barely do that. However he knew ALL the right questions to ask (in front of his mother, might I add) about why I wasn't school and what was I doing in the store.
Georgie - Mrs. Daley! Where were you today?
Me - (trying to maintain composure in front of the parent) Well, I was feeling a little under the weather today.
Georgie - Under the weather? What does that mean? You stayed home because of the weather? It's nice out today.
Me - Under the weather means that I wasn't feeling well today.
Georgie - Then why did you come outside? You should be home.
Me - You're right...I should be home.
Georgie - Well, maybe you're feeling a little better. That means you will be in school on Monday, right?
Me - Of course! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Georgie - Ok...see you Monday.
Well, needless to say I was quite embarassed and it felt as though the line was moving slower than ever! It was clear the parent wanted to start laughing and say, "BUSTED!" I truly was busted today.
Mental note to self: Do not run errands in the vicinity of the school on alleged "sick days".
Mental note #2: If I need to run errands in the vicinity of the school, make sure I run them WELL after dismissal time.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #16
The saga of Big Perm continues...
I meant to post about this yesterday. By the time I got home yesterday, I was too stressed out and annoyed. So I decided not to post the Daley Laugh.
Soooo...where should I begin??? Ahhhhh...Big Perm! Big Perm and his parents never cease to amaze me. But yesterday, it took everything in me not to point and laugh. I did an excellent job maintaining my composure. However, when I saw him in the hall, I did STOP in my tracks and STARE for a good 2-3 minutes.
I am sure most of you are familiar with that annoying female rapper, Nicki Minaj. Well, for those of you who are not familiar with her...she likes to wear wigs of crazy colors and different styles. Sometimes you might see her in a Chinese Bob. You may have seen Rihanna wearing her hair like that from time to time. Well...Big Perm must have gotten a touch up (relaxer) over the weekend. Yesterday his hair was bone straight and it was kind of styled into a Chinese Bob (I'll be including a picture of one for you visual learners.). Well, I stopped and stared. I even did a "Linda Blair" as I continued to walk down the hallway. I swear my head turned ALL THE WAY around! My question is...Why does this boy's mother and sisters continue to make a mockery of him on a weekly basis?!?!?!?! HE LOOKS TERRIBLE!
Part 2 of today's Daley Laugh is actually about some of the kids in my class. My kids don't do many things that make me say "Oh my gosh! I have to write about this!" Well, today was one of those days I had to write about.
A young girl (we'll call her Susie) and a young boy (we'll call him Tony) are arguing in my classroom. Tony runs up to me and tells me that Susie said nasty things to him. So I ask..."What kind of nasty things?" Tony whispers, "Susie said my butthole is wide." So you know I had to pause and get it together before I commented. Of course, I ask why she told him he had a wide butthole. Tony is distraught and tells me he has no idea why she would say that. So I call Susie over and I ask her if she told Tony he had a wide butthole. She looks at me with wide eyes because she's about to lie, but instead she gives me some crazy story about him taking something from her. So she decided to insult him by telling him he had a wide butthole. Our conversation went something like this:
Me: Susie? Could you come here for a moment?
Susie: Yes...
Me: Susie, did you tell Tony that his butthole was wide????
Susie: (wide eyed) Well...he...ummmmm...Well he took my paper from me and told me to be quiet. So I told him that's why he farts too much and his butthole is wide because of it.
Me: I see...well, what's a butthole?
Susie: Huh?!?!
Me: What's a butthole?
Susie: (whispers) That thing behind you.
Me: My desk????
Susie: No...that thing behind you. Between your buttcheeks.
Me: OHHHHHH! Do you talk like that at home?
Susie: No.
Me: Have you ever heard me tell one of you that your butthole is too wide?
Susie: No.
Me: Then why would you choose to have those conversations in school?
Susie: (no answer)
I don't think I need to write anymore about Susie, Big Perm and their shenanigans. I know you're thinking that this can't possibly be going on at her school or in her class. I am not joking. I couldn't make this stuff up if I wanted to! So as you can see...I had a very fun filled Tuesday. Unfortunately my stress level made me forget about it. I'm glad I was able to share this story with you to bring down that level of stress. I hope you enjoyed the Daley Laugh.
I meant to post about this yesterday. By the time I got home yesterday, I was too stressed out and annoyed. So I decided not to post the Daley Laugh.
Soooo...where should I begin??? Ahhhhh...Big Perm! Big Perm and his parents never cease to amaze me. But yesterday, it took everything in me not to point and laugh. I did an excellent job maintaining my composure. However, when I saw him in the hall, I did STOP in my tracks and STARE for a good 2-3 minutes.
