i'm lovin' it

so, i have to say that i can't remember the last time i was this physically exhausted! it's friday night and i don't even want to get off the couch! that never happens! spending the day with kids is so much more draining than i ever imagined... but when i am with them i have more energy than should be possible. they really keep my spirits up and keep me going.

this week i got my first present from a student... a stack of fresh tortillas from his mom... not only were they delicious, but my principal told me that i must be doing something right because in the Mexican culture they show appreciation with food. my principal also sat me down today and told me that he wanted to know my plans for next year... next year? hello! i am just trying to survive the first month of school! he is already worried that he is going to lose me to a better opportunity. i told him not to worry about it because i really like where i am, but it's nice to feel like i am doing a good job and he wants to keep me around.

i have to say that i am really glad that i have been going back to school for the last year. my kids are at so many different levels in reading and it is driving me crazy! more than half of them failed their spelling test today (on kindergarten level words) and the other half aced it. so, even though it means more work for me, i am really glad that i have learned more about differentiating in grad school so that i can make sure i reach the needs of all of my students and none of them are penalized for where they are right now. i just really hope that i can teach the struggling ones to read and keep the ones that are already reading challenged! i'm looking forward to learning more about teaching reading and how to best reach my students. i'm already a little frustrated, but i really couldn't ask for a better learning experience or a more supportive principal and school environment!

also, this week my kids did some really great art projects and have started making me little notes and presents. i will have to take pictures and post them when i can! :)