What a day- it was our second day at Dyad, and KD and I are having such a wonderful time! The kiddos are absolutely AMAZING. So precious, and so independent! Both KD and I are coming from first grade placements to this third/fourth split (the third graders are general ed., and the fourth graders are sp. ed students).
Mr. M is just wonderful. He loves those kids, he is kind and gentle, very smart and treats the children like little adults, which I really appreciate. He's extremely fair and runs a fairly democratic classroom- the class "rules" aren't referred to as rules, they are "agreements" to which the kids sign a contract agreeing to them in the beginning of the year. His classroom management style is quite different from my MT's style, but I see the benefits of both for each grade- I think I am just so used to being a constant hand-holder that it is very strange to get used to the awesome independence of these third graders.
We've done so much, most of which is recorded in my written journal that I keep during the school day as we go along, but I had to share what happened today: Mr. M asked KD and I up to the front of the class for "Introductions," and the kids were invited to ask us any question they would like. Oh, my goodness! It was HILARIOUS! KD and I spent half the time blushing, I swear- but we answered the questions honestly, and it was too funny. Examples of questions:
After the kids were done asking questions, it was time to hit the road. Now, KD and I both had hugs from a little girl the first day we were there (10/06)...but today- oh, today we had at least 8 hugs from 8 different kids- even some of the little boys! I know they say DO NOT HUG THE KIDS, but the kids initiated it, and I'm sorry- it warms my heart and I give them a side-squeeze back.
I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it feels to be a part of this very special community that Mr. M and the kids have built together.
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Mr. M is just wonderful. He loves those kids, he is kind and gentle, very smart and treats the children like little adults, which I really appreciate. He's extremely fair and runs a fairly democratic classroom- the class "rules" aren't referred to as rules, they are "agreements" to which the kids sign a contract agreeing to them in the beginning of the year. His classroom management style is quite different from my MT's style, but I see the benefits of both for each grade- I think I am just so used to being a constant hand-holder that it is very strange to get used to the awesome independence of these third graders.
We've done so much, most of which is recorded in my written journal that I keep during the school day as we go along, but I had to share what happened today: Mr. M asked KD and I up to the front of the class for "Introductions," and the kids were invited to ask us any question they would like. Oh, my goodness! It was HILARIOUS! KD and I spent half the time blushing, I swear- but we answered the questions honestly, and it was too funny. Examples of questions:
- "What's your favorite color?"
- "What's your favorite animal?"
- "Where did you go to school?"
- "Why do you want to teach?" (this one was one of my favorite because I just answered, "Kids like you make me want to teach!")
- "Do you have boyfriends?"
- "Have you been proposed to?"
- "Have you kissed a boy?"
- "Do you want babies?"
- "How old are you?"
- "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"
After the kids were done asking questions, it was time to hit the road. Now, KD and I both had hugs from a little girl the first day we were there (10/06)...but today- oh, today we had at least 8 hugs from 8 different kids- even some of the little boys! I know they say DO NOT HUG THE KIDS, but the kids initiated it, and I'm sorry- it warms my heart and I give them a side-squeeze back.
I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it feels to be a part of this very special community that Mr. M and the kids have built together.
