Monday, May 21, 2007

Have I really lived here for 9 months?

It's quite an interesting sensation, to linger somewhere between feeling like time has rushed by at light speed, while also feeling like it is dragging. That is where I'm at right now. This week began the six-week count down of the school year, which leaves me wondering: have my students learned anything this year? I must say (much like Macayla stated in her blog) I don't feel like my first year went like so many first year teachers, who tell of unending stress, tears, and not knowing what was going on. It wasn't horrible, scary, or intolerably stressful. My students haven't made me cry (although I have had to pause for long periods during read-aloud time because I couldn't stop laughing at them!) and I haven't ever thought of quitting.

I HAVE received hundreds of hugs. Letters and pictures. Questions upon questions. Compliments and smiles.
I have taught them to divide long numbers, and to see patterns in multiplication facts (For those of you who know about me and multiplication-Fear NOT! I'm ok now!! :)
I have told stories about Jesus, and discussed the most precious, from-the-heart questions that have never been answered for them. I have tried to explain why the English language rarely follows the rules. My kids now "watch" their stories like movies, and beg for their read-aloud.

You know, I'd say that I'm very happy with the profession I've chosen. I can't thank God enough for guiding me to take the path I've taken. I can't say there haven't been problems... but I do think I spent too long lingering on them. My classroom probably wont get bigger. I probably will always struggle with understanding how to reach every student's needs. And I doubt I'll ever know what to say to make them all get along. But I am excited to try.

5 comments:

  1. this is a very well-written blog Ms. Peterson :) I am glad to hear that times tables are no longer a problem. I am so very proud of you!

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  2. Anonymous2:34 PM

    Hi Tara ,
    My daughter is so blessed to have you in her life . What a wonderful adventure you are having. I hope you will come down for a visit this summer when you come home.Some teachers you remember all your life [ like I remember my first music teacher , mrs. keppel, who encouraged me to sing...] you are touching so many young hearts and also showing that Americans DO have compassion and care about them....keep up the good work , i love reading your blogs ...
    Lisa Purchase

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  3. Is my mom cute or what??

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  4. Anonymous8:14 AM

    You're cool.

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  5. Anonymous9:52 PM

    I'm so proud of you Tara!
    love you too,
    mom

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