The BEST kids EVER!!!

I just feel compelled to share....

I have/had the BEST students EVER! Okay....so not ALL students are on my list of "I can't wait to have their sibling...", but, for the most part, I feel like I've always had the cutest, smartest, most well-behaved students in the school! Maybe it's just the fact that I BELIEVE it, so it comes true?? Hey...whatever it takes! This year, in particular, I feel so blessed to have such social little butterflies! I actually have about 70 students this year that pass through my classroom (we switch 3 times, :( which I DON'T recommend for 4th grade), but - on the bright side- it's given me opportunity to get to know some amazing children. I call some of them amazing, because if I had to have gone through what some of these children are going through at 9 and 10 years old, I don't know that I would be where I am today.

My Kiddos Make Me Laugh!!!!

I truly CANNOT wait to see them everyday! They make me smile! Really, they do!! I like the fact that you just never know what might come out of their little mouths, "Mrs. Gates, you've been teaching longer than I've been alive!" Gotta love them! Now, don't get me wrong...I've been through the "I've GOT to find a different job!" years. But, I guess, with age and experience, you find the "happy medium". You know... that place where you aren't so picky about every little bitty thing, you know that 'kids-will-be-kids' and they aren't perfect. That happy place that lets you know you've finally 'got it'! Kids like you because you understand them, respect them, and give them second chances. You know they're not perfect, and don't expect them to be. You know they need reminders, encouragement, pats on the back, and hugs. I've softened, and I LOVE it!

Tomorrow, I think I'll try to tell every child that comes through my door that I love them! Wouldn't that make their day? What if I'm the only person who says that to them on that day, week, month, year? Their little souls need us to be there, to be present, to give them our full attention...even if it's just to hear (for the 13th time) about their cat that ran away. They need us, you, me.