Who knew?

My class is loving our new Money Project.  They keep encouraging others to bring in money to support Manna Food Bank.  AFter we counted the money, we continued reading Mr. Popper's Penguins.  Before I finished the chapter, the dismissal bell rang.  The whole class went "AHHHH".  I hurried up and finished the last part of the chapter.  Wow, never thought a time to leave bell would spark an AHhhh!

They know that I'm going to buy the Mr. Popper's Penguins' movie, so we can watch it on the last day before break.

Funny Moments during week of craziness...

These are all fun things for me to go back and laugh at...please feel free to laugh along.  I really want to write a book eventually of all these stories.

1. Student is making a face and asks if he can not have a neck (craft stick), so he can go home and pretend to be a doctor like Dr. Bob.  I said, honey Dr. Bob doesn't use tongue depressors.  He is a hearing doctor and uses an otoscope; he always says put nothing in your ears smaller than your elbow.  (Thinking that the next thing may be, can you put a craft stick in your ear.)
2. Student (I'm so excited to take tests).  Me (excuse me?)  Student repeats self.  Me (Are you crazy?  I was laughing...I am not a good test taker, so I don't care to give tests).  Student (I love them.  I guess I am (crazy)).  I love it when a student gets me.
3. A student from another class and a door....really can't say much more than that.
4. I am so much taller can we tape my head higher.  Of course, we did.  This student is almost as tall as me.
5. A bee at lunch while we were eating outside.  One student almost jumping into another students lap.  Then, another student (as I'm saying, just leave it alone) freaking out.  I used my teacher voice about what is appropriate before outside, but inside I was laughing hysterically at the thought of that student jumping into another student's lap.  
6. She just called me prissy.  Student says as she is about to kick against another teacher's class (talking about the other teacher).  Well...I say to her, just show her.  She kicked that ball so hard and then WALKED to 1st base.  They now WANT class shirts.  Oh Vistaprint why don't you make kid sizes.
7. Ballard at kickball throwing off her shoes and playing barefoot, a former student comes up to me and says am I seeing things or is Ballard not wearing any shoes.  (Me): Nope she's not wearing shoes.

When you have a classroom full of boys...

you notice that your strategies change.

Here's some examples:

1. Don't make me turn into the Hulk...you won't like the Hulk.
2. May the Force be with you (as I hand them a calculator to check their work).
3. (pretending to be Darth Vader in first movie where you put your arms on and pretend to squeeze)  I think that they think this is the funniest one (Alice gets this one).
4. Throwing a football far to earn street credit.
5. Relaying everything into a sport...how do you meet friends?  How do I meet friends...then we mention kickball.

Top 2 moments of the day:

1. When my one student who has been struggling to stay focused, figured out a Math problem on the back chalkboard.  I was SOOOOOO excited...I gave him a great job certificate and sent him to Ms. Nguyen...my cheerleader for this student.
2. We also had many compliments for Music today : ).  One student who doesn't care for bucks would have gotten 2 today!!!!!  I pretended like FIREWORKS were going off around him.  

Ace of Base Came in Handy During Math...

These are words that I never thought that I would say.  Yesterday during math, we went from estimating sums to estimating differences.  My students kept wanting to add rather than subtract.  I said something like you need to look at the sign.

Of course the word sign had me thinking about the oldie song, I began to sing...I saw the sign that told me what to do, I saw the sign.  Well, that is our new song for singing in our classroom.  They know are paying attention to the sign (+, -, X, /).  Who knew...

The little things in life : ).

Pass the tissues please...

The last few weeks (last week of school) has so many funny kids' quotes (or summaries of them) that I don't want to forget them, so that is what this blog is for.  Here are my funny kids' quotes:

-You should retain us so we can be with you next year.

-I have mixed feelings about this week.  I'm happy, but I'm going to miss you so I am sad.

-You know Dr. Bob is just like my dad.  Hmmm is he your dad?  (me: nope he's my husband).  Oh well I think that they would make great friends.  Come to think of it my mom and you would make great friends....you should e-mail her to do something over break. (me:  you have my e-mail.  You can e-mail my work e-mail anytime).  Actually it would be way better if you call her, can I have your cell #?  (me- well I looked into my crystal ball, nope not a good idea).  lol

-You would make a great mom one day.  (me:  Ahh that is very sweet.  I hope to be a mom one day).  another student:  what you want her to be wood...you are going to turn her into Pinkokko.  (me:  do you mean Pinocchio?) other student: haha yeah.

