A what in a what?

Some of the kids really like to sing while they are working on other projects. The other day, this is what I heard:

Student 1(singing): "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a pinecone in a peach tree."
Student 2: "Hey, I thought it was a parrot in a pear tree."

Personally I think it should be a parrot in a peach tree.

Christmas Madlib for you:
(Sung to the tune of "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire")

Mountains roasting on an open Marker Burp Drying at your Nose Lime Green carols being sung by a Tree And folks dressed up like Bushes Everybody knows a Puppy and some Planes Scratchy to make the Season Blood Red Tiny Tots with their Legs all a-glow Will find it Fast to Ran tonight. They know that George is on his way He`s Butted lots of Noodles and Apples on his sleigh. And every Mother`s Spaghetti is going to Hopped to see if Monkeys really know how to Flew. And so I`m Typing this little Nighttime To Stickies from Crawford to Hotchkiss Although it`s been Smelled many times, many ways A/An Tasty Christmas to you!

These can be created here, and they are fun to do with students!

4 calling birds...and children....and dogs

This week, even though it's my last week here, I offered to watch a family of 3 kids, while their parents are away on vacation. I'm not sure what I was thinking. I still am teaching lessons, right up until I leave. I'm also supposed to be packing up the house, to be able to move back home on time. For teachers with children, I don't know how you do it. I got all of the kids in bed, and was working on my lesson plans, and got myself in bed at a decent time. Granted, I don't teach the whole day anymore, so I had less to work on than earlier in the semester. The night seemed to be fairly flawless. I must say, I was proud of myself.

2:15 am...The dogs started barking, and would not be quieted. Of course the door to the kids' room was wide open, and the dogs were running all through the house. One dog was sanctioned to the kennel, and the other came into the room with me so I could keep closer tabs on her. After being so rudely interrupted, I climbed back into bed to make another attempt at sleep.

3:30 am...It was just one of those nights that I was so nervous I wouldn't wake up to my alarm I guess. I woke up and started getting ready for school. I felt like an idiot when I saw the actual time on the clock on my phone. I was also glad, because it meant that I could go back to bed for two more hours.

Oh man, some moments need to be captured somehow, so I can save them in a file for a rainy day. First graders are stinkin' cute. That's all.

5 Golden Rings

With only four more days to spend in Crawford, it is getting harder to be excited about leaving. Last week I was ready, and in the right state of mind to head back home. I don't want to leave. I feel such a strong sense of community already, and potential for so many things. I had the chance to sit down and talk with an older couple for a good 2 hours the other night, just visiting, and enjoying time together. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings of the whole semester. I've met friends that are close to my age, and in the same season of life as me, and they have been such a great encouragement to me. I've had lots of fun with the youth in the area: sleepovers, candy making, movie nights, and hot shop nights. I wish I had more time to spend with them, without the obligation of lesson planning, and grading hanging over my head. My kids have their Christmas program this week, and I know I'm going to bawl my eyes out. 

I know that there are great and wonderful things that I will be doing in Durango, but today I'm not ready for it. I'm a very happy person, disgustingly so sometimes, and so this feeling of sadness and loss is hard, but I don't think it's a bad thing. I rarely take time to reflect and think about where I've been, and I usually keep a very constant forward push toward whatever the set goal is. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" I rejoice in the Lord, and what He is doing here in this area, and the hearts that are so teachable among the youth, and the teachers He has prepared to work with them. I love that they are close enough that I can come back and visit. I'm definitely going to enjoy the rest of my time here, with people I love. It's going to be a busy week, but it's going to be great!

3 in one special

11 pipers piped, and I was sick as a dog. Typically, if I get sick in a semester, it is closer to the end of it, when my defenses are lowered. It doesn't help that it's flu season as well. This one came hard and fast, and left in the same manner. It's interesting that one day a person can feel like they may not make it through the night without a trip to the ER, and the next day feels mostly normal. Our bodies are really neat things, designed by God to fight off things that are harmful to them.

Moral of the story is: Stay hydrated, by drinking lots of water!

10 lords a' leaping...it is exactly 10 more days until graduation. Lots of details begin to catch up with me. There are several forms that still need to be turned in to the school. I need to start packing boxes to be able to move on time. At some point I need to get a cap and gown, because all of the cool kids will be wearing them. It's so hard to find time to work on getting things together to be in Durango, when I'm still so immersed in the Crawford community. I have a slumber party tomorrow night, spelling lists to write, and 1st and 2nd grade concerts to attend. Somehow things come together, and everything will happen. Yes, this is what I tell myself everyday.

9 ladies dancing...The kids sang Christmas songs at the bank today, which had their student teacher in tears. I'm going to miss seeing these faces, mostly consistent since the beginning of the semester, and what a quick semester it's been! I can't believe they still have the other half of the year, and I won't get to see the rest of the process. I'm so grateful to have been with an excellent teacher who has enough humor, imagination, and "sanity among the insane" to carry her to the end of the year. I will miss the collaboration and laughs that we've had when funny comments are made by the kiddos. I love to hear all of her new ideas that she incorporates into her class, and hope to emulate her spirit for continued learning throughout life, whether in teaching or other things. Long live great teachers!

