What's That?

New Kinder class today! Wow! They were only in my lab for 45 minutes. Felt so much longer. All were so excited and eager to work on the computers. All, that is, but one! The one wanted to run around my classroom. He wanted my snake puppet that I keep up high on a shelf. Yes, I gave it to him. It quieted him for a moment. He wanted to ask me what everything in my room was. Wouldn't be a problem if I didn't have 16 other students sitting there looking at me and waiting for direction. I finally got through the beginning of my class where I explain how things work. I did this all the while my one active student is standing in front of me asking, "what is that?" Anyway, got the students on the computers. I even got the 'one' on a computer too! He put his headphones on and then I proceeded to take over. I used my computer to take over his computer and controlled his game. He, of course, thought that pushing all the buttons on the keyboard was causing the game to work. Sigh! Please give me patience. Class time ended and we made it through. I asked for the Sammy Snake puppet back. Uh oh! No way was he giving it up. Didn't think we needed to play tug-o-war in front of the other students. I decided to let him take it with him and then retrieve it later from his teacher. Another day......How do kinder teachers do it all day long! Wow! They are special people!

Kindergartners with Headphones

Okay...have you ever been in a class full of 24 kindergarteners with headphones on? It's truly an experience. They like to sing out loud whenever there is music in the program they're working on. They sing loud! They sing off key! AND they sing in Japanese, French and Russian. Did I mention their native tongue is Spanish / English? They have a game that introduces different cultures. In this game, songs will be sung in the native language. The kids sing no matter what. It is so fun to hear!! I especially love the Japanese! : )

Is It Me?

Well...this is my first attempt at blogging. I will probably write alot about school since that is where I spend a majority amount of my time. I am the teacher! That's what I keep telling myself. Even though I do find that I learn a whole lot from my students too. I am the computer lab teacher. I have one class that really tests my patience. I have always been a patient person. It came easily. But it seems with this particular group of kids.....it somehow disappears. Makes me wonder....Is it me? Or is it the kids? Is it because I am getting older? Ah...no..it couldn't be that. : ) Anyway, these particular students will do whatever they can to irritate me. I think they have been this way for so long and with each other in the same class for so long that they just are used to getting in trouble that they continue to do it. I have a plan though. I will try the good ole reward system. Hopefully that will peak some interest with at least some of them. I will try that when they come to class next Tuesday. I'll let you know what happens! The positive side to all of this is that out of the 35 classes I see each week...that is the ONE and ONLY class that I dread. Not a bad percentage, huh?