-Dear God, please have a huge bag of ice fall in this classroom. (after being out in 100 degree weather)

From a parent today:

-I had to convince him that it was okay that he was moving on to the next grade.  Thank you.

Top 10 reasons you know you are a teacher on spring break...

10) What, oh yeah I'm on vacation! Some of my favorite words.

9)  Getting up in the morning and enjoying a SIT DOWN breakfast outside.

8)  Sunday nights will NOT include the thought of oh no what assessment, meeting, after school activity do I have tell Bob about this week?

7)  You can FINALLY read a book on your nook without thinking about what you have to cover in class the next day.

6)  You can work in the yard during the day more for the enjoyment of the exercise and getting some sun rather than the grass is to your calves.

5)  Can take my time to pack and clean the house.

4) FCAT who?, Writing what?, GO where?,

3) You still have plans, but they include BEACH, pool, pedicures, and getting your tan on (using sunscreen of course).

2) Having a sit down lunch and not having to worry about anyone but yourself.  AND it lasts more than 15 minutes.

1) Sleep in past 5:45am!

Please reduce your speed, we are approaching SPRING BREAK ZONE!

First off, the reason that I created this blog was to help me put done some fun things in the classroom and things that I can learn from year to year.  I am a way faster typer than writer so this made the most sense.
That being said I had a few funnies, ahhhhh and Errr moments this week.  I will choose to remember the ahhhhhh and ha ha ha moments rather than the one or two errrrr moments.

Being the week of testing (and my hubby moving his practice), I knew our stress levels would be up.  I would tell my students to walk in the classroom (before the test) like they were charge so it who is boss.  As the week went on, I noticed that the students were coming earlier and earlier.  I guess that my tasty treats were working.  In the middle of one the 4 tests, a student looks at me after he was done and puts his hand up to act like he karate chopped the test.  It was quite humorous.  I've been using this phrase to get them to ease up about Math specifically.  After the test was over and out the door, I said "okay how do you feel about the test, you can't tell me what was on it remember".  One student raised her hand (this is a student that I have been tutoring after school for several weeks).  She says, "I'm not going to tell you that I did good on it Ms. ___".  I feel a pit begin in my stomach, BUT then she says, "I'm going to tell you I ROCKED it!"  To give some more background, I have been telling them that they would tell me this.  I told them that we are working mornings and afternoons (and some after school) on math and that have been working really hard.  AMEN, stomach felt better.

That same morning I had a typed note from a student telling me how she is going to rock the test and how she knows that she can do it.  After we review, I'd remind them "remember when you would freak out when you'd see this problem....remember when you didn't know your place values then we learned the song....remember when." blah blah blah

Our week ended with math workshop and beginning our multiplication fact quizzes, reading workshop/ar quizzes, and movie day/pizza/popcorn.  Let's just say a GREAT ending to a stressful week.  We watched Miracle Worker since we had been reading about Helen Keller all month.  They said afterwards, "that was a really nice movie".   I even had students ASKING to not go to special area to stay back with me.  For those that don't know we only had a 20-25 minute break each day from the students so needless to say that was not an option :).  They even didn't want to go home for the weekend???  I told my husband that I think this is the year that I'll need some tissues the last day of school.

I'm creating comedians (hopefully lifelong learners too)

My class has multiple comedians, which I know realize that I have help to create.  

Funny #1----they are in cahoots

As I explained my huge bruise on my arm from a few weekends ago (see previous post), I have accused the fence to being in cahoots with the tree.  Well now my laptop and smartboard are in on it too (according to several students in my class).  I do tend to believe this.  We WILL be flipping their card (don't worry my class looks out for me).

Funny #2---hmmm that's why I teach 3rd

One student asked me what is up with the older students they are so loud at breakfast this morning.  I answered without missing a beat "that's why I teach 3rd grade".  I guess that I say this phrase frequently because I realized that I was saying this later that day with some little ones having a tantrum.  THEN, today on our way to the bus, my students overheard another teacher say we are not leaving until everyone's in line (I don't know HOW many times I have said this exact phrase).  My students (3 girls) say that's why you don't teach that grade right Ms....  I laughed and said yep!  I explained that I know what I do well plus I don't teach that grade because I'm only licensed Prek through 3rd grade (yes this is done on purpose).  

