DAY 131

I was in a 5th grade classroom in Plymouth in the morning and a 3rd grade classroom in Northville in the afternoon.

Overall, it was a typical day – the kids were pretty well behaved once I called for it, although I did have to call for it more than once.

I had a couple of National Geographic kids’ books with me. A 3rd grader, G. finished his books during the hour-long independent reading time, so I loaned him mine and he really enjoyed them. He came over and told me all about how funny some of the pictures of animals sleeping in trees were (after showing it to a few other kids). I think I will make sure I carry these to other schools. I enjoyed listening to his enthusiastic sharing.

After recess, a bunch of the kids just headed indoors – didn’t line up or wait for me. I had decided to stay outside a little longer. One of the challenges with doing two half-days is that I end up having to corral a bunch of kids whom I just met half an hour earlier and I have NO idea which of the kids in the playground are “mine.” Some came over to tell me that it was time to go in, and I said we were staying out a little longer (a few kids had won a raffle and their prize was to put a whipped cream pie into their teacher’s face, and I thought it would be fun to watch). (The teacher wore safety goggles.)

Talked about Habits 4 and 6 of the “Leader in Me” Steven Covey program – Think Win-Win and Synergize. I think this is only the second time I’ve gotten to talk about the habits with kids, although they are the prevailing value system in many of the schools. It makes for interesting discussion. Personally, I think the kids’ workbook could have better examples and ideas in it.