I am sure most of you are familiar with that annoying female rapper, Nicki Minaj. Well, for those of you who are not familiar with her...she likes to wear wigs of crazy colors and different styles. Sometimes you might see her in a Chinese Bob. You may have seen Rihanna wearing her hair like that from time to time. Well...Big Perm must have gotten a touch up (relaxer) over the weekend. Yesterday his hair was bone straight and it was kind of styled into a Chinese Bob (I'll be including a picture of one for you visual learners.). Well, I stopped and stared. I even did a "Linda Blair" as I continued to walk down the hallway. I swear my head turned ALL THE WAY around! My question is...Why does this boy's mother and sisters continue to make a mockery of him on a weekly basis?!?!?!?! HE LOOKS TERRIBLE!
Part 2 of today's Daley Laugh is actually about some of the kids in my class. My kids don't do many things that make me say "Oh my gosh! I have to write about this!" Well, today was one of those days I had to write about.
A young girl (we'll call her Susie) and a young boy (we'll call him Tony) are arguing in my classroom. Tony runs up to me and tells me that Susie said nasty things to him. So I ask..."What kind of nasty things?" Tony whispers, "Susie said my butthole is wide." So you know I had to pause and get it together before I commented. Of course, I ask why she told him he had a wide butthole. Tony is distraught and tells me he has no idea why she would say that. So I call Susie over and I ask her if she told Tony he had a wide butthole. She looks at me with wide eyes because she's about to lie, but instead she gives me some crazy story about him taking something from her. So she decided to insult him by telling him he had a wide butthole. Our conversation went something like this:
Me: Susie? Could you come here for a moment?
Susie: Yes...
Me: Susie, did you tell Tony that his butthole was wide????
Susie: (wide eyed) Well...he...ummmmm...Well he took my paper from me and told me to be quiet. So I told him that's why he farts too much and his butthole is wide because of it.
Me: I see...well, what's a butthole?
Susie: Huh?!?!
Me: What's a butthole?
Susie: (whispers) That thing behind you.
Me: My desk????
Susie: No...that thing behind you. Between your buttcheeks.
Me: OHHHHHH! Do you talk like that at home?
Susie: No.
Me: Have you ever heard me tell one of you that your butthole is too wide?
Susie: No.
Me: Then why would you choose to have those conversations in school?
Susie: (no answer)
I don't think I need to write anymore about Susie, Big Perm and their shenanigans. I know you're thinking that this can't possibly be going on at her school or in her class. I am not joking. I couldn't make this stuff up if I wanted to! So as you can see...I had a very fun filled Tuesday. Unfortunately my stress level made me forget about it. I'm glad I was able to share this story with you to bring down that level of stress. I hope you enjoyed the Daley Laugh.
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| Big Perm's newest hairstyle |
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #14
Hi guys! A new school year is upon us and I am back with another Daley Laugh! I'm so excited!!!!!!! Surprising as it may be, I really miss the kids I had last year. They were an awesome bunch and most of all...I MISS PETER!!!!!!! So far, the children in my class haven't done anything that would make me want to post a Daley Laugh. I was beginning to get worried until I spotted one of my former students in the hallway today. Those of you who are familiar with the movie Friday will understand why I have renamed the boy 'Big Perm'.
Well...I'm walking up the steps with some pep and I happen to run into one of my students (who is now in the 6th grade). I glanced at him, did a quick double take, and almost tripped up the steps. This young man had his hair styled into something that was a cross between a doobie (roller set) and a jheri curl (Michael Jackson's 80's hairstyle). To make matters worse...it was parted down the middle!!!!!!!!!!
What parent in their right mind would allow their 11 year old son walk around with his hair styled like that?!?!?! I mean, was he trying out for a part as Huggy Bear's extra in Starsky and Hutch? UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!! The sad part is this...I think someone in his house must be going to beauty school because his mother and sisters have been experimenting on his hair since the kindergarten (I've known this child since he was in the kindergarten!)! I'll give you the timeline of Big Perm's hairstyles.
Kindergarten - He started the school year off with a regular haircut. It evolved into a TWA (teeny weeny afro). Then he had corn rows (braids) w/extensions...Weave to be exact. He finished the school year with a relaxer (kind of and Al Sharpton type of hairdo.)
1st - I believe a regular haircut. A TWA here and there and then braids (sometimes with weave).
2nd - Regular haircut. Braids at times and a TWA.
3rd - Regular haircut. Sometimes a TWA.
4th - He started with a regular haircut. Eventually that low haircut evolved into a relaxer that was cut into a pixie cut (Halle Berry's short do...sometimes with spikes). One day, he wore an afro wig.
5th - Low haircut. A TWA. At some point, corn rows w/weave and rubber bands at the tips.
6th - Corn rows w/weave. And now the doobie/jheri curl. Which has earned him the name Big Perm.
I am sure this little boy loathes his sisters and mother for putting him through this torture. I loathe them for him.
I am sure that after reading this, you're saying this can't be true. I'm telling u...it is. I can't make this stuff up. And if I could post pictures, I would. Hope you enjoyed today's Daley Laugh. It made me chuckle in the middle of a hectic day.
Well...I'm walking up the steps with some pep and I happen to run into one of my students (who is now in the 6th grade). I glanced at him, did a quick double take, and almost tripped up the steps. This young man had his hair styled into something that was a cross between a doobie (roller set) and a jheri curl (Michael Jackson's 80's hairstyle). To make matters worse...it was parted down the middle!!!!!!!!!!