Funny #3---Lunch table

The lunch table has become 'Story time with Ms....'.   My students have found that at the lunch table that if they ask me to tell them a childhood story I will.  I ask them for a topic and generally can come up with some story from when I was little.  They love it because I tell it in 3rd person using my first name nickname when I was a child.  Last week, I told them how when my brother and I were little (8 and 4 I think).  My mom told me to stay inside.  Well, of course ----- is just too curious and nosy to do as her mother says so she goes out and her little brother follows because he usually follows his big sister.  There is a huge dog (basically we get chased into an old garage and our dog saves us (who is 1/2 it's size)).  Morale of the story...LISTEN to your mom!

Today's topic bird...I happen to mention that I had a funny bird story during our spelling test hours later they remembered.  Once upon a time (I begin), there was a girl named ________.  She was having a horrible vacation at Kelley's Island.  First she was on the phone and almost got hit by a car (when she was on the sidewalk).  Later that day, a door smacked her in the arm leaving a bruise.  As she was telling her family how she is having HORRIBLE bad luck.  She is driving a golf cart around the island with her mom, sister, and brother.  Well, sure enough a bird comes flying ahead because my new stark white shirt gets pooped on.  BECAUSE it is by grape fields (fyi wineries...didn't mention this)...the poop was PURPLE!  My class laughed and one said 'at least purple's your favorite color'.  I laughed because that is EXACTLY what my family said.

Me 1, Fence/bushes (all greenery for that matter) 3

I have been so busy this weekend.  I did some major cleaning to our master bathroom (closet and cabinets done).  I also did the laundry.  You would think that this was a big bummer, but it wasn't because I enjoyed cleaning with the windows open!  I do love the fresh air and sound of lawnmowers in the distance.  Late Saturday night (8:30pm) I had this great idea to go purchase my own bible.  I have been using Bob's for awhile now and decided on wanted my own so I can write in it and anyone who knows me knows that I'm addicted to highlighting things.  As I purchasing my new bible, I realize that it is Daylight savings time.  Ahhh man!  So as I get home at 10pm (of course I had to check out any kids' books sales), I'm realizing that it is really 11pm and I have to go to church in the morning.  Not the best planning I must say.

Today was great.  Ironically the service revolved around time and not wasting it and using wisely.  After church I bark on my trip to Home Depot to get some things for the yard.  I tend to get a few trees every year or something like that to not spend all at once.  HUGE deal...Palm trees good size $5 a piece.  I know amazing isn't it.  I came home...

1. Cut the grass.
2. Used my New TRIMMER (thanks Becky for the Home Depot gift card for my b-day just now using it) on all my overgrown things around the yard.  Plus 1 for me for NOT cutting any limbs that are on my body (Why is she mentioning this, you may ask?  Came close).
3. Cleaned all limbs from ground.
4. Pulled up 3 dead trees.
5. Moved 2 shrubs and 2 trees to better locations.
6. Planted 4 palm trees.

You may now be wondering what is up with the title.  Well, as you can imagine, I fell into the fence digging up one of the dead Fruit trees (did I mention that this type of fruit tree has spikes all of it).  Then, I dug up the other dead grapefruit tree.  Cut my leg.  As I was relocating 2 trees that got taken over by some shrubs, I had to argue with the shrubs because the shrubs felt the 2 trees NEEDED to be there and reminded me of the trees from Wizard of Oz.  

So for all you who actually read this far, thank you, if you see me tomorrow, now you know why I have scraps all of me.

Please be nicer tomorrow...no hallway again...PLEASE

What a busy week!

We have been so busy that resting on my couch is the only thing that I have the energy for.

Yesterday Bob and I had a wonderful time at the church I've been going to.  This was great!

Today, we had a tremendous amount of severe storms.  This morning another student said to me.  Boy I can't wait until this FCAT test is over, then I won't have to worry about it.  I said you and me both ____, you and me both.

We spent almost the WHOLE day in the hallway.  I truly never want to sit in the hallway again.  One of my students said that when mom asked what I learned today.  I'll tell her sitting in the hallway.  She's going to freak.  Then, he said that I'll have to explain because of the storms not because I was in trouble.  lol  I then reminded him of our Math lesson that we got in today.  He said ahhh yeah I forgot.  lol

I get home and my hubby asked me to right down directions to the Hilton.  I said okay he gives me the address.  I told him ahhh poor baby you have to go to the BEACH tomorrow.  Darn nabbit!  I truly wish that I had the day off to spend with him and support him.  Ohhhh I can do that from the sand right while he's in the hotel?

