Fourth Grade Follies

In the past month and a half, we've fallen into a routine in 4th grade and know what to expect from one another. One thing they are super good at is helping me keep my pride in check, because any time I forget something or make a mistake, they are quick to point it out. Even though most of them were born the year I graduated high school (what?!?!) and I'm 18-19 years their senior, I sometimes wonder if we'd all be better off if they were my teachers instead of vice versa. Here are some of my favorite examples of them calling me out:

Place Value

Me: After the millions place value comes the trillions.

Student: Yeah, and after that is the billions!

Me: (pause)...ummm...actually, I just said that wrong. After the millions is the billions then the trillions.

(awkward laughter)

 Math exams!

Date Part 1

Me: Write the date at the top of your paper. It is written on the chalkboard.

Student: Ms. Christine!

Me: I hear someone calling out my name. If you want to talk to me, class, what should you do?

Class: Raise your hand!

Me: That's right. (casually looks around classroom and sees student with hand up) Oh! Yes, do you have a question?

Student: It's not a question, but you wrote that the year is 2019 instead of 2013.

Me: (awkward laugh) Hahaha, well, I guess I did! Silly me.

Apparently, we need to work on prepositions. That, and I have a comb-over.

Date Part 2

Student 1: Bahaha! 2019! How old will I be then?

Student 2: Whoa! I'll be 19!

Student 1: I think I'll be 21! Man, that's SO OLD!

Me: (sarcastically) Oh yeah, you'll practically be an old man walking with a cane....

Student 3: I'll be 15!

Me: You all will be 14 or 15 years old...and we obviously need to review some basic addition.

Science presentations. I told them to stand there and smile big when it wasn't their turn to talk. 

Total Mastery.

Multiplication

Me: Everyone ready to sing the 8's multiplication song?

Class: YEAH!

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Isn't this the 8's song?

Me: Yes, that's what I said.

Student: Then why did you write 8 x 1 = 6?

Me: Did I? Well, I guess I did! I think maybe YOU should be the teacher instead of me!

In my defense, I'm more of a words-girl than a numbers-girl. Except in this last scenario. This one made me feel like I should turn in my notice to free up my spot for someone more qualified!

C-H-I-H-U-A-H-U-A

Me: ...and there is a line for you to write your favorite animal...

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Ms. Christine, how do you spell chihuahua?

Me: Chihuahua? Hmmm...c-h-i-w-a....no, that's not right...c-h-i... You know what? Just spell it the best you can, I'll know what you mean.

How could something so delicious be a crime?!

They are each so special and unique, and I feel blessed to be a part of their lives in such a formidable time.

Would you say a special prayer that the weather would cool off enough for them to focus more in class? It's been ridiculously warm for the past while, and it seems like the result is extra squirmy students. It's hard for them to focus when they are hot and sweaty, and when they have a hard time focusing, they have a hard time learning!

Miss Christine's 4th Grade Classroom

Here's a quick glimpse into our classroom! 

 Front of the room

 Big window :)

 Notice awesome mirror...it's funny when I catch the kids looking at themselves...not so funny when they catch me doing the same, hahaha!

 Classroom goal charts

 Student work wall and side door into hallway

Some of my kiddos working away on their Time Capsule activity. We will open them at the end of the school year to see how they have changed!

We're on the 2nd floor and have a big window on one side of the room, a door that opens into the hallway on the other side, and a ceiling fan that we crank up the highest it can go! It's the first time I've ever taught in this country without sweating buckets!

I've only known my students for a week, but I already love them and am excited to lead them through their 4th grade year. I'm so thankful to work in a place where Christ is truly the focus and reaching the whole child (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) is our goal. 

"We are LAS PALMAS!"

Kicking Off Another Year!

Two months ago, I left you all with a reflection of the past five years and a glimpse into what's to come for the 2013-14 school year. Since that last post, I've spent wonderful quality time with family and friends in the States and also worked hard/played hard at Disney World through my job with English Days at Disney.

Visiting our Great-Grandma Irene in Nebraska. On July 26th, she celebrated her 93 birthday! She's quite a lady :)

Nana, Laci, and me during our special outing to the Dixie Stampede.

A shrubbery of Mike Wazowski outside of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

With my girls at our 2013 reunion. Next year marks 10 years of friendship! Time spent with them is never enough.

In total honesty, any time spent at home these days never feels like enough. As I get older, it seems like more and more changes happen during the course of a year. I like the life I live in the Dominican and I have peace about being here, but I really have to control my mind when it comes to missing my friends and family back in the States. Thankfully, our days are full of wonderful moments that constantly remind me why I'm here.

Me, Gregori, Galan, Heather, Eduardo, Mello, and Terrill at Eduardo's high school graduation

Carolina and me at Eduardo's graduation

My Welcome Back! goodie bag and folder from school

I'll be back to posting on a regular basis and look forward to sharing this next year with you all!