I.hate.grading.

All I have done this week is enter grades. Hours of my life I will never get back.

Rather than "grade" five-year-olds on their ability and effort as shown by school mandated tests, I would MUCH rather reflect on the data that I collect and use for my own teaching.

What I am required to say: TK on comparing numbers, 50%.

What I would like to say: "TK is having trouble comparing numbers because her number sense above ten is a little low. I think this could be improved by having her complete these kinds of activities..."

What I end up doing to stay out of trouble and live with myself: both.

nuh-uh

Yesterday Eli and TK were in a big ol' tiff during centers. I looked over and they were doing the "nuh-uh." "yah-huh." routine back and forth. I figured that I would let them exhaust themselves, so I kept an eye on them from a distance. They began to grow louder. Finally, I was forced to intervene.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Eli said that its called plonics. I told him that it's not. It's phonics. That's how you say---"

"Nuh-uh. The word starts with 'p.' It's plonics!"

How could I be mad at them when their arguement is over letter sound knowledge and phonemic awarness?

day 52

I saw three guided reading groups (because I had plenty of time for provisioning before school), I got a ring pop as a gift from TK, and Ms. A hasn't taken off her shoes once. This afternoon, we are starting a new writing unit, which is always energizing. I have just a few hours left with kids and then I will two days from a three day weekend.

It's a pretty good day.

parent-teacher conferences

Last night was parent teacher conferences and I would say I had pretty good turnout. Counting one parent who had to reschedule because her son was sick and one parent who I'm going to meet outside of school, I had 18/23 (80%) families come in.

In case I haven't made it clear before, I love my families. They were all dashing in from work and other commitments and they got right down to business. I even had two grandmas come because two moms just had babies within a week of each other -- and neither wanted to miss the conference. Over and over I can see that all they care about is the sucess of their child. It's not surprising, but it is encouraging when you have someone say, "Ok, well what can I do?"

My favorite thing about talking to families is hearing what my students say about school (or what songs they sing) at home. For example, TK asked her mom a question that she didn't know the answer to so she said, "I don't know." TK  immediately responded, "If you don't know, give it a go." Win.