it's so exciting...

It's January! It is the beginning of second semester, and I couldn't be happier! The first semester of First Grade is always a bit of a challenge. The kids are getting used to all the new routines, schedules, and actually having to do things on their own. First Graders can sometimes have a difficult time becoming slightly independent. I get to go through this change with six year olds. I am the one who has to force them to think and act for themselves. I'm not going to lie...sometimes it is rough. There are days with such frustration and crying that a nap is needed after class - and it's worse for the kids! ;) It is something that is forced upon the kids, and let's face it - we all have a little trouble with any kind of change, especially when we are six, and not used to the ways of this brutal world. I am the bad guy that makes these kids accountable for their actions, and start to teach them the truth of consequences - both good and bad - for their actions. It takes us the ENTIRE semester to get the routine down.


But now, it's second semester! I walk into my classroom at the beginning of January, and it's like a whole new class of kids! They are still the wonderful little family that I left in December. They still love for me to read to them, we all laugh hysterically at Phineas and Ferb, we can't wait to do a craft together, and they still want to hug me all the time. :) These are the same kids, but something is different....something wonderful has happened....they have turned into....FIRST GRADERS! Ah, yes. First Graders! They are no longer these little babies that came to me in mid August, they are now BIG kids ready to be independent and self sufficient. The return after winter vacation has made it easy for me to see that all that hard work molding these kids during first semester has paid off! I no longer have to give the same instruction 23 times before they follow it. They now only need around 3-4 reminders. :) They are ready and willing to do the work now. They know what is expected of them, and they accept it. There is no more fighting the truth that they are First Graders. There is just compliance. This is such an exciting time for me. It is the best time of year for a First Grade teacher. Everything was worth it now! The hard work, the frustration, the days of being ready for bed at 5:30 - just a small price to pay for the satisfaction I am having each day now. I feel like we can do anything as a class. We are ready to take on the world. And we just might! I know for sure we are going to take on the writing world. I have a feeling about this class. I think they are going to be excellent little authors. My goal for this year, is to give this group as many opportunities to write as I can. I want to see everything they can show me of their writing skills.

I am super pumped about this semester! I know I say this every year, (my brother reminds me that I do) but I have a feeling this is going to be the best year yet! I am ready to have such a good time with this group of kids. We have so many exciting celebrations coming up - 100th day of school, Charlotte's Web unit, Dr Seuss Week, and many more. I just know we will explore together, and learn so many things from each other. I find myself excited just thinking about all we will do, and all the possibilities that are embedded with this class of outstanding kids!