SLICE OF LIFE

A super busy day…

Determined that my students would have fun…

Would be allowed to be nine and ten year olds

on Valentine's Day,

despite the fact

that we are three weeks

from our state's "blessed event"

and have lots and lots and lots to learn.

And so I get up early,

Type up my lesson plans-

Make sure I can justify

every single thing we do

educationally.

Skills-

Idioms with

Amy K. Rosenthal's new book,

PLANT A KISS,

Reading--

no problem,

nothing better for getting better at reading

than flat out reading.

we will just read

and read

and read

a little more.

Math-

Probability, graphing, adding fractions,

All using conversation hearts…

Valentine envelopes,

Hmmm,

I know,

the great symmetry contest,

how many lines of symmetry can you create

in the design for your valentine bag?

Writing

Write a valentine letter

choose three reasons you love that person,

elaborate with details or an anecdote.

Edit with an adult,

write a final draft,

then make a card

with a border around the perimeter

(perimeter- did you get that one more math lesson thrown in?)

My kids hit the door running--

they have brought chips and cookies and cards---

they are so excited

and we have fun,

big fun,

all day long.

But we learn too.

And there are parents

and little brothers and sisters

and snacks, snacks, and more snacks

Our friends from the autism classroom

join our party for a little while

my kids scoot over,

make room at their tables

share cards

and snacks

and kindness.

We are close to the end of our party

When S's mom

and toddler sister come in

Mom apologizes for being late

She has just gotten off work

had to wake up the little sister

I find a juice box and a heart shaped cookie.

Bend over to give it to the toddler.

Try using my Spanish

on this not quite awake three-year-old.

I feel X standing beside me.

Know her mom has been out of town.

Think she needs a hug,

I reach for her

And she leans close.

"Ms. W."

she says seriously,

"I just thought you should know…"

I am expecting to hear about

our wonderful day

All she has learned.

How much fun we have had.

But X has another message,

"I just thought you should know,

when you bend over,

the top of your underwear shows.

And it's pink."

Yep, sweetie, it sure is.

My underwear

is definitely pink.

Hot pink

if you want to be exact.

Happy Valentine's Day

from the teacher

with the hot pink underwear.