Well on his way....

to an AWESOME shoe tie-er!

Sounds simple enough, but it's something we have been working on (read: saying we were going to work on and just ended up tying them for him because it was quicker) for a while now....

And, we've about made it.

Poor fellow...I kinda feel like I dropped the parenting ball on this one. I was REALLY good at telling him to practice. I found that the times we actually sat down to practice, were times that were completely and utterly RUSHED.

Times when it was time to go, like five minutes ago.

Times when someone else needed something "right now."

Times when brushing teeth and grabbing the backpack were a little more important.

Times when homework had just been done and someone deserved a little break.

Times that would just end in no one being happy or excited.

So, Trey-Man....as much as you are responsible for learning these types of things, I'm responsible for TEACHING you and being PATIENT with you. I'm sorry, Buddy, for putting this important task on the back burner because there was always something else that seemed to take priority.....

I am proud to say though that we spent about 15 SOLID minutes a while back during our last snow day. We spent that time in a quiet place that was free from any distractions, JUST TYING THOSE SHOES.

And, guess what?!?! That's all it took....the timing was right and the setting was PERFECT!

YOU haven't looked back since!!!! YOU are tying your shoes all by yourself. YOU are getting better and better each time you tackle that milestone. YOU are learning how to pull the strings a little tighter. YOU are figuring out how to pinch that "tree" just a little harder so it doesn't fall apart or tip over. YOU are pushing that bunny through the whole like it ain't no thing.....

And......

I'm so PROUD of you!

Graduation Day!

So, my first official year teaching in the Des Moines area is coming to an end. In fact, tomorrow is my last day and marks graduation day for my 5th graders. I have thoroughly enjoyed this group of kids and their awesome, supportive, and involved parents. I couldn't have asked for a better way to continue on with my teaching career....especially considering how much I liked teaching in Ottumwa and how hard totally re-locating jobs can be. It's been an EXTREMELY stress-free year and I learned a tremendous amount from this new group of students. Writing them their congrats letter was a breeze and definitely included one of my FAVORITE quotes from good old Dr. Seuss...

  "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And, YOU are the one who will decided where you'll go!"

This quote (in a Dr. Seuss kind of way) sums up parts of my teaching philosophy...life is definitely about the choices you make and the way you react to what happens to you. It's absolutely heart-warming to see my students becoming advocates for themselves and learning from all the ins & outs of everyday experiences! They are a tremendous group of students.

So, tonight, the kids and I had fun putting together these little goody graduation caps. I actually think they turned out cute and are going to be a hit tomorrow in class....

Hopefully they will be able to tell what they are...LOL!

Ty working on a little tassel making herself....

They were more excited about the fact that they were going to get to try one of their own....silly kids!!! Who says there's anything wrong with sneaking Reeses Pieces?!?!

Thanks, Munchkins, for all your help. You two have a wonderful way of making all the things on my "to-do" list that much more fun! What a great, goody graduation cap-making team we are!!! I know my students will love hearing that you helped make those little fun things...in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys have a few handmade thank-you cards waiting for you when I pick you up tomorrow afternoon....