Almost had an UNwanted Anatomy lesson today...

Who knew Reading groups could be so funny?  I had a boy student that kept getting up during my reading group (needed a pencil, dropped pencil, etc).  It was my highest group of readers.  I told the boy student that I guess I need to put some glue so he will stay seated.  Then I said that will make walking really hard and lunch would be hard since they are benchs.  He said yeah that would be tough and laughed.  Another student said it would be like a high chair for kids.  I laugh.  Then, I tell the first student it would work when you are waiting in line for the bathroom though you'll have a seat right there.  REMINDER-my high group, brightest of the bright with this group because my next GIRL student oh he won't be able to go to the bathroom.  Then, I said yeah he would.  Luckily I thought for a second and said okay let's not go there.  The original student laughed and said yeah let's not go there.  I was so happy that we were finished with our group!  PHEwww!  This is why I don't teach above 3rd grade!

"I wrote a prompt about you"...

Today, with no voice, I created a game to get the students on track and listen to me with NO VOICE or read for me.  Wow!  It really became a fun game.  I think that I may be on to something.  I would clap, they would clap, then if not everyone clapped, I clapped again, and they would clap.

I had a student give me a card today saying I hope you get better.  It had a picture of me coughing and a student saying Get Well Soon.

At the very end of the day, a former student says "I wrote a prompt about you this week".  My first thought ut oh...nervously I asked "What was your prompt?".  The former student says "My favorite teacher...I'll bring it to you."  AHHH that made my day!  I told her teacher later, and she said it was "Your teacher that rocks"for the writing prompt.  Put a smile on my face, can't say anything, but I can smile and clap.

That is why I teach :).

Real Housewife of....

After church today I went to the beach.  I've been meaning to go for some time now.  I truly needed to remind myself why I love living down here.

As a child, I would go to Put-in-Bay once a year with my family.  I loved hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.  I also laugh whenever I see seaweed because Grandma would yell at my friend Carrie and I when we would go out too far on the lake 'get back here "the seaweed will pull you under".

I love having the windows and sunroof open with the wind in my hair.  I also love the smell of salt in the air.  Over the summer I'd go to Fort Walton Beach a lot since Bob has a practice there.  With the oil spill, I got a little sad because over the summer I'd see men and women walking up and down cleaning the waters.  This is quite disheartening when your peace and tranquil place is covered with yellow vested people.

Today renewed my hopes for a peaceful beach year.  The water is so green and blue that I wish that I could take a snap shot with my eyes and share with everyone that doubts our beaches.  The only thing that had me wondering was how high the beach seemed.  Is this how much sand that they have added to our beaches?  In some cases, I don't want to know.  As I smell the sunscreen still on my hands, I remember something that I haven't thought about yet.  HOW MANY DAYS UNTIL JUNE 7th?  I'm just asking that's all.  lol

Boy, I'd make a wonder Real housewife of....  Going to the beach, keeping the house and yard clean, just having time for me without worrying about lesson plans, updating websites, collecting data.  Hmmm if only money grew on trees.  BUT as Bob's mom would remind me over and over again when I would mention in a phone call to her that maybe I'll just be a housewife.  Donna would say something to the effect of--- ha ha ha ha I could never see you not teaching.  You love those kids.  Then, I say yeah you are right.  Then, she would remind me ALMOST VERBATIM of a story that I told about one of my students.  Hmmmm maybe we need to be doing some work outside this week.  We are studying shapes.  Hmmmmm mental note charge the batteries.  I think that we are going to be exploring with the camera this week.

They broke into her classroom?????

Ahhhh what?  Back track, okay here I go.  I sent an e-mail to a fellow teacher, Ms. Q, because Student A wanted to help her out in the room today and had earned a coupon for this.  I realized right before our lunch that she probably won't get the e-mail in time, so I told this Student A and B (2 girls) to go and give her a post it note that asked if she would want her to come today at Archer Time.  They come back in the room a few minutes later laughing. They said that they heard another door in the room close.  No one was in the room and Ms. Q's door was closed.  Then, they say that they opened the door (even though it was closed) and put the note on her desk.  Student B says (without missing a beat) we broke into her classroom and left her a note telling so she will know that we broke in her classroom.  She thought this was sooooo funny.  I did too.  Hopefully, she uses this sense of humor in her district writing test.  I should make sure that they understand the true meaning of "broke" into rather than opening a door.

