Portraits of the CSI teacher and Cicada

It's great to be back in the classroom! I think many teachers feel like I do... they enjoyed their summer time with their families, they hated to see it end (who wouldn't?), but at the same time, when they walked back into their classrooms those two weeks (or sooner for many teachers) before the kids returned, they probably felt a mix of mild anxiety and contained excitement. The anxiety level probably increased in the days just before the students returned, but then the first day arrived, and we felt the thrill of being a 'new' Teacher (to the students) once more.

I can't speak for all the teachers... but I hear what they say, I see it in their eyes, I feel it in the vibes they give off with their walk, their posture, their gestures, the look in their eyes. Yes, they're glad to be back in their classrooms.

The first things kids will see when they walk into my classroom is the top of a bookshelf on which I've placed some interesting things. A feather collection, the rock, a balancing eagle, and a bug barn. All things they can look at and touch if they want to.

                                    

The Chinese writing on the rock says Tau (pronounced Dow, like in Dow Jones)... The Way. I love the word, the symbol of its meaning. I can't remember where I found the rock (several years ago), but at the time, I was experiencing a spiritual change... I had finally accepted the most important Truth, which I had known all my life, but had forsaken as a young adult. I had found The Way to a new life through Jesus Christ. I learned of the Chinese character, and painted it on the rock... I keep it with me at all times... either in the classroom or at my home... as a reminder of who I am.

The little wooden box is a Bug Barn. It's a great place to put larger insects for a few hours so kids can view them. Lately, it has housed three cicadas (on separate days), but they were all in their last hours of life and laying upside down by the time I found them.

Today I saw my first group of Kindergarteners for this school year. I had found an activity on the internet that was sure to be a great icebreaker for them as well as giving me some valuable assessment (through observation).

Read the 'letter' I typed up for the parents. I wish I could find the link to the website where I found the idea. But here's my version of it below, with a very detailed drawing of ... me! I was impressed by the student's work... she even drew me standing on the stool. I was holding a T-square. Awesome! (btw, CSI stands for creative subject integration)

                                            

I took pictures of three of the renditions (colored pencil, btw). I thought the kids were very observant. The picture above shows me wearing my beaded lanyard... there are two very large blue glass beads on it... I'm thinking that's what the child was illustrating. And she has put glasses on me!

I like how this girl shows me in red hair. You don't know it yet, but I had highlights put in my hair, and low lights... a touch of auburn. I'll try to get a photo of the new me. One of the kids noticed how the T-square looked like a sword. I think this little artist agreed with that image.  Again, she included the stool!!

                                                     

Finally, the child who drew the picture below has drawn my other hand, complete with five fingers, and a simplified T-square grows from my left elbow. I seem to have lost my legs, unless those two yellow appendages are them. Then I must be footless. Bless her heart! She has drawn my lanyard as well.  

This activity went really well. I think I'll do it with each of the other five kindergarten classes.

                                           

Finally, a parting shot of one of the littlest visitors to my classroom. 

                                   

 

Tags: kindergarten art class, cicada