3 Dimensional Figures from the mouth's of innocent babes?

I have survived week three in the terrors of terrors. On the upside, I am learning many things in methods and ways of Classroom Management. I am learning to use my "loud teacher voice" and see the looks of astonishment on the students faces on the occasion that I have to yell a little bit to get their attention. I am sure that with my voice it doesn't seem like yelling, but if they push my buttons enough it makes it easier to have the "umph" to get my vocal chords to work hard.

I have been taking the class solo this week because my Cooperating Teacher's daughter had a baby, and while I am not supposed to be the substitute, that is exactly what I was. Due to the fact that Utah State will not let their Student Teachers be paid while in their last semester of school I will not get compensated in any form other than the joys of being a teacher.

Highlights of my week:

Teaching the students how to play SPARKLE and seeing the light in their eyes and the desire and determination to earn playing the game.

After reading Purple, Green, and Yellow by Robert Munsch to the kids and asking the students to finish the story. In this story Brigid gets coloring markers, three different kinds, in which she gets bored with them. The last kind of coloring markers her mother buys for her is "Super-indelable-never-come-off-til-your-dead-or-maybe-even-later-coloring markers" and then the students finished the story. I had all sorts of endings. One of which Brigid received 3-D coloring markers. These kids amaze me with their creativity.

Today during our math lesson on 3-D shapes we were talking about width, and for some reason got on the subject of the width of me as their teacher. I had one student actually tell me that "I was as plump as a pig" of which I like to think that I am no where near that, and then the reassurance of all the other students "No teacher! You're as skinny as a stick!" :) Oh from the mouths of babes...

And I still have to add, I have not resolved the issue of the students sticking their papers in my face, they are so excited to hand them in and let me look at them, there is no patience from them at all. Therefore, numerous times a day I proclaim to the children, "Calm down, do not stick your paper in my face, I will not take it!"

Have a good weekend! May yours bring you rest and relaxation!