Can I have a Tracker?

The Triumph:  This is related to teaching, but not specific to the kids today... I got the approval for my Substitute Certificate.  That means I can sub in my classroom from now until the end of the year.  AND get paid for it!!  Yippee!!!

The Struggle:  We have been reading books lately that have to do with the social issues that are coming up in our classroom.  It is interesting to see how the students can make connections with the stories, but when it comes to acting out and living the advice they are discussing they just can't do it.  They can point out that lying is not good, that good friends share and that we use nice words, but they just can't do what they say or know they should do!  Again, I just have to remind myself that they are 5!

The Ludicrousness:  We have been doing Sand, Dirt and Water for our science unit.  Today was the first day that one of the groups had time to explore each table.  The kids had a chance to visit each table.  By the final rotation, the group of kids that were at the dirt table had witnessed the other kids getting dirt in their eyes because of the wind.  The third group of kids was so fun to watch.  They would use the different tools in their table, and then started ducking below the table.  It was so funny to watch them problem solve and figure out how to avoid getting sand in their eyes.  They are just so creative!

Snails, Snails, Snails.

I actually wasn't in the classroom again, so I'm not going to highlight the triumph, struggle or ludicrousness of my day today.  Three days into my full time quarter and I have only been in my classroom for one full day!
Today, I was able to attend a science in-service day, specifically for Kindergarten teachers who are in the school district where I am teaching.  And I didn't just attend.  I was able to help, since my cooperating teacher is a member of the science team that is conducting the research on these science kits.

We have been comparing and observing pairs of animals.  For example, goldfish vs. guppies, crocodiles vs. alligators, and pillbugs vs. sowbugs.  We have also done land snails and water snails, which is what was presented today to all of the Kindergarten teachers, and what they did the science inquiry with.

It was great to see the interest on teachers' faces, as well as their involvement in the inquiry portion of the day.  I enjoyed sharing with others what I have learned about snails, as well as sharing our own experiences with this science kit.

Did you know that snails breath through a breathing hole, located between their foot, and their shell?
They also have four tentacles, two that have eyes at the ends, and two that they use for feeling?
And finally, they eat by scraping with their tongues!  So interesting!!