I'm Going to Stick with this Twice a Month Bizz

Well, here we are on the last day of April and guess who is trying to think of something to blog about before tomorrow hits? Me!

I can't believe that I will be done with my first year of teaching in 4 weeks! This year has flown by and I will be so sad to see my students leave. I'm trying not to think about that part. They keep asking me if I'll cry... (I refuse to answer)

I'll even miss the select few who know how to enhance the biggest headaches. I love all of my students in different ways! I was talking with my class yesterday about how much I have learned from them. They were surprised that they have taught me. When asked what I have learned my  response was, "patience and kindness." I should have thought of a different way to say patience because their immediate reply was, "you have had to learn to deal with how annoying we are." I told them that wasn't the case at all.

I have become a better person because of my students. They have changed me. I have learned how to deal with situations I never thought I would encounter. I have also seen so much kindness. My students treat me like I'm a queen. I can't count how many thoughtful notes/poems/pictures I have found on my desk when I need them the most.

Kids are so honest. Sometimes more honest than I would like. I was asked earlier this year, "Mrs. Ditto, what happened right there to your face?" It's called acne. "Mrs. Ditto, I can tell you're really sick because your entire nose is bright red." Thanks for that. I thought my voice gave it away.

Something that has drastically changed about me this year is that I have learned Science! Science has always been my least favorite subject and I had to retake the science section of my teaching test. I recently got my results back from the test and I not only passed, but now Science is my highest score! Who knew this was even a possibility for me? This happened because I really had to dive in and learn the content I was teaching this year because I didn't know it. (But to be honest, who knows over 20 rock types and all the cloud names off the top of their heads?)

I'm so happy that I'll be at the same school next year because these students will still get to be a part of my life. If I were to go back to school again I would definitely choose the exact same major, despite how hard it can be. I can't wait to no longer be considered a "first year teacher" and to be done with new teacher cohort. I still have plenty to learn, but I have a little experience under my belt.