God has a sense of humor...

I feel that rather than a story this time I was bullet my day.  Here goes.

• Helped students that threw up everywhere in bathroom.
• Student A tried to start something (again) with student B.  Luckily Student B held his own and ignored him.
• Student C cried on a dime every two seconds.  I actually wanted to ask her if she got her period.
• Student D wouldn't stop talking.
• Student E wouldn't sit still today AND wouldn't STOP EATING PAPER.  Yes, I teach 3rd grade.
• Student F talked ALL DAY LONG.  I ended up saying that he needed to go across the hall for the last 5 mins. (It was best for my career) .  As I'm telling all of the above to Melissa while they were at PE, I'm NOT kidding when I hear his voice.  "MS. Smith...."  I ran into Melissa' room and hid.  I couldn't stop laughing.  "I came to take Student G to the clinic."  Melissa said okay Student F take her Ms. Smith needs a break right now.  I told Melissa.  Yep, that is exactly how my day went.
• Finally I just heard that it is a FULL MOON.  All the above know makes complete sense.

Yep, ha ha I get the joke God, thanks.  Now please help me out tomorrow.

Education Crisis Solved!

I promised a less serious post this time, and I'm going to deliver.  Today we took our Mid Chapter Math test over Polygons, angles, and other geometry stuff.  They all KICKED BUTT!  I'm so proud.  We worked REALLY hard yesterday to do some major review and reviewed A LOT more first thing this morning.

They got it!  Anyone watching yesterday (or today at that matter) has heard me say make a right angle turn and use the same vertix as the person before.

Also today we had our Curriculum Coordinator come and do his FCAT strategies discussion for me today. He starts his talk about how all choices are _____.  And my class say "plausible".  He, in surprise, says yes with a HUGE smile on his face.  I wanted to go around and high five all of them.  Then, a large group were getting all the answers right.  Phew!  However this continues for another 2 plus months and remains with them through 4th grade.  Fingers, toes, etc are crossed!

My fav story of the day:  One of my current students, who was in 3rd grade last year, was getting ALL the practice questions right.  I was sitting with his group and was seeing this.  I couldn't believe it.  This is from someone who I told if he can get a high score that I (and another co-teacher) will do cartwheels down the hall (anything for motivation).  Anyway, I point how well he has done to our CC.  I then told him that he must want to see me make a goof.  I tell his former teacher.  "Ms. Smith stop embarrassing me".  I told him that I didn't mean to embarrass him...I'm just SOOO proud of him.  He laughs.  Then, I said you can do it.  He (thinks I'm not listening) says to another student.  Ahhh man, my mom is going to figure this out and if I keep having trouble in school mom won't figure it out.  THAT LITTLE STINKER!   I KNEW IT!  As I write this I think, darn I forgot to call her about something today too!

Well here's hoping for him to want me to do cartwheels down the hall.  When others heard of my thought, they said hey I want to see that.  I said I need 3's, 4's and 5's.

NOTES TO SELF:  Call the President and media-- This whole education thing can be solved with cartwheels.  Who knew?

Crying and Chocolate: My day in a nutshell

So today, after finding out that several of my boys had a fight on Friday (while I was home sick), I had a "Come to Jesus" Meeting.  I explained how disappointed that I was with their behavior.  I had never had to talk to this class this way in what I refer to as my "Meanie head Ms. Smith" voice.  It went something like---I get in today and hear that I have several students fighting.  Are you allowed to be angry?  Yes.  Can you touch someone when you are angry?(the class responds)   Am I angry right now?   Am I touching you?  I'm telling you why I'm upset and truly disappointed.

I then tell them to look to their left and look to their right, you are not alone.  I know each and every one of your stories.  You are each going through things.  If you are angry about something happening at home, please put a note in your folder or something and say I'm angry and need to talk to ____ (our Guidance Counselor).  I then tell them getting very close.  Dr. Bob dealt with his dad in jail for a time.  He had people pick on him and look at where he is now?  Did he let that get him down?  No he became a doctor.  I believe in each and every one of you.  I work REALLY hard.  When I'm not here, I'm mad because my job is not to stay home.  It is to teach, so I was coming up with some great things on IPAD to bring to you today.  Then, I hear this.  Am I going to stay angry all day?  No because that is what happens you talk about it then you move on.  You explain why you are going and go on with your day.  So let's move on with the day.  I grab 2 boxes of tissues and pass them around.  (Yes, I had several crying at this point).

