What I Love Most...

I am thankful every day that I have had the past year at home with my children, and while I'd love for this to be a permanent position, I knew when I took the leave of absence that I would be returning to teaching next school year. Today reminded me of exactly what I love (and miss) most about teaching.

*Here's my disclaimer: I know what I'm supposed to love are the beautiful light bulb moments that children experience when something just clicks and they "get it," and I do LOVE those moments, but the following are my favorite moments.**

My favorite thing about teaching is what the children say. To each other. To me. Even to themselves. A little humor makes everything better.

As you know, I've been doing some reading tutoring one day a week since January and I love it! It's prompted me to take my reading praxis (which I passed...woohoo!) so I can possibly teach Title I reading next year. These are a few of the comments I heard just today:

(I'll refer to myself as Mrs. Belle)

"Mrs. Belle, you got new glasses! Does that mean you're smarter now?"

"Mrs. Belle, does this shirt look good with my jeans?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. I think it would look better with my shorty pink shorts but my mama said I wasn't leaving the house wearing those things."

(I bet mama was right...no shorty shorts needed at school.)

When asked what job he wanted to have when he grew up:
"I want to be an army man."
"Why?"
"Because I like loud sounds and shootin'. I want to be in the war to shoot those scary wild animals."
(Bless that he thinks war is against animals.)

"Mrs. Belle, is it fun in here?"
"Yes, I hope so. Why do you ask?"
"Because Annaya said it would be fun, and I'm just wondering when that will start."

(Bored much?)

These comments that brighten my day, make me laugh, and often times correctly critique my teaching are what I love most!