Monday, August 30, 2010

All First Graders Have Cats.

My husband has begged me to begin a blog, even though I keep telling him that only he thinks I am funny and clever. I secretly, and nerdily (a word?), LOVE writing. But it is not something I wanted to ever go public... Nevertheless, here I am. And after reading other people's blogs (yes, I do read any and every blog I can), I have noticed that the most difficult part of blogging is coming up with a stupid title. One of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo, has the cutest name. And Joanna, I feel like, had it easy... her name goes very well with something we all love - coffee. Why couldn't I be a Joanna, Mom? Needless to say, please refrain from mocking my blog title... I only spent 2 weeks brainstorming. Lame..? YES. 


I have decided to blog about my path through student teaching, as well as my new life as a learning wife. By learning wife, I mean that I literally have had to learn many things to be considered 'domestic.' Thank goodness my husband loves to cook, because other than baking, I have not been interested in teaching myself things like that. But other than talking about those two things, I have decided to just blog about things that I love. So - we will see where that gets me! Enjoy. :) 


As I mentioned, I am now a student teacher. Why am I still in college you ask? Well, I only have changed my major 7 times which has resulted in three almost complete majors. NO. BIG. DEAL. My indecisiveness shines through daily. If I had a dollar for how many times my sweet husband gets annoyed with my "I don't care" responses, I wouldn't even have to finish my three majors and get out into the real world.


I am an Elementary Ed. major (or 1/3 major,) and the youngest I have taught thus far is third grade. I have mostly preferred the older grades. However, I was given the school assignment to do half of my student teaching in the first grade. WOW. I am a little nervous. Let me tell you though, these little creatures are PRECIOUS. I could be swayed to teach younger - or it might be too soon for that. We will see. 


On my first day, I noticed something about all first graders. When reading a cutie patooty story about a big, fat cat, we found ourselves discussing cats for twenty minutes. Unlike my third, fourth, and fifth graders... these kiddos have stories that, if not cut off by a teacher, could last until the child is dehydrated from talking. When I asked the kids a simple question before the book was read, something very interesting happened. 


"Ok, sweethearts, who has a cat at their house??" --- an "innocent," NAIVE-TEACHER question... 


One hand goes up... Ok, this isn't too bad. Little Suzie has a cat.


Oh, so does little Johnny...


And now Timmy...


That's weird, I thought we talked about Mary's allergy to cats but her hand is raised. 


Suddenly, it was like I had a standing ovation of cat owners. Hands raising and shaking in the air, I finally asked the dreaded question... "WHO REALLY HAS A CAT?"


"Well I have seen one.."


"My mom had one but it died..."


"My neighbor has four cats that live by my house so they are like mine..."


"I saw one in a picture one time." 


"My sister has a three-legged cat..." 


Okay, the last one did not happen. But seriously, kids... I asked you who CURRENTLY had a cat... not what your life history with cats was. 


I will never make that mistake again.


But, I ended the day thinking about how cute they are and how their smiling faces make my days. I could get used to this.. just maybe. 

5 comments:

  1. I'm glad you have a blog now! It's not just JJ-you can always make me laugh too! I even chuckled a little outloud during the cat story! Keep up the good work, kid.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh! That is hysterical! This has been my life for the past 14 years of teaching first grade!! I once read a book to my students about a man who walked a tightrope suspended between tall city buildings, and guess what? Yep, I had several students who said their daddy did the same thing!! I love it!! I hope you enjoy your experience in first grade! Mama Hauf

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linzi....i stalked you and found this...and it made my day! miss you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linzi! I am super EXCITED that you are blogging about the wonderful world of you and student teaching! I have a feeling this is what is going to get me through this semester... having you with me! :) I can't wait to see what you write next.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Did you blog this during student teaching class... because I so would have.You know I am happier than anyone (besides maybe lezlie) that you have a blog now.

    ReplyDelete