We have made it through our first week of school together. I have learned the following for this group of fifth graders:

  • Fifth-grade humor is actually funny.
  • Fifth graders cannot inhibit touching a low ceiling, especially if last year they were not tall enough to do so.
  • Sometimes you just have to do a cartwheel.
  • Place value into the millions is an abstract concept that can be conquered with multiple opportunities to practice.
  • I am not too old to sit on the floor, I may not be able to get up as gracefully as before-but I can make it!
  • Fifth-grade boys show each other they are buds by roughhousing. (Any place and anytime!!! I just wish it would not be when the principal and superintendent are looking!)
  • Sometimes school is the safest place to be and sending home stuff means I don’t have it anymore.
  • Fifth graders are only motivated by stuff they really want. They could care less for trinkets-bring on the junk food.
  • NO one wants to be a bully. Calling someone out at this age on bullying behavior sometimes shocks them!
  • It has been a long time since I have written lesson plans for someone else to read. It is amazing the amount of work that goes into one of these. Yes, CSM students I have a new appreciation for the time you put into one of these as an assignment.
  • Elementary teachers eat lunch and do all necessary breaks in about 15 minutes! I forgot about the teacher’s bladder. 

Finally, I have never lived on my own. I went straight from my parent’s house to the dorm and then married Jeff. I have learned I can be on my own. I miss Jeff terribly and have a new appreciation for all he does to make my life easier. For the past 38 years, he has taken care of many things, for example; I learned this weekend to check tire pressure and fill a low tire, another first for me. 

Tomorrow is my Birthday. I will be 58. It is the first time in my life I will be celebrating it on my own, with no family here. I know for many others this is an everyday event. I am planning to share it with my students. I have purchased ice cream for us to end the day.