10 Things I've Learned from Teaching

I'm linking up with Miss Kindergarten on the "10 Things I've Learned from Teaching" on this Sunday evening!

1) A funny voice or a stuffed animal makes teaching more enjoyable -- for the kiddos and the teacher.  We had a pretty boring Handwriting curriculum last year, but everyone participated when Maria (Nintendo Mario's sister) came to "teach" the lesson.  

2) There's little that a hug, a wet paper towel, or the beloved bandaid can't cure.  This is one thing I didn't learn as an Undergrad or Grad student -- basic first aid.  On this same note, I've learned that Kindergarteners and I have very different definitions of "bleeding."  

3) Organization is the key to survival.  Kindergarteners do not like to wait -- maybe it's the generation of instant gratification, but I need to be 2 steps ahead of myself every day and always have at least one "back up plan."  My kids really loved "Heads Up, 7 Up" with Sight Words at the end of last year (when one is calling on whom he/she believes picked him/her, he/she must say the Sight Word, rather than the person's name)

4) My life is very exciting.  My kids LOVE to hear stories about myself, my husband, and our dogs.  Especially the silly ones.

5) It's better just to go to school "under the weather" than plan for a sub. 

6) All about lice.  I had heard of lice when I was in elementary school, but never had a personal experience with it.  I am now well-versed in the life cycle of head lice.  (Sorry, I probably made your head itch just reading this).    

7) Miss Kindergarten posted one similar to this -- Kindergartener's remember EVERYTHING.  I could make up a rule and months later be reminded when someone broke said rule  

8) "Hanitizer."  

9) Everyone is someone's child.  I know my kid's parents send me their very best every day and it's my job to ensure that their children are safe, loved, respected, and valued under my care.  It's my goal for each child to grow a little smarter each and every day.  

10) Above all, the kids have taught me more than I could ever teach them! I learn something new EVERY day.