Elementary Education Part 1

It is with a heavy heart that I type this blog. I have spent a lot of time reflecting over my students and how much I care about them and want to make a difference in their lives. Some days I feel like I'm getting through, and other days I can't help but be disappointed by the behavior of someone. When I was at the Christian School the worst thing I had to deal within fifth grade was a child taking another child's lunch money. While teaching here I've dealt with major 5th grade bullying of which I am unable to go into detail. Prior to some major incidences I said to my husband, I have until June to make a difference. I have these kids until June and then they're off to middle school, and I may never see some of them again." One Friday afternoon while disciplining a student, I poured myself into him, telling him that I believed in him and that he had the potential to make a difference. The next day I went into the school to do some work and find broken windows in the gym and in the doorway - the school had been broken into. On Monday, my student, the one I had poured myself into, was in my classroom and I was informed that he had been involved. I was disappointed, but even as I write this, I have to believe that I can make a difference. Despite what the world may try to tell me, I have the Lord's strength and prayer to pull me through. I may not be able to tell these kids about Christ, but I can let them see Him in my actions (which isn't always easy when dealing with 23 ten year olds).

Lord give me the wisdom to know how to speak to these children.

ARIANNA IS CURRENTLY IN 1ST PLACE!

Okay, so I've spent this past week teaching and getting organized (something of which I can hardly wait to fill you in on once I get settled - I don't dare tell you how much time I spent in this classroom over the weekend...Let's just say if you can remember my work habits from school and the way I love to excell you should have a good indication. I have a great husband - he has helped hang stuff and cut stuff and love me all the way through my overwhelming "I must suceed and do well" attitude).

Anyways, ARIANNA is currently in FIRST place. The poll ends on October 16 at 12:00 Midnight (I think), so PLEASE VOTE!!! Get a friend to vote, get that friend to get a friend to vote. We have people in Europe voting and other parts of the world. In case you forgot where to go, just click on the link below:
http://timnew.com/arianna.html

KEEP UP THE VOTING. I'm so excited. I love my girls! I don't have my own children, but I love my sister's girls as if they were my own. I even get to see Sheridan here at school sometimes. And yes, I let her call me Aunt Sarah :)

On a side note, I love having high speed at the computer in my classroom. I can listen to Christian radio in Florida here in little Perth. Ahh...music helps me keep my sanity.