My (favorite) Class

Okay, okay you caught me! I am making a confession that I love my class this year. For whatever reason, the combination of students has made for an easy year. We not only get our work done, but we have a blast together. Years prior, I have enjoyed my classes too. But, there was often fighting and lots of dramatic situations throughout the year. This class, however, gets along well mainly because there are not any personality clashes. I do not want the year to end, even though I am tired and ready for a break. I do not want my kids to grow up and move on. 🙂

Since day one at my new school, I knew this experience was going to be a positive one. I made sure to stay present at all times, appreciating every moment. The upside to that is I really really enjoyed myself as a teacher in my classroom this year. The downside to that is I now have a ridiculously long list of things I love about my class! Don’t worry, I will only highlight a few things!

I am not trying to boast. I am not trying to make anyone jealous. But my goodness, when things fall into place perfectly you have to appreciate it! So here I go…appreciating the little things:

• Problem Solvers– All year my students have tried to get me to think for them. “Where does this go?” or “What should I do when…” I never answered, just responded, “Think about it for a minute. If you still can’t think of a solution, I will help you.” They never returned for help! As great as that is, I may have created a bit of a monster. They now solve MY problems. A teacher may ask my thoughts on something, and a student will say “Why don’t you just…” or they begin to bargain with me, “how about instead of doing that, I help you do…” I just laugh. I can’t harp on a child that is problem solving! After all, it’s an essential skill!
• Responsibility– The transition from 2^nd to 3^rd grade is huge and responsibility is one thing that students struggle with at the beginning of the year. As the year progresses I had to make less and less reminders about putting names on papers, turning in assignments on time, organizing materials, etc. My students are so responsible now that they boss me around from time to time. “Hey, you didn’t collect our homework yet!” they reminded me as I tried to move right into correcting morning work. What can I say? They are creatures of habit. They know they are held accountable and want that credit!

Many mornings I have to stand in the hallway to ensure students are getting to class safely. Morning work is written on the board for students to complete and I often glance in the classroom to ensure my students are following directions. I can’t help but notice other classrooms have lots of noise and students wandering around aimlessly. However, my students are unpacked, seated, and completely engrossed in their morning work. It happened so often that I finally had my coworkers come take a peek. They were beside themselves; it was like my class was out of a movie.

I say, “Do this,” and…they do it! I know you may think that it should have been happening all along, but reality is, it doesn’t. For example, I have a “sharp” and “dull” cup for pencils to be exchanged without the disruption of the pencil sharpener. I have had that rule since my first year as a teacher. Students followed the rule part of the time. These kids? Every time. They even instruct new comers to follow the rules. Another example is I have a finger system for using the restroom (1 finger) or throwing something in the trash (2 fingers) so that the flow of my instruction is not interrupted. Not a problem- they deliver every time!

Lastly, and even sweeter, is when a student is absent and their group members (without me asking) collect all the day’s papers, write that student’s name on each of them, and file them safely away for when that student returns. That wow’s me! My students always help when I ask, but to help when I don’t ask shows their true character.

• Respectful– It is a normal occurrence to walk into my room and see children helping each other out. They ask nicely and return the favor nicely. I know I may have mentioned from time to time to use your “P’s and Q’s,” but the ongoing care they have for one another is because of the great children they naturally are. No fighting. No name calling. No bullying. Just good kids relating to other good kids.

So I guess the real question is….Am I worthy of such a great class? I think each and every one of us is. I hope you all have the opportunity that I had this year- I’ll cherish it forever!

Have you had a year that went as smoothly as possible and hold dear in your heart? Go ahead and brag! I want to hear it J

If your year hasn’t come yet, don’t you worry. Good things are bound to happen- you deserve it!

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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