The Countdown Begins!

It is officially 12 days until graduation, and I thought I would celebrate by borrowing the characters from the 12 Days of Christmas (seems appropriate). With just 12 days until graduation, there are 12 days until many other things....


12 Days until
I move back home
I have to think about a "real" job
I have to think about insurance
I have to start answering to several decisions
I leave all of the people who have been a big part of my life this semester
I don't have to go back to college 
I may be able to sleep in until at least 7 a couple of mornings a week
I begin to rebuild community in Durango
I can take slivers of time to do things that I enjoy 
I can take time for reflection
I walk across a stage and make my parents cry
Graduation.


One door will close as many are opening. I am, in this slice of time, excited and ready for the change that the completion of school will bring. I am at peace with the assurance that God provides me with the things I need in life at all times, and knows what those things are. At any moment, this feeling may change hands over to nervousness, sadness, or worry, and when those times come, peace is still to be found, because He provides even in those times. To some extent, graduation is no biggie, because it doesn't change the overarching goal in my life for each day. I will continue to seek God's favor and deepen my relationship with Him. I will love the people in my life and learn from them, whether they are 7 or 70 (or older...). I will live abundantly, in the salvation I have through Christ's sacrifice. 


John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Baby Steps

I'm almost done! It's all downhill from here. The final presentation of my college career is over, and the only thing left on the list is a paper. Papers seem like a piece of cake compared to the rest of the things required over the course of this semester, maybe it's because I teach other people how to write them now. Below are some pictures from my Professional Exhibition to prove to myself that it really did happen, and I really am almost done.

The PEX Panel

My Groupies

I will finish out strong this semester with lessons learned, friendships made, goodbyes said, and hellos waiting in the wings. "'Cuz my daddy taught me good!"(line from a youtube video)

Thanksgiving...

It feels so strange to have Thanksgiving so close! With the madness of the semester, I haven't had the chance to really get into the spirit of the season. This autumn is sadly lacking time. Time to knit, time to cook, and time to read is nowhere to be found. These things, for which I have usually had time for in the past, are things that help me appreciate the weather, the colors, and the sounds around me.

This issue must be remedied. I will need to make time for a walk in the autumn (almost winter!) wonderland. Then, I will need to find some candles that have the scents of fall. I may have to begin a knitting project. Whether or not it will get finished is another story altogether....

I'm glad for this time in life, even if it is not a "typical" autumn. I have learned so much already, and have met some amazing people. Excitement rises when I realize how close I am to being done with the college part of life, which will then tell me that I'm qualified to do that which I enjoy doing. I can't wait to see family and celebrate this season in their surroundings.
Thanksgiving starts today!

From First Grade -
Mrs. Rogers: We are going to talk about the first Thanksgiving.
Student: I'm an Indian!
Mrs. Rogers: What kind are you?
Student: A normal one.

Rough Day at the Office

In the face of hardship, one's own or that of one of their students, teachers must persevere. I received terrible news today, during a time when I did not have the kids, that one of my students had lost a family member. I stomached the news and, within minutes, the kids came back in. This particular student was oblivious. I taught class, knowing the whole time that, when this student got home, he would find his life altered. I grieved for him. I prayed for his family, and cried over the thought of what they must be going through, and will continue to face. I praised God for His goodness, and control over all things, even when we don't understand them. I thanked Him that this student lives in a family that honors, and trusts Him with their lives. 

The big issues of life are not escaped completely by living in first grade. Love on the people in your life in a big way today, and thank God for the time you have with them!

I PICK

I PICK chant

This one's a keeper! This is one I found on YouTube, not from my own class, but it's really helpful!

Lesson #952: Go with the Flow

At the beginning of the year, the kids made "bean-sticks" to use with math. On wooden craft sticks, they glued pinto beans, 10 on each stick. They each have a set of 10 bean-sticks and 12, or so, loose beans to work with on place value. We hadn't worked with them for a couple of days, and I thought it would be good to bring them back out. When the kids pulled out their bean-sticks during math, I heard an unusual amount of giggling from the back of the class. One little girl was having a hard time completing the task of taking out her bean-sticks out of her math bag, and as soon as I walked over, I knew why. Over the course of a week, her beans had begun to sprout on the wooden craft sticks! Her math bag had become a personal garden for her pinto beans.  Needless to say, we had a mini-science lesson within math today. With some thing, you just have to take a time-out from the norm!


Out of the Mouths of Babes....

Student #1: "When I grow up, I want to be an Avatar."

Student #2: "Jesus was an Avatar."

Beware! First graders on the air!

We have a classroom full of radio stars! After we made recipes for some of the snacks we've enjoyed, we created a script and shared it over the air, through the local radio station. It was such a great chance to learn about, and participate, in the local community. Click on the link below, and choose October 8th's show of "Living Locally for Less" to listen to our spectacular broadcast.


