Lollipop Moment

A few weeks ago, Mr. Steele was asking us to pull gold out of a coal mine, or so we thought. The week before Fall Break was so busy. #stressed For our first graders, they had to practice for the Turkey Performance and get everything ready for Pioneer Day (hats, bags, collars, headbands, etc.). Then we actually had Pioneer Day-big hit #1- and our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Performance-big hit #2. You would think Friday would be an easy day, but turns out we had to present for the Engineering Expo. Give your kid a high-five!

As a teacher, this can be very stressful. I was leaving right after our staff meeting to go get married, and did not want to deal with all of this stuff laid on us. It was a lot on my plate, and I did not know where to start. I have been teaching first grade for four years, and I still did not know how everything would turn out this week. Teachers have to find inspiration.

Check out this video if you have a chance. He's a funny dude.

This guy asks, "What is your lollipop moment?"
When this was presented at the staff meeting, my thought was......."I don't know."
It did not feel great. I thought I should have some grand explanation to this, but was baffled. I love my kids and I know that my past and present kids love me, but did I make an impact in anyone's life? I don't know.

The Tuesday from the week of complete chaos, I had Anthony, a student from 2 years ago, ask me if he could borrow a book called Sophie's Choice. I read that to him and our class during snack time. He didn't know the name of it, but he could tell me the story line and wanted to read it on his own. I set my alarm to remember to bring the book the next morning. Anthony was there the next morning coming to borrow it.

That was my lollipop moment. Why?

Think back (way back for some of you). When was your first literary memory? When did you first remember a book, a story, or your mom and dad reading to you when you were a kid. Mine was Mrs. Williams in first grade reading to the class everyday after recess. She read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry in her rocking chair. I read that book 3 times in fourth grade. I read it to my first class in first grade.

Anthony remembered a story I read to him as a first grade teacher just like I remembered my first grade teacher's story time. Now that he is old enough, he wants to read it on his own. Wow! It may not be a big impact- or huge rainbow swirl lollipop-but it gave me the little inspiration and drive to get through that week. To top it off, Jessica, a kid from my first year in this grade, asked me during the Engineering Expo what was the book I read to her. I gladly wrote down Number the Stars by Lois Lowry on a bright sticky note.

Lollipop number #2

My question of hope is if one story can make a small impact, how could all the other crazy activities we do in first grade impact your child?

Stephanie