Farm Chicks Site

I haven't figured out, yet, how to put a display of good sites to go to on my main page... Until I do, here is one of my favorites!

The Farm Chicks
http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/about-the-farm-chicks.html

Influential and Appreciated

There is something so amazing about feeling influential and appreciated. I read something a student of mine posted in her myspace profile about how she finally is taking a class she likes (French class) and learning a new language is fun especially with Mademoiselle (__ME__). It's that sort of thing that warms the heart and makes all the frustrating parts of teaching worthwhile.

I pride myself on conducting a class that most kids enjoy and I believe that most kids get along well with me. I believe that is half the battle. Kids will work harder for a teacher who cares about them, gets to know more about them than what seat they sit in, and will listen to their problems or triumphs. During my first year teaching, I received a note from a student who said, "To Miss __(ME)__, the only teacher who ever listened to me." That one phrase made all the annoying stories disappear and in their place was the feeling that I might have done something good for at least one person. I might have made one student feel worthwhile and more confident. I would love to know what she is doing now...

More thoughts on this later. Remind me to tell you about Chuck. He is a very special student to me.

Des francais à Sturgis

I went to South Dakota this summer to visit my family, and while at Mount Rushmore, I met a group of extremely nice and friendly bikers from France who were in the USA to go to Sturgis! I had no idea this was a worldwide obsession.

Great American Novel

I'm such a rookie... I'm not even entirely sure how blogging works, but it seems like 1. I should learn more about it, and 2. It appears to be the modern equivalent of writing the great American novel, which has always intrigued me. Since I enjoy reading and learn from other people's posts, advice and stories, maybe there will be someone who can benefit from mine or at least get a good laugh out of them!

Be patient while I try to figure this whole thing out, make it aesthetically pleasing and try to be interesting! I can only assume it's going to be quite the opposite until I have a little more practice, but after that, watch out, world!