What parent in their right mind would allow their 11 year old son walk around with his hair styled like that?!?!?! I mean, was he trying out for a part as Huggy Bear's extra in Starsky and Hutch? UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!! The sad part is this...I think someone in his house must be going to beauty school because his mother and sisters have been experimenting on his hair since the kindergarten (I've known this child since he was in the kindergarten!)! I'll give you the timeline of Big Perm's hairstyles.
Kindergarten - He started the school year off with a regular haircut. It evolved into a TWA (teeny weeny afro). Then he had corn rows (braids) w/extensions...Weave to be exact. He finished the school year with a relaxer (kind of and Al Sharpton type of hairdo.)
1st - I believe a regular haircut. A TWA here and there and then braids (sometimes with weave).
2nd - Regular haircut. Braids at times and a TWA.
3rd - Regular haircut. Sometimes a TWA.
4th - He started with a regular haircut. Eventually that low haircut evolved into a relaxer that was cut into a pixie cut (Halle Berry's short do...sometimes with spikes). One day, he wore an afro wig.
5th - Low haircut. A TWA. At some point, corn rows w/weave and rubber bands at the tips.
6th - Corn rows w/weave. And now the doobie/jheri curl. Which has earned him the name Big Perm.
I am sure this little boy loathes his sisters and mother for putting him through this torture. I loathe them for him.
I am sure that after reading this, you're saying this can't be true. I'm telling u...it is. I can't make this stuff up. And if I could post pictures, I would. Hope you enjoyed today's Daley Laugh. It made me chuckle in the middle of a hectic day.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #13
The year is over! Thank goodness! It's been a rough year and I am glad to say that I made it through. My last day is Friday and I will be on a well deserved summer break. The natives (my students) are restless and they cannot wait until they are set free at 12:45 pm on Thursday, June 24, 2010. I can't wait to set them free either.
This week, we've been cleaning up the classroom, taking books home, cleaning out desks, and all that other fun stuff. In the mean time, the children have been kicking back, relaxing, playing board games, and having such meaningful conversations with each other.
As I was cleaning the classroom, I was quite surprised to hear about their topic of conversation. I heard the words "alien" and "Arizona", so it made my ears perk up a bit so I could listen to this conversation. I even started working a lot slower so I could concentrate on their discussion. They were sitting in groups when Buffy (she's my drama queen) started the conversation. It went a little something like this...
Buffy: Did you know that Dora was an alien from Arizona?
Eric: An alien from Arizona? Arizona is in the United States and Dora is not from outer space.
Tiffany: Dora is not an alien and there is no such thing is aliens!
Buffy: I saw it! Dora had a black eye and everything. They beat her up because she's an alien.
That's as much of the conversation I could handle. Then one of my kids comes up to me and says, "Mrs. Daley, did you hear that Dora was an alien from Arizona?"
I had to contain myself. This was the first time I was hearing about this issue of Dora being an alien and having a black eye. Well, I didn't want the children to have false information. So in a simple way, I explained the issue in Arizona and why they were seeing pictures of Dora (the Explorer) with a black eye. I also had to explain what they meant by alien in that sense.
I really liked this group of second graders. Some of the conversations they would have were hilarious. Some were quite interesting and even made me stop to think. I wish I could have moved up to third grade with them. They were a hilarious bunch. Very innocent and sometimes whiny and babyish...but I loved them all the same. I'm going to miss them next year.
Well, hope you enjoyed the Daley Laugh. Hopefully, I will have one more story to share before the last day. If not, I had a great time sharing moments with my class. Hope you enjoyed reading the Daley Laugh as much as I enjoyed writing it.
This week, we've been cleaning up the classroom, taking books home, cleaning out desks, and all that other fun stuff. In the mean time, the children have been kicking back, relaxing, playing board games, and having such meaningful conversations with each other.
As I was cleaning the classroom, I was quite surprised to hear about their topic of conversation. I heard the words "alien" and "Arizona", so it made my ears perk up a bit so I could listen to this conversation. I even started working a lot slower so I could concentrate on their discussion. They were sitting in groups when Buffy (she's my drama queen) started the conversation. It went a little something like this...
Buffy: Did you know that Dora was an alien from Arizona?
Eric: An alien from Arizona? Arizona is in the United States and Dora is not from outer space.
Tiffany: Dora is not an alien and there is no such thing is aliens!
Buffy: I saw it! Dora had a black eye and everything. They beat her up because she's an alien.
That's as much of the conversation I could handle. Then one of my kids comes up to me and says, "Mrs. Daley, did you hear that Dora was an alien from Arizona?"
I had to contain myself. This was the first time I was hearing about this issue of Dora being an alien and having a black eye. Well, I didn't want the children to have false information. So in a simple way, I explained the issue in Arizona and why they were seeing pictures of Dora (the Explorer) with a black eye. I also had to explain what they meant by alien in that sense.
