Every November, teachers across the nation get to take a moment to stop and be thankful for what we have. These days it's easy to be thankful, for my job, my students, my life. Teachers all across the nation have lost that ability due to budget cuts, RIFs, politics, and the other travesties to strike our education systems,
I have the most fantastic students a teacher could ask for. They are lovable, hardworking, and eager to please (the education trifecta!) As eager as I was for this break it's Sunday and I already find myself missing their sweet hugs and amazing ability to make me feel like I'm making a difference. For example, last week I walked in from a quick hallway team meeting of troubleshooting some problem, we've all had them that quick moment that pulls you out of your classroom as you work quick to solve all the world's problems. As I went to walk back into my classroom, I heard nothing... A sure sign of trouble a head. I looked at my students all sitting quietly, with their 0s in the air. I was amazed. The week before Thanksgiving break and my fantastic fourth graders were blowing me away with their consideration.I called another teacher in to witness this miracle. She quickly decided to play along and told my students she was taking over as their teacher. Simultaneously all 22 voices shouted, "NO NO NO we love Miss Burns!" As if this didn't warm my heart enough, after she left a student proclaimed that someone should let her know that they loved me more than candy and they wouldn't trade me for anything. More than candy? Can you imagine? I am not sure I've ever been paid a higher compliment. It's no wonder I am missing their happy hearts already.
I also work with a team of ladies that I thank God everyday for bringing into my life. Our late nights of working and planning, may not always pay off with superb testing scores, but the results are seen in those fantastic students eyes when they finally get a concept. I am so blessed to call them colleagues and friends.
I wanted to create this blog for a couple of reasons.
1. To share my fantastic (or sorta okay) teaching ideas with other teachers. and
2. To remind myself of those lessons (I'm a tad forgetful) and those people that make my life sweeter.
I'm not sure how much I'll keep up with this, but I've been telling myself since I was a first year teacher that I wanted a place to record my ideas. Now in my third year, I am trying to commit myself to that goal I set in place when I was just starting out.
Check back for ideas, ramblings, and what I'm sure will end up being a random assortment of thoughts and quotes that only a 4th grade teacher could experience.
Love from Fourth,
Miss Burns
