The Lorax Sequel

Yesterday in my classroom we read The Lorax and then discussed it's relevance to Earth Day.  The kids wrapped up the activity with a writing project.  The pretended they were asked by Dr. Seuss to pick up the story from the end.  The point where the boy is holding the last Truffula Seed, and write about what happened next.

Those little peeps are so stinking creative.   Their papers were so good,  I think I'm going to have them color the background and then laminate the piece as a keepsake!  That was not my original plan for the lesson, but as I was reading the story the idea just came to me so I ran with it.  I absolutely love when things work out that way!


Then, talk about even more excellence and brilliance, we set up for the Little Britches sale last night.  We had 7 stupendous volunteers who rocked set up.  They worked so hard and since they had all done it before, knew exactly what to do.  We were done an hour and 45 minutes early.  Plenty of time to relax on the sofa and chat with my kiddies about their day.  Looking forward to another night of success!

Today is the one year anniversary of my dear friend Lisa's passing.  I am so thankful to be able to use her teaching files every day..  She makes me a better teacher and still teaches 4th graders....the thing she loved doing most.  We are all wearing our Hope t-shirts to school today.....I'm trying not to let myself get too emotional.  I can't help thinking about this very day last year when I had to break the news to my sweet little Katie, and then my 25 little fourth graders.  It was a very rough week for all of us, and something I never hope to experience again.  My thoughts are solely with her family today.....I can't imagine how difficult this day must be for them :(  Miss you Lisa!!!

It's amazing how much talking really helps

A few days ago Katie made that comment "Well, you're never around....you're always working."  I was crushed.....completely and totally crushed.  I asked her what she meant and she instantly took it back.  Of course I couldn't let it go, I just kept hounding her about what she meant.

Last night it finally came out that she hates the Little Britches Sale.  Well, not so much the sale, but she despises the week that I have to work 14 hour days.  She said it feels like she doesn't see me for a whole week (and that's pretty close to the truth) and she doesn't like how busy it makes all of us, or how stressed out I get (eye opener).

So glad we finally came to the real source of the problem.  I was feeling like the world's worst mother because my baby thought I wasn't there for her, when it turns out it's two weeks out the year that she dislikes because she misses me....that I can handle.  I made the commitment last night to be sure to spend at least a few minutes of quality time with her.  In the past, when the kids were young,  they had to spend the entire crazy week with their dad so I really didn't get to see them. The past couple of years, as they've gotten older, it's been better.  This year they will only be with him after school, and then during the evening until I get home at 9:30.  They will sleep in their own beds and I will get a chance to connect with each of them before bed, and then again before school in the morning.

I'm hoping this helps my sweet girlie feel better, and know that even if her mom is busy she is always there for her.  Last night we snuggled in her bed and she told me all about her plans with her friends after school today, and we made a promise to talk about all the fun they have tonight before bed.  She seemed REALLY happy....love that girl!!

Success!

I am truly thankful to be surrounded by it every day!