I really liked this group of second graders. Some of the conversations they would have were hilarious. Some were quite interesting and even made me stop to think. I wish I could have moved up to third grade with them. They were a hilarious bunch. Very innocent and sometimes whiny and babyish...but I loved them all the same. I'm going to miss them next year.
Well, hope you enjoyed the Daley Laugh. Hopefully, I will have one more story to share before the last day. If not, I had a great time sharing moments with my class. Hope you enjoyed reading the Daley Laugh as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #11
After today, I'm tempted to changed the title of my "Daley Laugh" to "Daley Laugh and Some Sentiments". For those of you who don't know how this school year began for me...let's just say that I was ready to quit teaching completely by October. Let's just say I went through 3 big changes in a matter of just 6 weeks! And I'm only speaking about the 2009-2010 school year. It was rough. Like I said yesterday, I've been giving my career path some serious thought. Well yesterday, the kids reminded me of why I decided to teach.
Today, I started off the day praying that I would not go postal. It was a bad day. Towards the end of the day, I received something that made me a little misty eyed and I was truly touched. Before I go into what made me feel that way, I must give you some background knowledge.
In the beginning of the school year, I was slated to teach second grade. Due to some unforeseen circumstances within the building I was asked to take over the 4th grade the day before school started. Yes...that's what I said. I got used to the idea of teaching 4th grade right away and I was actually excited. I really wanted to work with the incoming 4th graders. Since I was asked to move to the 4th grade, the 2nd grade class I was slated to have was without a teacher. Unfortunately, they had to start the school year with a substitute.
Well...6 weeks into the school year, I am informed that I must go back to second grade. The class was in a disarray and they needed a "seasoned teacher" to go in and put it back together (Or so I was told.). The logic behind this decision made no sense, but I am low on the totem pole...I'm just a classroom teacher. What do I know? Well, needless to say, I was VERY UPSET. I had already formed a bond with some of the children and did not want to leave them. Of course, I didn't have a choice and I was back in the second grade.
Today the 4th graders I originally had were given a Writing assignment by their teacher and she sent it to me. She told me I would appreciate it. The assignment was to write about their worst memory of fourth grade. I learned today that you never know what impact you have on a child's life. They always remember the tiniest gesture (whether it be positive or negative). I'm going to share this child's response with you. It brought a little tear to my eye and as I am typing this...I'm getting a little teary eyed. Soooooo...here it goes!
The worst memory of this school year is when Ms. Daley left our class. It was the worst memory because Ms. Daley was the best teacher that I ever had. She was really nice and she treated us like we were her kids. We never had a problem with her. Ms. Daley is the first teacher that the whole class was respectful to. If you have the chance to meet her, you'd love her just like me. Ms. Daley will probably work in 5th grade. If she does, I will be so happy. I will be her teacher's helper, assistant, best student and help her with passing out paper and pencils. I love you, Ms. Daley!!!!
After reading that I was so touched. I was speechless and it actually made my day. I guess this is my path in life. It's where I'm supposed to be. I never dreamed of having such an effect on a child and must say that I am so touched to know that this child feels this way about me.
That's all for today...thanks for sharing in my moment.
Today, I started off the day praying that I would not go postal. It was a bad day. Towards the end of the day, I received something that made me a little misty eyed and I was truly touched. Before I go into what made me feel that way, I must give you some background knowledge.
In the beginning of the school year, I was slated to teach second grade. Due to some unforeseen circumstances within the building I was asked to take over the 4th grade the day before school started. Yes...that's what I said. I got used to the idea of teaching 4th grade right away and I was actually excited. I really wanted to work with the incoming 4th graders. Since I was asked to move to the 4th grade, the 2nd grade class I was slated to have was without a teacher. Unfortunately, they had to start the school year with a substitute.
Well...6 weeks into the school year, I am informed that I must go back to second grade. The class was in a disarray and they needed a "seasoned teacher" to go in and put it back together (Or so I was told.). The logic behind this decision made no sense, but I am low on the totem pole...I'm just a classroom teacher. What do I know? Well, needless to say, I was VERY UPSET. I had already formed a bond with some of the children and did not want to leave them. Of course, I didn't have a choice and I was back in the second grade.
Today the 4th graders I originally had were given a Writing assignment by their teacher and she sent it to me. She told me I would appreciate it. The assignment was to write about their worst memory of fourth grade. I learned today that you never know what impact you have on a child's life. They always remember the tiniest gesture (whether it be positive or negative). I'm going to share this child's response with you. It brought a little tear to my eye and as I am typing this...I'm getting a little teary eyed. Soooooo...here it goes!
The worst memory of this school year is when Ms. Daley left our class. It was the worst memory because Ms. Daley was the best teacher that I ever had. She was really nice and she treated us like we were her kids. We never had a problem with her. Ms. Daley is the first teacher that the whole class was respectful to. If you have the chance to meet her, you'd love her just like me. Ms. Daley will probably work in 5th grade. If she does, I will be so happy. I will be her teacher's helper, assistant, best student and help her with passing out paper and pencils. I love you, Ms. Daley!!!!
