10 things

Hi guys!

I'm linking up with my buddy Hadar for her "10 things I've learned from teaching" linky. It's so much fun to reflect on the things- good and bad that I've learned over the past 5 years!

 1) You can never predict where the day may go.  The minute you get in the groove something is going to change! There may be a great teachable moment that you {of course!} have to take advantage of OR the kid in the middle of the carpet throws up all over themselves and their 4 nearest friends. Its fun!

2) I get way attached to my kids- I miss them on vacation breaks and REALLY start missing them about a month into the summer. I love them just like my own and I can only hope that my {personal} children's teachers will do the same.

3) I am super proud to be a teacher. I make a difference every day. In all sorts of ways. I would never trade it for any other profession.

4) I *really* get to be myself in front of those little ones. They think it's hilarious when I make a mistake or draw like a 3 year old. Or sing opera. Or dance with them. Or act like they're turning 17 on their birthdays.

5) I got used to being watched- by principals, teammates, student teachers, PD people from central office, special ed teachers, counselors. Who ever said you were alone with the door shut in your classroom ever?!

6) The kids notice EVERYthing about you! Wake up late and throw your hair in a pony tail?! They notice. Buy new shoes? They notice. Paint your nails a new color? They notice! So be careful what you say or do...because they're always watching!

7)They also have no filters... true story!

 8) I am on the lookout ALWAYS for things that I can use to teach. I can turn the most random {insert junk from Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, Target} things into materials to teach with! I love love LOVE creating things for my classroom.

 9) Take the time to listen to your students- you might find out something really important. They will remember the conversations they had with you and the way you were there for them. 

10) Hug them every day. Every. single. day. When you greet them, when they leave. I make it a requirement for them to leave me. It's just the way I connect with even they shyest of students. I make them feel special and give that student my undivided attention for the 2 seconds a hug takes. It provides them an environment of trust- they will work hard for you if they know that you've got their backs.

And best of all?! Teaching is the BEST profession in the world! I wouldn't trade it for any other job!