Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

We tend to hold on to things we don't need. Because, well, "we might need it one day". Especially as teachers. Often we DO use these things. In my case, too many times I don't. I have gotten so much better over the years. Before moving here I went through an extensive purging and it felt good. I think about it often here. I haven't had to do a major cleaning, though, since I don't have that many things. I  do find that I have collected little things from different places. Not from travels, but because there are often free things passed out like candy here. I know I have too many things. As soon as he was gone, I took over his closet space as if I couldn't make it without it. What was I doing before he left?! I figure now is the perfect time to go through our space and ease the burden of having stuff. My thoughts started with the fact that I don't want to be a slave to material things. Of course, we all like stuff but I go back and forth with that an...

Its been a long week.loooooong.I think Ive found everything I can for science at this age/ability group. The room is coming along well. Silly me, I thought Id finish today after school. I worked from noon tip 3-MAYBE took 15 mins to eat-but its still not done. Im pleased with the work thus far though. I kind of want to see how the classes use it. But Im putting the cart before the horse. I have to make sure there are things to do in there. I have to call a meeting but we are all so busy with other committees I almost feel guilty or like I am imposing. We do have a good group so I don't think anyone would chop my head off. Not to mention I also have to work on my own committee to produce the things Ive been assigned. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh But thank God it is Thursday. I can rest for a bit. I could totally go for a nap but that would be counter productive as I would wake up at the crack of dawn tomorrow.No bueno. Oh, and how could I forget? There is a book ...

If I wait for cream of tarter ( I always want to say cream of tarter sauce), the kids will never have any play dough. So today I thought, 'why not look for an alternative to COT since the consensus is that using that is a better recipe-lasts longer. I have 20+ kids who use play dough probably every day so I need it to last as long as possible. In addition, I want them to work more on making letters and manipulating the dough. Not only because of my weak handed students but because I want to go in the kitchen to bake letters/numbers/etc and this will be good practice. So I found this recipe and it seems ok. I must say that I prefer using the microwave as it is non stick and you don't have to sit there and stir,stir,stir! I made two batches. One for the dramatic play area which will be used as a kitchen and another for the literacy center. They'll be so excited tomorrow-and I will be too if this play dough stands up to my expectations. At this point, as long as it doesn...

After a week of running on E in terms of energy but running on F in terms of germs, I woke up feeling like myself again. Thanks to a long nap and a full night's rest I can carry on with my long list of things to do. After the initial excitement of being handed the keys to the car, so to speak, I am now a little concerned about whether I will return the car in a manner that's pleasing with the owner. On the one hand, she trusts me to get the job done. On the other hand, I know that she likes things a certain way. And science isn't always clean or cute. I  must find balance,lol. There are a few things I know I have to return with come Monday. Sensory tables are one of those things. Hoping to come back with some piping and Im not sure what else. Im open to whatever I might see because you have to be creative when repurposing things-especially here. I can't wait to see them use the science room. exciting!

Im feeling sick and didnt want to go in today. I lay in bed contemplating whether or not to just stay there. I decided against my body and went in. Good thing because my coteacher was out today. They would have been wondering what was going on if both of their teachers were absent! We had a good day. Im used to having kids the full day so it wasnt a big deal even though there were no specials today. The room is big enough for them to work on something else while I prep for the next activity. My main goal today was getting the sensory bottles done and Im so glad they were excited about it because they were the one of the motivating forces for me getting out of bed today! They would have hurt my feelings if they were like, "I dont want to make that!". They worked so well today-putting various items in their bottles. It went better than Id expected with it being just me. Especially since there were only 2 kids absent. I hope they arent in the trash by now! Im sure theyll be...

The kids talk at lunch and,for the most part, I dont know what they are saying. There is one student who speaks English and I am tickled at the things he says sometimes. (ie. To his friend after lunch, "brush your teeth! Yes! I want to see you brush your teeth!" with much enthusiasm). There is one conversation that I can understand and it warms my heart! As they eat, they point out the letters that begin with their names as well as the names of their classmates. Thats ELEVEN letters at this point just from playing games and doing activities that begin with their names. Take that LOTW,lol.

I love my family SO MUCH! And if you are away from your family, you know how it can be sometimes.Unfortunately, one of my family members has been diagnosed with  scleroderma  and we are working as a unit to help her get the treatment she needs. There is quite a bit of  information  available. Admittedly, funding is lacking for research and a cure. Please click the link below for more information about my cousin. And if you are so inclined, PLEASE DONATE. Any amount is greatly appreciated! http://www.gofundme.com/latayacorbitt