Excited About Learning

Friday we had our first Show and Tell. The kids got on the stage and shared some interesting things.

Tristen kept getting nervous and could barely speak. Finally he got up the nerve to say, "I don't have anything to show, but I just wanted to tell everyone that I like meat". When I asked what type of meat he went into "Bubba"mode off the movie Forrest Gump. Only instead of naming shrimp he rattled off lots of meat..."steak, kangaroo, whale, chicken ribs, chicken legs, chicken wings, fall off the bone ribs, white bass, rock bass, and pork tenderloin". Then he looked at me and said, "Are you writing this down?"

We've been working in reading centers this week. The kids enjoy them and I'm getting the chance to hear all of them read. They're a really smart group!

Tanner was in the reading center today and came up to me grinning from ear to ear. He said, "Kennedy and I are having so much fun. You're spoiling us with all these books".

This is why I love teaching first grade!

I read a story aloud to the class today and they all were laughing and loving it and Chase shouts out, "Ooo, I wish my mom was here to listen to this story. She would love it!" Today in math we built towers to show the numbers 1-5.

I realized pretty quick that I had to set up some rules for using the linking blocks. Some of the kids were using them as guns, swords, and microphones.

They got the hang of it though and did a great job. They worked hard and followed directions.

Then we did a paper to continue practicing what we learned. We did side A together.

Then the students were able to use their math offices for the first time to do side B on their own.

We're learning so much already. Except for the occasional "is it lunch time yet" at 9:15, they're hanging in there really well!

First Grade...Here We Come!

Open House on Tuesday was a huge success! For the first time since I started teaching, all 20 of my students and their parents came to Open House! We had a carnival theme in our classroom. My friend, Taya, is working the "kissing booth". She is handing out Hershey kisses.

Zoe is passing out "Warrior Water".

I think the kids had a good time. The poor parents had to fill out a ton of paperwork.

The parents left with more paperwork to read and the kids left with a treat box.

We started our first day today! I think we're going to have a really great class!

We mostly practiced rules and procedures, but the students did get a chance to share what they did over the summer on our stage. Kennedy said her favorite part of first grade so far is her nice teacher. Mallorie said painting in art class. Tanner said 2 things, the white monkey bars and the armpit slide. These are two pieces of playground equipment that they weren't allowed on last year.

Regan said her stomach hurt a little last night and this morning, but when she got to school it stopped hurting.Emaleigh said the most annoying part of her day was when her mom just kept taking pictures of her this morning.

About 2:00 this afternoon Wilson said time goes by fast when you don't have to take a nap. Although a couple of girls admitted they were tired and Alexis said she needed a nap.

Poor Chase hurt his writing arm yesterday. He was a good sport and actually did really well. His friends were so sweet to help him out through the day.

I laughed a lot today already. This is going to be a fun year!

Meet Mrs. Ward

Growing up I envisioned myself in one of two jobs. One job I always dreamed about was being the person who delivers the huge check to the lucky winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. I imagined myself jumping out of the prize patrol with balloons in one hand and a giant check in the other, knocking on someone's door and changing their lives forever. My other choice was teaching young people. I like to think I am still changing lives...I just don't get to jump out of the prize patrol.

I began teaching 12 years ago here at Seneca Elementary. I couldn't have a better job and I know I was meant to do this. It is indescribable how it feels to see little ones learn new things and become so excited by it all.

I have a wonderful family as well. I've been married to Brad for nearly 14 years. He is an amazing man and I'm very lucky to have him. We are also blessed with two amazing children.


Our 8 year old daughter, Zoe, is spunky. She makes life a lot more fun.

Cole is our miracle baby. Many of you know my husband, Brad, was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. They told us that because of the chemotherapy it would be very unlikely for us to have any more kids. But God is good and we were surprised to find out we were having a little boy.

He's a very strong-willed 20 month old and we can't imagine our lives without him.

Your children will learn many things this year. However, my goal is not only to teach them reading and math but also how to love others, respect authority, and work hard. I can't wait to get to know each student and begin an exciting year together.