Hotel Del Taco?

In a writing lesson today, I gave my students the assignment to write a personal narrative about a beautiful place they had been to and one experience they had there.


To start off any writing lesson, I always show my students an example graphic organizer and then the acutal piece of writing. I drew the chart on the whiteboard and began to write. My example was going to talk about the time I had lunch at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California (a great example of a beautiful place!)

I wrote the words "Hotel Del..." on the board and then one of my students shouted out "HOTEL DEL TACO MS. DAVIS!!"

This was one of those moments as a teacher when I had to turn around and just laugh! I could not help myself!

I guess I need to make reservations for the Hotel Del Taco!!)

"Thank You, Teacher"

These three words: "Thank you, teacher" are the whole reason I am doing this job.

I had parent-teacher conferences two weeks ago. Speaking from a teacher's point of view, these conferences are wonderful because we get to communicate with parents about their child's performance in the classroom. Even if parents can only speak Spanish, which in my case they do, it is still so important to talk to them about their child.

There was one particular conference that touched me, however. I was particulary concerned for this child, Zeke because of his reading skills. Basically, he is reading at a first-grade level in my 4th-grade classroom. At his conference, through an interpretor, I was able to express that, yes, I have concerns about his reading, but that he behaved really well in class. I went on to tell Zeke's dad how much I enjoy having him in my class because of his smile and happy demeanor. I gave this dad some things to do at home (a.k.a. have Zeke read with him 15 minutes a day). I felt that this dad was truly willing to help, and he wanted to know what he could do.

At the end of this very positive conference, this dad started to cry. I was so suprised because usually dad's don't show much emotion, especially in front of a woman. I asked him what was wrong. In response, he simply said, in his very broken English, "Thank You Teacher! I very happy."

I think most everybody knows that teachers do not get much in terms of monetary compensation. However, I think that teachers truly go into the profession for the right reasons are not in it for the money. We are in it to teach children and to touch lives. It is little "thank yous" from parents and students that are our true compensation and make all of the hard work worth while. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to be a part of this little boy's learning.
I am happy to report that in just a couple of weeks, Zeke's fluency and comprehension have already started to improve.
I am so glad I was a part of that conference. Those three simple words meant the world to me. Much more than a paycheck would (even though I need those too:)

Spelling Review

Sometimes my students say things that are so funny, I just can't help but laugh. Here is just one example:

We were playing a game to study for for our spelling test this past Thursday. I asked Martha to spell the word "knife." She spelled the word correctly, but I always ask my other students if they agree, or if the student really did spell it right. This is just a tactic to make sure everybody is listening and paying attention. My student Zeke said, "Ms. Davis, I really wouldn't know if she spelled it right or not." I couldn't help myself from smiling. His answer was so mature and sophisticated! I told Zeke that he should probably study those spelling words for the test tomorrow! I can tell he did because he got a B.

New Blog URL

My new blog url is maestradavis.blogspot.com. I thought this would be a very fitting title!

A 4th Grade Funny!

Each week in school, we study specific vocabulary words. Last week, we were studying the words Elegant and Practical. I asked the class "Would it be very practical for me to take my elegant prom dress camping?" The class laughed! "No way, Ms. Davis!!"
I listed reasons why it wouldn't be practical to take a prom dress camping on the board: the dress could get dirty, the dress could rip, it would be to cold, etc. Just as I thought I thought we were done with this list, Karla raised her hand and said: "Ms. Davis, it wouldn't be very practical to bring your prom dress camping because you wouldn't be able to fit into it anymore!" It took a minute for the rest of the class to get it, but I just laughed!
Sometimes, my students say the funniest and sometimes most honest comments. I just had to write this experience down so that I would not forget it!

Beans and Hotdogs...

Have you ever had a favorite dinner that you loved to eat as a kid? Well, for me, that was beans and hot dogs. I actually made it for my dad and I tonight, and it brought back all kinds of memories. I remember eating beans and hot dogs for lunch during the summer! I also remember my grandma and I eating beans and hot dogs together when I was staying with her in Utah. I love how the two flavors come together and make a tasty meal. I know, it sounds kind of gross, but I loved that meal as a kid! It is so simple to make, but I really love it.
I love how food can bring back certain memories! It was fun to reminisce tonight!

Bunny Ears

I had to teach a fourth grader how to tie his shoes today! We were going to PE, and he asked me if I would tie his shoes. I basically said that you are a fourth grader, and you should be able to tie your own shoes! He did not say anything more until we were outside the gym, and the rest of the students had gone inside. He was on the ground crying. He told me that he didn't know how to tie his shoes. Furthermore, I realized that this student was one of my learning disabled students, and had a hard time with things anyway. I felt like such a dork! So, I got down on the ground and taught this sweet little boy all about the bunny ears. It was a huge lesson in patience. I realized that teachers are not just teaching academics. We are also teaching these little life lessons every day! This student did not need help with his multiplication facts. He needed help with bunny ears. It was a huge lesson for me to stop and think of what each of my students need.