After reading that I was so touched. I was speechless and it actually made my day. I guess this is my path in life. It's where I'm supposed to be. I never dreamed of having such an effect on a child and must say that I am so touched to know that this child feels this way about me.
That's all for today...thanks for sharing in my moment.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #10
The year is coming to a close and I am impatiently waiting for that last day. It's been a trying year for me in many ways, however my motto is; what doesn't break you, only makes you stronger. A few times this year, I thought I was going to be broken and I toughed it out.
Usually, the Daley Laugh is a funny tidbit about something crazy one of the kids in my class did. Today's entry is a little funny, but it also reminded me of how life was so much simpler as a child. For that moment (as I was observing the little cherubs), I wished that I was sitting on the other side of the classroom again.
In Science, we were planting seeds and I actually was in awe of the children (Even Peter was awesome today!). They were so enthusiastic and that enthusiasm was so infectious. They were bubbling with questions and I actually stopped for just a moment to soak it all in.
It came time for me to distribute the seeds and as the children received them, all I could hear was, "Wow! Look how tiny they are? What kind of seed is this?" As the children were exploring and buzzing over these seeds, a new conversation started. The children decided to name the seeds. I thought this was cute. I heard names like Selena Gomez, Mylie Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Miranda Cosgrove, etc. I chuckled. Then the children proceeded to take it further. Some of the seeds were twins, other seeds were "regular brother and sister" (whatever that means...).
Well, to make a long story short...I was reminded of why I went into teaching. A lot of times this year, I questioned my career path. I started looking for career paths outside of the education field. Today, during that 45 minute period of Science, I fell in love with teaching again. I guess I needed that moment to put things back in perspective again.
I guess today's entry was not much of a "Daley Laugh". However, I did laugh a bit while listening to my students' conversations. Hope you enjoyed my entry today. If not, that's fine too.
Usually, the Daley Laugh is a funny tidbit about something crazy one of the kids in my class did. Today's entry is a little funny, but it also reminded me of how life was so much simpler as a child. For that moment (as I was observing the little cherubs), I wished that I was sitting on the other side of the classroom again.
In Science, we were planting seeds and I actually was in awe of the children (Even Peter was awesome today!). They were so enthusiastic and that enthusiasm was so infectious. They were bubbling with questions and I actually stopped for just a moment to soak it all in.
It came time for me to distribute the seeds and as the children received them, all I could hear was, "Wow! Look how tiny they are? What kind of seed is this?" As the children were exploring and buzzing over these seeds, a new conversation started. The children decided to name the seeds. I thought this was cute. I heard names like Selena Gomez, Mylie Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Miranda Cosgrove, etc. I chuckled. Then the children proceeded to take it further. Some of the seeds were twins, other seeds were "regular brother and sister" (whatever that means...).
Well, to make a long story short...I was reminded of why I went into teaching. A lot of times this year, I questioned my career path. I started looking for career paths outside of the education field. Today, during that 45 minute period of Science, I fell in love with teaching again. I guess I needed that moment to put things back in perspective again.
I guess today's entry was not much of a "Daley Laugh". However, I did laugh a bit while listening to my students' conversations. Hope you enjoyed my entry today. If not, that's fine too.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #9
It's been quite some time since I last updated you on the shenanigans in my class. Well, I must say that today was full of them. Of course we know our favorite little boy, Peter was the star of each shenanigan. I should have known this day would have been full of opportunities for comic relief. Today was our field day. Peter was in rare form.
All week the children were reminded of our field day. They were also told to wear comfortable clothing (i.e. gym uniform) and bring a bottle of water with their name on it. Well, let's say Peter marched to the beat of his own drummer when it came to that directive. Peter came to school wearing navy slacks (uniform pants), a white polo shirt (buttoned ALL the way to the top), and a navy sweater vest. He was in uniform alright...the everyday uniform! I asked him to take off the vest before we went to field day. He didn't want to. I asked if he was hot. Of course, he said, "No, I'm fine." Those of you in Jersey know how hot it was today. I was afraid the little cherub was going to pass out during our field day activities, but he hung in there. And not once did he look disheveled. LOL! His shirt stayed tucked in the ENTIRE day.
Well, the day continued without any problems until it was time to play kickball. I decided to be fun-loving and play kickball with my class. Well, it was my turn to kick. I kicked the ball into the outfield. Peter (who was on the opposite team) ran towards the ball and scooped it up. Well, one would think he would throw the ball to someone standing on base to tag me out. Or one would expect for him to chase me with the ball until he tagged me. Noooooo...not Peter. He marches to the beat of his own drum. He scooped up the ball and ran in the OPPOSITE direction! Instead of chasing me or throwing th ball to someone on base, he ran further and further into the outfield! Now, I paused and said to myself..."Self? Is he running away with the ball? No, he's gonna turn back around. He just messing around." He continued to run. The other children are screaming and yelling at him to come back. I'm telling you, if the children had not started to yell and scream, he would have run out the park and straight home! One of the other boys in my class (we'll call him Ricky) says, "Peter! What the heck are you doing?!?!?!?! You're supposed to tag her! Not run away from her!"
