Tuesday, January 24, 2012

same grade - two times


3rd grade. Memories. As a student.
I still remember that year as one of the best grades I was in.
My teacher was so pretty.
I'm almost certain.
If someone were to ask me to describe her, I couldn't.
But she must have been very pretty because that is how I think of her.
And nice, too.
And young.
Probably fresh out of college.

During that time, when I was an 8 year old girl, I think about the mandatory oral report we had to give.
On something.
I was so nervous.
So worried about making a mistake.
Fortunately, my wonderful teacher made me feel confident.
Encouraged me.
I did it.
The report.
Nervously.
But I did it.

My teacher wasn't mean, but the teacher in the neighboring classroom was.
So I heard.
On the playground.
During one of the conversations kids had.
That teacher's meanness was on display one day, so I knew those kids were telling the truth. She made a non-behaving kid stand at the blackboard and erase a giant circle she had drawn, with his nose!
Seriously.



















Now, I teach 3rd grade.
With interest.
I watch the young kids interact.
Notice that they have similar personalities to those when I was in the 3rd grade.
They relate just the same.
Sometimes kids are rude.
To each other.
Sometimes sweet.
Sometimes focused during lessons.
Sometimes not.
And the class-clown continues to entertain everyone.
Including me.
Yet, as the teacher, I can't laugh.
Like I would as a kid.
Teachers must maintain control.
Focus.
Save the laughter for later.

Same grade - two times.
Both rewarding.

(contribution for GBE2 - word prompt: time)

32 comments:

  1. That picture brings back memories for me d~ It was the year before that I met you. Now you are teaching that same grade, building new memories for them. I wonder if they will think of you, like you do your third grade teacher, many years from now.

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    1. that seems like such a long time ago, k. i mean, seriously, where has the time gone?
      i have siblings of previous students almost every year. i see those kids older, grown up. wow. some sport a beard!.. or are wearing makeup, looking nothing like the 3rd grader i knew.

      when i was subbing in the la habra district i actually worked in the same school as my third grade teacher. what a kick that was!

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  2. The teacher is pretty this time around too!

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    1. hi carol. why thank you.
      it's funny but when i began thinking about my teacher.. that she was so nice, so calm, so attentive.. that is how i am as a teacher. i just want kids to have a fun experience in the mix of all the work they have to do.

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  3. Wonderful, teachers who are rock!!

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  4. I LOVED my third grade teacher. He was the only human in the history of my life that has made me enjoy learning math. So he was basically a sorcerer. Haha loved this :)

    - Ash

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    1. a guy teacher. very cool. that's great that he instilled a love of math for you. i think my thing is reading... trying to get kids to love it, just the joy of reading...

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  5. That is so great that you chose to be a teacher. I was just talking about it the other day with my husband and I was trying to remember what grade you taught. I guessed it correctly, 3rd grade.

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    1. hi jeanine,
      i was definitely meant for the classroom... it's my passion, you might say. third grade is a great age. the kids are still into school, and like me. makes my life easier. :D

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  6. It's great that you are now in a position to create such good memories for another generation of kids. Lucky 3rd graders, I'd say.

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    1. thanks jo. it definitely is interesting to be on the other side.

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  7. that's for sure, jo. that is my goal.. good memories with as much fun as possible.. and an elevated level of learning as well....

    thanks for the compliment.

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  8. Love the idea for this post! 3rd grade viewed from you as a child and as an adult and teacher. Brilliant! :)

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    1. oh, thanks nancy. i really just wanted to express my happiness with such a great teacher, and figured adding my perspective would be interesting.

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  9. I taught much older kids (11-16 year olds), but there were similar characters in every class I taught. Schools (and teaching) changed so much from when I was that age, though, so it was a case of contrasting rather than comparing!

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    1. yes, paula. time surely has changed. even for me. life seemed so much more at ease when i was 8. now kids are pushed academically, constantly.

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  10. I'll bet you are a wonderful teacher--your heart is so in it. I really love that though you hide it from the kids, you get a kick out of the class clowns. :OD

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    1. oh, thank you elizabeth. the kids do tell me 'you are the best!' i tend to believe them. :D... class clowns are truly funny.. just hard when you are the teacher, trying to teach without interruptions.

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  11. I can tell through your writing that you are a great teacher. The world would be a better place if we had more caring teachers like you. Unfortunately, not all teachers are in it for the right reasons. Thank you for really caring about the children.

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    1. thank you, kat. i do like teaching and working with kids. they have a lot to teach me as well.

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  12. How cool! 3rd grade was a great grade for me. I still converse with my 3rd grade teacher from time to time (when I'm in my home state). She had such a huge impact on me. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. that is great, taylor. former kids occasionally visit. that's fun. and amazing how much they change, in looks.

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  13. I love when people do comparisons like this. As a teacher I can sympathise with the ' Please don't let me laugh!' moments *grin*

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    1. hi gill. there are definitely many times i have to turn my back to maintain control. other times i just can't help myself.

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  14. Loved your take on the prompt. My 3rd grade teacher was so lovely. I remember her well - she was so kind and gentle. I bet you're an awesome teacher. The class clown is always fun!

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    1. thank you suzy. it helps that i like being in the classroom. i think the kids are pretty awesome themselves.

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  15. i loved teaching 4th grade..and still remember when in third, had the NASTIEST teacher "mrs jacobson" she made me put gum on my nose and stand in the corner. Really disliked her,,i must have drover her NUTZ!:0) LOVED 4th grade, still remember her too; in Ridgewood Nj Mrs McDonnelly. hehe and funny how it was 4th grade i did indeed teach too. wow you brought back the memories for me thank you!

    and i like this picture of you alot more than the other; you look alot younger here!

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    1. gum on your nose? that's mean! my 4th grade teacher? i remember her long nails and long hair, and her rebellious nature - wearing pants when women teachers were required to wear only dresses.

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  16. What a great thing, to be able to visit third grade from two views. Childhood is an interesting time, and a child's relationship with his/her teacher can be magical, or a mess.

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