New Class AND a New Puppy

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Just wasn't enough to have a new class/new school year to get started this year.  So this Labor Day weekend, we brought home a new puppy!  She flew in on Friday afternoon from a breeder in Washington state.

 

She's a chocolate minature Australian Labradoodle.  At 16 weeks, she weighed 10.6 lbs when she was checked out by our vet.  We named her Tiramisu (Tira for short)  and Brulee is caramel colored big sister.  They are adorable, and I've learned that sometimes a little crate-time can go a long way toward keeping your sanity!

 

So, now, it's even harder to think of going back to school on Tuesday.  But it will also make me get out of the parking lot more quickly in the afternoons.  I'll be anxious to see DH (He's retired and at home most of the day) and little Tira. 

 

Ended up with 30 3rd graders.  They are really cute and sweet, but marathon talkers.  It'll take some time to get us working as a team, but they will be a wonderful group!

 

How's it going with classes this year?  Hope everyone's hanging in there!

[shelly]

UGH!  I know what you mean about marathon talkers... that's usually MY classes... hmmmmm.... think I don't enforce the no talking rule strict enough!  EVERY year I say I'm going to be real strict at first and tough... but somehow, it's just not me... oh well... after 28 years I don't think I'm going to change.  We start Tuesday here and right now I'm in my 'depressive' state!  I hate to see the summer end!  So many changes... my oldest is driving, just started college and my youngest is starting high school.  We have a new reading and spelling program this year - but on the bright side, after having 26-28 second graders usually... this year, I only have 21 (for now).  Hope it says that low... 6 kids can really make a difference!  Enjoy your year!  Here's to getting out of the building quickly this year!

[Doris]

Congrats on Tira!!  At first I was worried that you got a puppy RIGHT before school started!! I am very relieved that your DH will be home for Tira!!  I teach first grade in Ohio and we have 2 weeks in already.  I only have 18 students - they are talkers too - but I can't imagine 30 students!!  It must take forever to get papers graded!

I love going home to Bodi every day . . . . he takes any stress away.  Enjoy!

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Hi, Doris.  Thanks, we are really excited about having another Doodle in our family.  Not the perfect timing, but with Brad home it works! 

 When we were in Ohio, I taught a couple of years of 8th grade math and English at Syracuse Jr. High...near Dayton.  It was a rough area and really made me rethink my discipline techniques.  But I learned to love those crazy kiddos!

How nice to have such a small class.  That really is a great size for first grade.  They take so much of a teacher's immediate attention.  A close friend teaches 1st grade, and I think she has 22 in her class.  That's a bit on the high side!  She's wonderfully patient, though, and things just don't ruffle her feathers.  I'd be a basket case!  My hat's off to you who work with those babies all day!

Thirty kids are a lot, but most teachers are women, and, as you know, we can do everything!  :)  Fortunately, I have a super supportive parent group.  Those moms are ready to do anything we need to get the job done!  Couldn't get along without them.

Our puppies are really wonderful stress-relievers aren't they? You have a great year! 

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Shelley, it's hard to keep those second grade non-stop-talkers quiet long enough to get a lesson in, isn't it?  I'll bet they love you, though.  I, also go through a slump as the summer comes to an end.  That's, quickly,followed by a near-panic state over whether or not I'll be ready for the first day!  But, it's amazing how magically we settle back into our school-year patterns. 

Our district is so cash-strapped that we haven't had any new series for the last 4 years.  There is an up-side to that, as I really do like our current math and reading/spelling programs.

Wahoo!  Twenty-one kiddos is a great class-size.  Just keep your head down, and maybe it'll last!  Hope so! You're so right about 6 more students really changing the dynamics of your class!  Have a great 2011-2012, and I'll watch for you on DK.

[Lynda Kamrath]

It is so great to have a retired DH to be at home for the dogs.  My husband retired five years before I did and at the same time that we got our first doodle.  He was planning a remodel on our home and would be in and out of the house, working on the computer, and taking the dogs on a bike ride at a park near here.  What a great start for a puppy!

My last year of teaching was also with a third grade class and they are so sweet.  They already know most of the skills and need to practice and hone in on their skills.  But I only had 20 students (back then).  Now all of the classes are up to 25 - 30 students (even Kg - 2).  It is really not a good time for education.  My heart goes out to all the teachers and the kids.  I sub up to 30 days a year, and always try to work in some art, which all the kids dearly love.  Try to build times to talk into your lessons, like "tell your partner what you think will happen next" and "share your idea with your neighbor", but keep it short. They love to share out with everyone, but that just takes too long.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Sounds like your DH did a great job of "Bringing up Pup!"   We really are lucky to have them at home so our Doods aren't kenneled all day.  Makes my day better knowing they will be with him!

Third grade is a great time in students' lives.  They are so teachable and so loveable, as well.  20 students would be a wonderful size class, but you're right, this isn't the easiest time for public education.  As a retired teacher, who is still interested in education, I have to say that I think you'd be proud of what we are doing in our large classes.  It takes a lot of love and belief in the importance of your task, but with committment, it get done!  Good teachers won't fail their kids!

I do just what you mentioned, almost word-for-word, with the sharing/discussion.  It serves a lot of purposes, doesn't it?!  And working  with 30 kids, you have to cover a lot of territory in a little time!

Glad to hear from you, Linda.  Keep subbing and loving on those puppies!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Hey Ellen, I had a great year subbing and had a special 3rd grade class (the teacher is a friend) that I worked in as a volunteer.  We did Christmas ornaments and Easter chickees and duckies in a woven basket.  The kids were so proud of their little projects.  I just love subbing and prefer half days.  That way I can get in a swim, shower, and a half day of working with the kids.  We all are happy.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Yae - Finals given on Friday - grades calculated and posted today!  Now I get to concentrate on our new puppy for awhile.  Unfortunately, I'm on a 12 month contract, so am not able to pack up and go home for the summer. However, I don't have any courses to teach this summer but will spend the summer developing a new course and updating two others. I'll be retiring next year, so will also spend this last year handing things over to younger faculty.

I truly admire all of you who teach in the elementary and high school levels. I teach in graduate school at a medical university, so at least all of my students have actively made the decision to be there!