It started with an incredible in-service at school. I am feeling very fortunate right now. Our time together consisted of "nuts and bolts" kinds of things and concluded with a very inspiring, thought provoking conversation about Social Studies curriculum. It was great to talk about our strengths and then reflect on what we can do better. What am I taking from this? I don't need to prove myself all the time. My program is about exploration and discovery - learning through interest, experimentation..... I came to realize that when an "outsider" is with us (a parent, another teacher, head of school), I really prompt the children to talk about what we're learning. I give them cues and direct them to say what I think everyone wants to hear. This directly contradicts how I teach!!! Upon more reflection, I realized that I am doing that for myself. So everyone knows that I'm doing my job! What does that matter? Are the students doing their job?? YES! Do they need to "perform" and "recite" to prove anything? NO!! I really need to let go of the feeling that I need to prove myself and just allow the children to prove themselves. Working at Greenwood has been (and continues to be) such an uplifting journey....
After lunch with some WONDERFUL teachers, I headed to Big Lots. I almost always start my shopping here, looking for discounted organic and natural snacks, cereals and other foods. Yesterday was a winner of a deal day! I found a $200 Cuisinart Bread Maker for (drum roll........) 29.99!!!! Woot!!!!!
Then I came home and had a quick snack with my lovelies. Every once in a while, we are blessed with what we call a "Whole House Nap." I decided that this chilly afternoon was perfect for one. So we headed upstairs and climbed into my bed - all 4 of us - to settle for a nap. After some negotiation about who would lay by me, an offer for a movie and last minute adjustments, we were ready. We watched A Bee Movie, snuggled and chatted. I loved hearing the kids talking to each other - actual real conversation! Zeki was going on about how he would have a turn next to mommy after Ayla was done and moved. And then "of course," Aydin would have a turn. Ayla talked about playing with Mimi until I got home and now snuggling with Aydin and Zeki was "just so nice." And Aydin was busy counting how many people were in the bed, starting with himself counted 1-2-3 and before he counted me for 4, he started again, with me as 1 and ending with himself as 4, "because I'm 4, you know!"
We slept until Erol got home!!
So, yeah.....a great day.......