Will they know that I care?  I hope.  I told them over and over again how I think about them.   I told that they are my family.   Will we have other problems?  Of course, they are kids!    Will they remember this conversation?  I think maybe.  What I never told them before was that they are all going through big things, but I wasn't lying.  This group of students is going through more than ever in my history of teaching.  I hope that they know that they are not alone.

As I show them my new app about angles, I notice as we go through the last few days to review.  They aren't arguing they are working.  I point it out.  Hey look how much we did!  I said we have 2 more months for me to teach as much as I can.  I'll jump all over this room to help you learn something.

We did have a good day!  Got some great work done on their projects and such.  Hmmmm I'm now seeing a bigger link between the ears thing today.

I look forward to my new post about funnies hopefully for tomorrow, but I will end with my fav funny moments from today.  One student comes up to me with his hands behind his back.  Ohhhhh no!  I think.  He says Ms. Smith, I want you to NOT show this to Dr. Bob.  He hands me a HUGE box of chocolates.  I LAUGH. Later another student says Ms. Smith I forgot to get Dr. Bob a card.  Ummmm tell Dr. Bob the card's for him too.    I guess that chocolate does help!

Please just let me teach.

You would think that I shouldn't just notice that my most popular things and the name of this blog have the long e sound. Is it sad that this is something that I think about? OR, is it just the teacher in me? Not sure.

I've been pondering the whole thing about teaching effectively in a world that wants to bash teachers and education. This has become quite the thought bubble in my head for some time. It disappeared for a brief period after the VETO of Senate bill 6, which then my thoughts were focused on the Oil Spill. Constant worrier as my father says (takes one to know one, dad). :)

Currently, I have been thrust back into it by the numerous reminders on Facebook and other forms that our new "Wonderful" Governor surprisingly didn't do what he said he was going to do within his race for governor. Hmmm, some may not be too surprised with given my gigantic chunk of sarcasm with my next statement of...someone in the government saying something that isn't true. Shocking....please envision me throwing my hands to my face with an expression that resembles a Home Alone expression.

I am struggling with the thought of having to work in an area that views Education as a factory. If you give a lesson on A, the students will understand ALL at the same rate. HMmmm...I think not.

As many of you know, I'm a planner. (Shocking huh?) I need to have a budget to plan on pay off my bills. I have an agenda so I know what I am doing. I have place things in certain labeled places so I know where to find them. Otherwise, I'm scattered brained and can't focus worth a lick.

I go off on this wonderful tangent to explain how my brain can't fathom to wrap around the complexity of mathematical data to link my PAY (what I plan my life around basically) with my TEST scores. Along with how our school districts suppose to budget for something so random as test scores. Hmm what happens if everyone does well. I can see it now, I know what it says but we don't have enough money to pay all of you, so good job but you don't get more money. And we all know that as I just mentioned children are robots who all work on the same level and when you teach them something they are all there learning at the same rate, etc. Oh wait, they are not. They don't show up to school until AFTER you teach the lesson. They are surprised that they don't get it when you tell them that they will have to work on it on their own for right now, because you can't reteach this right now. Or maybe they come to school but haven't slept through the night so they are half a sleep in class. Or (and this one anyone who knows me knows that I'm not one to say take the quick fix and give that kid medicine so when I say...)don't show up to school with the medicine that they are prescribe to focus. I'm not talking about the kid that stops talking so that makes the teacher happy, but rather the student who can work on his/her work consistently and you can see when they get it because they are able to focus on it.

Teachers are not just teachers. They are guidance counselors, cheerleaders, motivational speakers, IT people, mediators, and often someone to listen to them. This year I have students from all walks of life. They each have major things going on in their life as do we. I'm not talking about students with so and so hurt their feelings. I'm talking about money to pay bills, health issues, parental problems, etc. Stuff that kids in the 3rd grade SHOULDN'T have to worry about because they SHOULDN'T be told this because they ARE NOT the adult. I am struggling with in the next few years how if this new bill is passed linking my students to my pay will I begin to see these students as $ bill signs rather than individuals with different needs and understandings. I am planner and a teacher. I am working on PLANNING to prepare myself to be a teacher and focus on teaching. If it doesn't work out to a bigger paycheck, so be it. I need to focus on what matters most...the children. Once others in power focus on the children rather than what looks good on paper, maybe just maybe we can come to understanding until then please just let me teach.