You would think the shenanigans stop there. Noooooooo! This is Peter, who marches to the beat of his own drum! While his team is supposed to be kicking during the game, Peter to get in touch with his "spidey senses" and climb the fence! Now here I am trying to coax this little boy down the fence!
As you can see, my day was full of fun events! I cannot wait for June 25! Well, I hope you enjoyed today's Daley Laugh. I just ask for your prayers. Help me and Peter make it to June 25.
All week the children were reminded of our field day. They were also told to wear comfortable clothing (i.e. gym uniform) and bring a bottle of water with their name on it. Well, let's say Peter marched to the beat of his own drummer when it came to that directive. Peter came to school wearing navy slacks (uniform pants), a white polo shirt (buttoned ALL the way to the top), and a navy sweater vest. He was in uniform alright...the everyday uniform! I asked him to take off the vest before we went to field day. He didn't want to. I asked if he was hot. Of course, he said, "No, I'm fine." Those of you in Jersey know how hot it was today. I was afraid the little cherub was going to pass out during our field day activities, but he hung in there. And not once did he look disheveled. LOL! His shirt stayed tucked in the ENTIRE day.
Well, the day continued without any problems until it was time to play kickball. I decided to be fun-loving and play kickball with my class. Well, it was my turn to kick. I kicked the ball into the outfield. Peter (who was on the opposite team) ran towards the ball and scooped it up. Well, one would think he would throw the ball to someone standing on base to tag me out. Or one would expect for him to chase me with the ball until he tagged me. Noooooo...not Peter. He marches to the beat of his own drum. He scooped up the ball and ran in the OPPOSITE direction! Instead of chasing me or throwing th ball to someone on base, he ran further and further into the outfield! Now, I paused and said to myself..."Self? Is he running away with the ball? No, he's gonna turn back around. He just messing around." He continued to run. The other children are screaming and yelling at him to come back. I'm telling you, if the children had not started to yell and scream, he would have run out the park and straight home! One of the other boys in my class (we'll call him Ricky) says, "Peter! What the heck are you doing?!?!?!?! You're supposed to tag her! Not run away from her!"
You would think the shenanigans stop there. Noooooooo! This is Peter, who marches to the beat of his own drum! While his team is supposed to be kicking during the game, Peter to get in touch with his "spidey senses" and climb the fence! Now here I am trying to coax this little boy down the fence!
As you can see, my day was full of fun events! I cannot wait for June 25! Well, I hope you enjoyed today's Daley Laugh. I just ask for your prayers. Help me and Peter make it to June 25.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #3
Here I am with another edition of the Daley Laugh. I hope you guys aren't getting too tired of my entries, but it's therapeutic for me. At least I get to laugh about my day. If you are bored, just don't read it. Well, let's just say "the new kid" did not let me down today. He was very quiet today. But today takes the cake. I don't think I can top this entry. The Daley Laugh begins during Writing today. I'm beginning to notice a pattern. Most of the antics happen during that time (which is in the morning).
Today, I'm going to name the new kid "Peter". The names I'm using today are to protect the innocent. Like I said before, our episode begins during Writing. Before I go into today's episode of The Daley Laugh, I think I should give you a little background information on how I run my Writing block.
This week we are working on the Principal's Book of the Month, where I read a book chosen by the principal to the class. After I have finished reading it, the children respond to it by making connections to their lives, the world, etc. Well, I read the book to them yesterday and the children began responding to the book. Today was Day 2 of the PBOM (Principal's Book of the Month). Some of my children were still writing, while others were ready to do some peer conferencing. Peer conferencing is when they pair off with another child and critique each other's writing. The kids get a sticky note and give one piece of positive feedback and 2 suggestions that will improve the piece. While this is going on we have the classical music playing and the children are relatively quiet.
Now on to the juicy stuff! Well, Peter (the new kid) has finished his piece and needs someone to conference with. I am not aware of this since I am engaged with another student (the children know not to interrupt me while I am conferencing, unless it's an emergency). While I am conferencing, I hear one of my little princesses (we'll call her Jane) say, "What are you doing and who are you talking to?" I ignore this comment since it doesn't sound like a fight. No one is crying, whining or singing, "Mrs. Daaaaallllllleeeeeeeeyyyyyyy!"
I think I'm home free until I hear Jane say, "Mrs. Daaaaaaallllllllllllleeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyy!"
I look up and say, "Yes?" And she responds with, "Peter is conferencing with himself!" Of course, I didn't believe her. I can't imagine someone conferencing with himself. That would mean the child is talking to himself and answering back. This can't be possible, I refuse to believe it! So I make the mistake of asking for more information. Why can't I just learn to LET IT GO! Noooooo! I have to find out exactly what is going on.
