It's Monday...

Today was one of those days where you just needed a drink.

You know, like a coke or a cup of coffee. A full cup of caffeine was a must-have today. Those first graders were on fire. Always talking, always moving, always doing something they weren't supposed to. Let's just say, it was a case of the "first-grade-Monday's." We spend a lot of today just trying to be quiet, and if you're a teacher, you know how frustrating that can be. On occasion we all have a case of the "Monday's" but when twenty-six first graders do at the same time, there is only so much you can do.

Surprisingly, we made it through the day. I managed to stay at school until about 6:00 pm. When I was heading out of the classroom, I thought, "this isn't too late." Then I realized that it was late enough that the office was locked and I wasn't able to sign out. Maybe it's not such a good sign that I think 6:00 pm isn't late? I can see a work-a-holic future in my life. My to-do list is rapidly growing, leaving me a stressed little mess. No worries, I'm not that stressed yet, I'm still running off of loads of excitement and adrenaline. I hope that never ends.

Today my cooperating teacher, Mrs. K and I coincidentally wore practically the same thing: black dress with floral print, same shoes, black cardigan, same hair style (not to mention same hair color). Can you say creepy? As kids were walking in the door this morning they kept saying, "hey, you and Mrs. K have the same dress on!" One little boy made my day when he walked in and said in his precious and completely sincere all-boy voice, "Miss Everhart, I like your dress!" Oh how something so simple can just make you so happy.

Nothing all that exciting in first grade other than the complete day's racket. There were no injuries, blood, or vomit (un-like many other days). However, there were tears. That is something that we surprisingly see very often.  

Here are some things I learned today:

• Build a friendship with your co-workers, especially those in your grade. They are the people that you can collaborate with and brainstorm with. They can be your back bone when you need some help. Our first grade team works very closely together. In fact they are such a strong group that they celebrate birthday's together. For my b-day we ordered pizza. It's nice to have a group of teachers that even I can depend on. 
• Know that nothing is going to be perfect. I have had more and more opportunities to take charge of the class. I sometimes expect them to be completely quiet for me when I should know that that is not possible (they ARE first graders, and that doesn't even happen for Mrs. K sometimes). 
• Respect all other school faculty even if they are a pain in the rear. It's going to happen, there are going to be some Debby Downers in the school. I learned today that even if you run into some of the sour attitudes you still have to figure out a way to work with them in a way that doesn't leave you with a sour attitude too. 
• Teaching is a little bit acting too. Go with confidence and pretend you know exactly what you're doing. It's very very important to be prepared, but you can't prepare for it all. Every day is like putting on a fun little show. 

That is enough for now. Better get to bed or those first graders are going to run me over tomorrow! Tomorrow is a new day; hope for a great one. 

Until next time, 

Miss Everhart...

or one of the other many names I go by.....Mrs. Everhart, Miss Hart, "hello," "teacher" (yes, a student does call me "hello" and "teacher")

(PS: I'm loving this!)