Today was one of those days that just flew by!
This morning before school I had a "surprise" conference with parents, the student, and his team of teachers. He is one of the kids I am really hoping doesn't fall through those proverbial cracks so it was nice to put some faces on his parents. They didn't show for the regularly scheduled conferences so for me, it was a welcome surprise. Pretty enlightening as well. Really glad to have had the chance to visit with them and give them some words of encouragement.
The kids are beginning to have Turkey Fever, full of excitement about having five days of fun heading their way. The conversations were more animated (and a little louder) than usual but entertaining, for sure. There was lots of movie talk today...girls with Twilight conversations and lots of the guys had been to see the new Adam Sandler movie. At this time of year I kept thinking about Adam's days on Saturday Night Live and his Ode to "Han-uhh-kuh," and kept finding myself giggling about how he rhymed it with "ya-mah-kah." Figured it was too long a story to share with the kids so I kept them wondering what I found so funny.
We started a new project today...chalk pastel drawings! We have been working hard on different ways to create the illusion of depth. Today's topic was masking areas to create backgrounds then unmasking those areas to work on the foreground and details. So far they are turning out great! The morning classes worked on sheep in pastures and the afternoon folks created snow covered birch woods. I love how they start out saying there is no way I can do that and just minutes later they are looking at their drawings with pride and delight! Lots of, "Wow! Look at MINE!" around the room today.
During my plan bell I met with my awesome principal for yet ANOTHER formal review. I think this makes seven observations so far this year. Some of my past schools only reviewed once or maybe twice a year and teachers grumbled about that. It seems like I have somebody in my room at least once a week who is watching and writing or typing, looking at everything with a fine toothed comb. Last week I had three different folks coming in to observe.
One of those times I was sitting on a table reviewing what we were going to do that day when the assistant principal walked in, clipboard in hand. My first instinct was to hop down and look more professional. Instead, I figured this is me, it is the comfortable atmosphere I have worked so hard to create with the kids, so I stayed put and class went on as usual. The kids asked great questions and were eager to get to work. When we got started I hopped down as usual and started making one of my thousands of circles through the room, weaving in and out of the tables, giving encouragement and one-on-one attention everywhere I can.
I welcome having visitors in my room. I love having them watch the kids in action and getting real-time feedback from them. Sometimes they go out with remnants of the art room and don't even realize it. (I am used to having paint or glue or clay or chalk on my clothes. I guess by now I have learned to expect my wardrobe has that "I live in the Art Room" look.) I am glad the kids like me...several told me today I had blue or hot pink chalk stripes on my face. I felt a little like Willliam Wallace in Braveheart.
As if school hadn't been enough to claim this as a great day, I got a call this evening to let me know my mortgage company reviewed my loan and is lowering my rate. I will be getting a refund due to the reconfiguring. I kept waiting for there to be a catch. But, no, it is legit. Score!
So, this year, I am chalking up two other things to be thankful for... a job I love with some really great kids and a good surprise.
How can I not be thankful when I get to color all day?
'til next time,
Lady P
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