So I say, "Peter? What is going on? You're conferencing with yourself?" With no shame in his game, he says, "Yes. I didn't have anyone to conference with. Everyone else is busy."
I say (I'm a fool. I should have let it go when he confirmed that he was conferencing with himself), "And how is it that you're conferencing with yourself?"
Jane doesn't even let him explain, she says, "He's reading his paper and writing his suggestions on the sticky note and telling himself what he can do to make it better."
So after that comment, I am done. What can I say, because I am speechless! Who conferences with themselves?!?!?!?! I don't know!
Needless to say, since I am at a loss for words my only response is..."okay."
So there we have it...The Daley Laugh for April 13, 2010. I don't think I'll be able to top today. If I can, I'll be lucky. I'm still speechless.
Today, I'm going to name the new kid "Peter". The names I'm using today are to protect the innocent. Like I said before, our episode begins during Writing. Before I go into today's episode of The Daley Laugh, I think I should give you a little background information on how I run my Writing block.
This week we are working on the Principal's Book of the Month, where I read a book chosen by the principal to the class. After I have finished reading it, the children respond to it by making connections to their lives, the world, etc. Well, I read the book to them yesterday and the children began responding to the book. Today was Day 2 of the PBOM (Principal's Book of the Month). Some of my children were still writing, while others were ready to do some peer conferencing. Peer conferencing is when they pair off with another child and critique each other's writing. The kids get a sticky note and give one piece of positive feedback and 2 suggestions that will improve the piece. While this is going on we have the classical music playing and the children are relatively quiet.
Now on to the juicy stuff! Well, Peter (the new kid) has finished his piece and needs someone to conference with. I am not aware of this since I am engaged with another student (the children know not to interrupt me while I am conferencing, unless it's an emergency). While I am conferencing, I hear one of my little princesses (we'll call her Jane) say, "What are you doing and who are you talking to?" I ignore this comment since it doesn't sound like a fight. No one is crying, whining or singing, "Mrs. Daaaaallllllleeeeeeeeyyyyyyy!"
I think I'm home free until I hear Jane say, "Mrs. Daaaaaaallllllllllllleeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyy!"
I look up and say, "Yes?" And she responds with, "Peter is conferencing with himself!" Of course, I didn't believe her. I can't imagine someone conferencing with himself. That would mean the child is talking to himself and answering back. This can't be possible, I refuse to believe it! So I make the mistake of asking for more information. Why can't I just learn to LET IT GO! Noooooo! I have to find out exactly what is going on.
So I say, "Peter? What is going on? You're conferencing with yourself?" With no shame in his game, he says, "Yes. I didn't have anyone to conference with. Everyone else is busy."
I say (I'm a fool. I should have let it go when he confirmed that he was conferencing with himself), "And how is it that you're conferencing with yourself?"
Jane doesn't even let him explain, she says, "He's reading his paper and writing his suggestions on the sticky note and telling himself what he can do to make it better."
So after that comment, I am done. What can I say, because I am speechless! Who conferences with themselves?!?!?!?! I don't know!
Needless to say, since I am at a loss for words my only response is..."okay."
So there we have it...The Daley Laugh for April 13, 2010. I don't think I'll be able to top today. If I can, I'll be lucky. I'm still speechless.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher #2
Soooo...today was my first day back after a much deserved week long break. Not a good day for me to come back since my allergies were in rare form today. Almost every other word was followed by a sneeze, my nose was constantly itching and I wanted to stick a hanger down my throat since it was itching so bad. Well, on with my day...it started uneventfully and I thought that I wouldn't have anything interesting to share with you today. However, "the new kid" didn't let me down and today's writing lesson made me chuckle a bit.
We'll start with the new kid. Surprisingly, he did not harass me today. Instead he harassed his table mates. He started by channeling his new alter ego, Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Yeah, we met him today.). In the middle of our writing time (which is supposed to be calm and quiet, hence the classical music I play at that time), "the new kid" decides to pick up 4 pencils and pretend they were nunchucks. Then to make things worse, he decides it would be nice to include sound effects. Well, the little princess next to him goes, "Hey! What is your problem?!?! Cut it out before you get in trouble!"
Lucky for him, I was conferencing with another student when his alter ego decided to make an appearance. I asked the darling girl next to him what was wrong and she proceeds to demonstrate (mimic) what he was doing. It took everything in me to keep my professionalism and not bust out laughing. I must have really been sick, because I calmly walked up to him (I have lost every ounce of patience for this kid, so this was a big step for me.) and asked him to stop. I told him he couldn't continue to do that, since it was disturbing the people at his table. He understood and stopped.
Now, we move on to the Science lesson I received during writing. A couple weeks ago I posted this: According to one of the kids in my class, Bengal Tigers eat squid and people. Well, when that happened I kindly asked the child to please go back to her sources and double check that information. Well, I was conferencing with that child today. Do you think he/she went and corrected that information? No, of course not! He/She decided to leave it there and add some more interesting tidbits about Bengal Tigers. "Bengal Tigers eat squid and people because they are meat eaters." REALLY?!?!?!?! Because they are meat eaters?!?!?!
