The Week of Thanksgiving

I felt like a true teacher this week. Primarily, because I was. :) It's barely sinking in, that this is what I'm going to do forever. On Monday, Mrs. E. wasn't there. So, I had a substitute teacher. (She's been our sub for each time Mrs. E. is absent so the kids and I have grown a beautiful friendship with this woman.) Like last time, she came in with crafts that the kids and I would love. Since I had anticipated the five day weekend, I ended most of my units Friday. So Monday and Tuesday we did our regular subjects with a Thanksgiving lens. It was awesome! 

Tuesday, I had the opportunity to have my first Spelling Bee! We used Thanksgiving Day words. The students really had fun and asked if we could have another one again soon. I told them that before I left, we would have a Winter Spelling Bee. Thinking it over, I think it would be really cool to invite other fifth grade students! 

There is something about holidays that make the students really "gooey" on the inside. This week, they were really calm and collected. Some of them were emotional for no reason. I already have some students trying to bribe me to stay until the end of the year. I'm already getting sad and preparing to leave. I'm in my third to last week; it's scary to think what I'm going to do without them. 

I also gained the courage to talk to the first year teacher. She was so nice! I learned a lot and was able to get some good mentoring in. She had a lot of insight about the interview process and what being in a class all alone was like. It was good to hear that I wasn't the only one who was overwhelmed. Romans 12:15 says, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." Having a brief meeting with her really brought this verse to mind because it reminded me to look for help when I need it and that people close to my heart and strangers will always be willing to lend a listening ear.