Words of a kindergartner who is now a big 2nd grader....

While eating lunch with my kindergartners, Ramesha and Justice are sitting across from me.
Ramesha: Ms. Herrington, Justice says you's old!
Me: He did?!?!
Ramesha: But you's NOT old, Ms. Herrington, you just LOOK old!
Me: Thanks.....Ramesha, I think....???

I hope that YEARS from now when I really am old, that there is still enough "youth" in me that I only LOOK old and don't ACT old! Or is it too late? Do I already "act" old? I need to think about that one.....

Children say more than their words

When introducing to my kindergartners a new book, Ten to Tango, a counting book of animals dancing, I inquired: Who knows what "tango" is?
answers: a banana, an animal, etc.
LaDarius: a dance
Me: Very good! How did you know that?
LaDarius: I play video games and watch TOO much TV!

So who says TOO much TV is bad if it helps build one's vocabulary? But then I am wondering WHAT in the world was he watching that he learned about "tango?"

Recess: a time out from work

Some days I feel like I teach school in an inner-city school in a BIG city...oh, wait! I do!
Due to some "diggings" that have been happening on my school grounds, we have been limited to recess on the concrete fenced-in basketball courts. It makes me think of movies about NYC and how the children have such limited space to run and play.

With nothing but concrete to run around on, I have purchased sidewalk chalk, jumpropes, nerf footballs, a basketball and hula hoops for my kids to play with. I have a big plastic bucket that we use to carry the toys outside in. It doubles as my "chair" as I watch the children play.

Tyreke, a very affectionate but sneaky little stinker, came up to me today to give me a hug as I sat on my bucket! Being on his face to face level, he pressed his cheek hard against mine. Holding it there for an extended time, he says " Somebody needs to take our picture!"
My reply: I don't have my camera here today.
Tyreke: My momma has one.....I will see if she will let me bring it tomorrow!

I don't think I will need a camera in order to remember the picture in my memory of the love of this child that I felt. What a precious gift that I am loved by little ones who see every day the good and the bad sides of me!