So in any case that you're at the beach this summer, be careful, you might see a Bengal Tiger hunting for squid. You should be extra careful, because if he can't find any squid, he'll definitely be chasing you down those sandy beaches. Then again, you could always offer him a plate of fried calamari w/marinara sauce.
I hope you found today's entry amusing. It made me chuckle a little, since I'm not feeling too hot anyway. It's a little dry, but the children were subdued for most of the day. Hopefully, it will make you chuckle. The rest of the week should be a little more exciting.
We'll start with the new kid. Surprisingly, he did not harass me today. Instead he harassed his table mates. He started by channeling his new alter ego, Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Yeah, we met him today.). In the middle of our writing time (which is supposed to be calm and quiet, hence the classical music I play at that time), "the new kid" decides to pick up 4 pencils and pretend they were nunchucks. Then to make things worse, he decides it would be nice to include sound effects. Well, the little princess next to him goes, "Hey! What is your problem?!?! Cut it out before you get in trouble!"
Lucky for him, I was conferencing with another student when his alter ego decided to make an appearance. I asked the darling girl next to him what was wrong and she proceeds to demonstrate (mimic) what he was doing. It took everything in me to keep my professionalism and not bust out laughing. I must have really been sick, because I calmly walked up to him (I have lost every ounce of patience for this kid, so this was a big step for me.) and asked him to stop. I told him he couldn't continue to do that, since it was disturbing the people at his table. He understood and stopped.
Now, we move on to the Science lesson I received during writing. A couple weeks ago I posted this: According to one of the kids in my class, Bengal Tigers eat squid and people. Well, when that happened I kindly asked the child to please go back to her sources and double check that information. Well, I was conferencing with that child today. Do you think he/she went and corrected that information? No, of course not! He/She decided to leave it there and add some more interesting tidbits about Bengal Tigers. "Bengal Tigers eat squid and people because they are meat eaters." REALLY?!?!?!?! Because they are meat eaters?!?!?!
So in any case that you're at the beach this summer, be careful, you might see a Bengal Tiger hunting for squid. You should be extra careful, because if he can't find any squid, he'll definitely be chasing you down those sandy beaches. Then again, you could always offer him a plate of fried calamari w/marinara sauce.
I hope you found today's entry amusing. It made me chuckle a little, since I'm not feeling too hot anyway. It's a little dry, but the children were subdued for most of the day. Hopefully, it will make you chuckle. The rest of the week should be a little more exciting.
The Daley Laugh - Tales of an Elementary School Teacher
Many of you who have been following the status updates of my class (my stars) have found a few of them quite amusing. I usually post them because I need a release or most often something to make me laugh.
Well, I have decided to take the advice of a high school chum (Thanks Beth!) and blog about my very cute and interesting class. So here it goes, the 1st installment of the Daley Laugh-Tales of an Elementary School Teacher. Hope you enjoy.
Soooo...I have a new story about the "new kid" in my class. Let me begin by saying that he is definitely no longer the new kid. Two kids transferred in after him and he's been in my class since January. However, he will always be the new kid to me since everyday is a brand new experience with him. Today, "the new kid" decided to give me a second introduction to his alter ego, Peter Parker. I met Peter (for the second time) as he was attempting to scale the walls in the hallway. I believe that's how we met the first time. I'm waiting to see if he will drop from the ceiling on his web.
Well, I have decided to take the advice of a high school chum (Thanks Beth!) and blog about my very cute and interesting class. So here it goes, the 1st installment of the Daley Laugh-Tales of an Elementary School Teacher. Hope you enjoy.
Soooo...I have a new story about the "new kid" in my class. Let me begin by saying that he is definitely no longer the new kid. Two kids transferred in after him and he's been in my class since January. However, he will always be the new kid to me since everyday is a brand new experience with him. Today, "the new kid" decided to give me a second introduction to his alter ego, Peter Parker. I met Peter (for the second time) as he was attempting to scale the walls in the hallway. I believe that's how we met the first time. I'm waiting to see if he will drop from the ceiling on his web.
As if that wasn't enough for me today, "the new kid" decided to have lunch early when he started eating his pencil grip. I mean tearing it up like BBQ ribs! I asked him if he was hungry. He said no. I asked why he was eating the pencil grip. He told me he wasn't. He was biting it. At that moment I wanted to wrestle him to the ground. I mean wrestle like Hulk Hogan in WWE! REALLY?!?!?! "I wasn't eating it, I was biting it." That was a wooossssaaaaa moment. Thank God, it was time for lunch. He would have left the room in a disheveled mess and I would have handcuffed and fingerprinted myself. The authorities would not have had much to do. I would have also had the police report typed up and ready for filing. I swear this kid comes to school with a list of ways to drive me up the freaking wall (like Spiderman). At least I'm on break for a week. That's something to look forward to.
Hope you all enjoyed my "new kid" story. More stories to come the week of April 12.
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