Listen to our radio show!

First Grade Dictionary

You won't find these in Webster's...

aminal (n.) - like a dog or a cat
"We are studying about aminals in school."

buhstead - but; except for 

"I like all vegetables, buhstead, not broccoli."

caddywhompus (adj.) - the way your pencil goes when you put it in the sharpener the wrong way

"My pencil's all caddywhompus in the sharpener."

calipittar (n.) - something that, someday, will turn into a butterfly
"We found a calipittar on the ground out at recess."

hanitizer (n.) - stuff that gets the germs off of your hands
"I brought my hanitizer, because my hands get dirty at school."

pasgetti (n.) - the only thing some first graders will eat
"My mom makes the best pasgetti."

pramantis (n.) - an insect that often looks like its praying
I have to leave school early, b'cause my dad and me have to go pramantis hunting."

Words of Wisdom from first grade:

Constitution Lesson
Teacher: They made a new country and they wouldn't have to listen to the king of England.
Student: But everyone has to listen to God!

Teacher: Our saying is, 'don't cry over spilled milk.' What does it mean?
Student: It means that, when you spill your milk at lunch, Ms. Lois will come and clean it up, so you   don't have to cry!

Student: I'm a vegetarian now.
Teacher: Oh really?
Student: Yeah, my dad was gonna do it too, but we have too much meat in the freezer, so he can't.

AR Reading Time

Everyone comes in, hot and sweaty from recess. They bring their books over to our meeting place. After reviewing expected behavior during AR time, I let them begin reading. It takes a minute for everyone to get settled into reading spots around the room. Then....

Miss Walker, can I take a quiz?
Miss Walker, can I go to the library?
Miss Walker, I can't find my goal sheet.
Miss Walker, is this the quiz number?
Miss Walker, who can I read with?
Miss Walker, can I go to the bathroom?
Miss Walker, look at this cool part in the book.
Miss Walker, I already read the whole book.
Miss Walker, I already retold the story to myself.
Miss Walker, what do I do now?
Miss Walker, what's this word?
Miss Walker, can I take a quiz next?

Teachers could benefit from one of those machines you find when you go to the DMV. Then they could sit at their desk, and direct students to, "Take a number." Hmmm, I might have to stop by the DMV and see where they get theirs.

Mother May I?

There are not enough hours in a day for a great teacher in the classroom to also be a selfish person outside of the classroom; this I have decided. So if you know a great teacher, assume he/she is also a genuinely great person. 

New discovery: I talk too much.

Fun stuff: At lunch, the student across from me looked up and said, "Mom...(thinking face)...I mean...Miss Walker...." I've been called "Mom" several times before, by other students, and kids I have babysat, but it still cracks me up every time. 

Apples, and Berries, and Taters, oh my!

In a fight between Farmville on Facebook and Austin Family Farms in Paonia, the Austin's knocked Farmville out of the ring, if you asked the kinder through fourth grade kids at our school. We had our first field trip yesterday, and the students were introduced to the farm life. There are three generations of the Austin family that run the farm.  They grow apples (several varieties), peaches, apricots, plums, blackberries, raspberries, potatoes, pumpkins, and various types of squash. They also raise bees for honey, and pigs for, brace yourself, breakfast. The Austin's have to be one of the neatest families, and such gracious hosts, to share their lives with a bunch of noisy "schooligans". They work hard, and they work hard together.

Thinking back on my personal experience in first grade, field trips were the highlight of my week/month. Whether or not I was interested in the place we were going, I would just  be so excited to switch things up a bit and leave the school. There is so much to be learned, and a flutter of anticipation flies through the classroom in the moments before we get lined up to get on the bus. 

It's debatable whether teachers feel the same way. Potty breaks, head counts, lunch counts, limited space on the bus, three to a seat with knees pressed against the bench in front, all things to remember during the process of planning a field trip. I think it was totally worth all of that, because the kiddos were out of the building in which they will spend a good chunk of their time, they got to pick and eat fruit straight off of the tree, and they got the chance to experience great hospitality. Hopefully they caught a glimpse of what real life looks like for some, since it comes in so many different forms. Sorry Farmville, maybe another day. 

Entry #1

With the beginning of every new journal, or other reflective project, I feel like there should be some awe-inspiring message and a good overview of what people can expect upon reading. This way they know right away whether to keep reading, or move on to something which would better serve their time. Since it is Friday, and my week has been spent in a first grade classroom, teeming with enough energy to power Iron Man's suit, this is as good as it gets: 

Knock, Knock! (I know, you're already searching for alternate ways to spend your time)

- Who's there? -

Cheetos.

- Cheetos who? - 

If you eat my Cheetos, you'll be sorry!

For those who teach in the younger grades, be excited, because you get to be the first, and sometimes only, to hear these masterpieces that students fabricate from a place unknown. So, from this blog, expect the unexpected, which is a skill my first graders are so dutifully helping me practice!