What I've learned

I've learned a lot about a lot of things the last 2-1/2 weeks that I've been teaching first grade.  I've learned that no many how many times I give directions, someone isn't going to follow them.  I've learned that regardless of how many visuals I've given, someone will still be on the wrong page.  I've learned that giving the rules one day does not seem to mean they are still in effect the next day and must therefore be repeated.  And I've learned that no matter how recently you just used the restroom as a class, someone will desperately need to go as soon as you get out onto the playground.

But most of the things that I've learned are about myself.  I've learned that I don't love first grade.  The kids are very cute and I'm enjoying my days in their classroom, but I've learned that I prefer "meatier" content.  I know that there is nothing more important than teaching kids to read and do basic math , and I'm the one that is setting this foundation for them right now.  But I've found that I much, much prefer to teach something where the kids and I can get into a good solid discussion about the topic.  Short a and short i sounds, along with "What shape is this?" just isn't cutting it for me in that department.

I've also learned that I love being a mother to my three beautiful children more than absolutely anything else in the world.  I'm missing JR terribly with him being gone so much with my husband at his new school, and I'm missing getting to see JC at school since I'm pretty much stuck in the Primary building.  I don't like the fact that by the time we get home every afternoon at nearly 4:30, it's time to throw dinner on the table before our evening activities, and I don't love the fact that between their activities and my work that has to be done at home in the evening there are times I don't even check their backpacks for things I might need to know.  I don't love the fact that sometimes I'm just too tired to pack their lunches, and I tell them to just buy something in the school lunch line.  I don't like that when JR asked me to play a wii bowling tournament with him today I couldn't help but think of the hours of planning and coordinating I needed to do today for the upcoming week in the classroom (although we did play one game), and I especially don't like the fact that in order to go to the grocery this week I'll have to miss either dinner or bedtime tomorrow evening.  This long term sub job has made me realize that while I need to work at least part time, I certainly don't want to work full time.  I'll have the rest of my life to work and save up money, but I only get to look after these amazing children for a few short years, and those years are just flying by.