The Gift of Time

Whirlwind, that is the one word that describes today – and what a day it was!

Today was definitely an instructional day. I taught a second grade guided reading group this morning. This was followed by conversations with the second grade team and tomorrow, I will be working with the teachers to lead a similar lesson on onomatopoeias with all of second grade. I have always believed that was is good for gifted kids is good for all kids. Of course, wanting to enhance the lesson with the SmartBoard, tonight, after the spectacular third grade musical, I found an exciting, interactive extension activity about onomatopoeias that we will introduce to second grade tomorrow.

After meeting with second grade this morning, I made it a point to visit each of our four third grade classrooms. In the third grade classrooms I was put to work perusing and commenting on cursive worksheets. I also was read to by three of our students during the literacy power hour plus (Boy these kids are sharp!). From that time on, I “popped in” to several different classes and grade levels to check in and touch base with staff and students.

The highlight of my day was reading a journal entry from a new teacher in our building. One of the most rewarding activities that I have implemented this year is that I journal weekly with the four new teachers that we have at Sleepy Hollow School. In one particular journal, a teacher who is experiencing some challenges with a parent commented that she was thankful for the SAM program due to the fact that I was in her classroom through several different learning activities throughout the year – not just evaluations. Her comment gave me energy and a feeling of “helpfulness.” Continuing to re-evaluate the importance of being in classrooms is definitely at the forefront of my mind every day. What greater gift can we give than that of the gift of time to nurture and sustain our students and staff?