Realization

Yesterday was one of the most exciting days in my classroom thus far.  The atmosphere was positive! The Spirit of God was present.  The students came in ready to learn and conquer.  I say this because it is rare- or it had been prior to yesterday- for students to be eager to take tests.  They were asking me if they could take it before the time I had scheduled and at first I was suspicious.  Then I decided to listen to some of them and roll with it.  They did awesome!!!!

Students who have struggled most of the semester made above 80 and one of them was so excited to have made a 90 on her Science Final that she nearly tackled me giving me a hug.  She and I both were teary-eyed in front of the class and probably for the same reason:  she proved to herself what she could do when she study.  She already knows she is smart but now she knows how to study vs. reading over materials.  There is a difference.

Originally, I was really concerned because Fridays are multiple test days.  However, they have known this all year but some still struggle.  Yesterday I saw new attitudes and determinations so I will keep praying and believing that they will remember this day as a success and victory for them.

In addition, one of the K5 classes came and prayed with my class.  I know you are thinking, why is so many classes coming to pray over Sixth Grade?  Yesterday, I think it reminded all the kids how as teachers we think prayer in school is just as important as curriculum.  Plus it gives them opportunity to exercise their faith and gifts in prayer with another kid. 

My class received an extra bonus from it because now they have been exposed to the behaviors, questions and attitudes of people much smaller than them.  This is preparation for them to fulfill their responsibilities next week as Educator For A Day.  Each Sixth Grade student will teach a class K5 thru 5th Grade while the "real" teacher just guides or facilitate.  I am excited for them because they will learn so many things about themselves they may have not learned otherwise.  I will have them write a 2-page paper on their experience and encourage them to put it in their personal journals at home.  They are really excited and some have had their "professional attire" picked out since we originally told them they would do this over two weeks ago.

God is good and worthy to be praised!  I am learning that fewer things are better than seeing a child realize how powerful they are in a positive way!

Two minute update

What have I been doing since my last post?  Hanging on to the robe of Jesus by my fingernails is what it has felt like.  My career change is more than a schedule change but emotional, physical and intellectually stimulating but kicking my behind at the same time.  I love teaching, learning and growing on a daily basis.  Yes the salary is over $30,000 less than what I was making in the corporate arena but God said that I lack nothing so I will take Him at His Word.  Plus I have lost over 20lbs since I started teaching so that is a great benefit.  My classroom is at the end of the hall, the elevator was broken for over a month and I have no time to sit and snack so this diet plan is working out great!

In the meantime, Duchess has been adjusting to me being at her school everyday.  Sometimes good and sometimes not so good.  She has finally figured out how to pump her legs on a swing so I do not have to push anymore.  She is getting better at jump rope and realized she can catch a ball with one hand.  I know fascinating stuff for a six year old.  Oh, she also realized that having your teacher send you to your mom's classroom is not a good thing.  She has been using her prayer language more without me telling her so I thank God for that.  Her class were the first performers in the school talent show last week singing and dancing to "JC."  They have shirts made by her awesome teacher that read:  Who's in the house?  Jesus Christ!  Tomorrow she will be one of the students honored for Chapel so life is good!

My class has been prayed over twice now by the Second Graders who all pray in tongues.  A few of the Sixth Graders have since received their prayer languages.  They have learned that talking negatively about each other is letting the devil win in their lives and not operating in the authority that God has given us so some are trying hard to walk as Christians and not kids in the world.  Their brains have been stretched further than ever before and I think some of them actually like it.  Most of all I believe they are realizing that God truly loves them and is giving them "the best" in every area of their lives. 

Most of us are counting the weeks until summer vacation but I can say that I am praying the days slow down so I can provide more information and knowledge to them.  They want to learn and my prayer has been that they hunger and thirst for righteousness regardless of what society says about pre-teens.  These kids are smart, talented and have dreams.  They are learning that they have to pray over themselves to keep their dreams and goals in line- Mama can't do it for them always.  They are seeing that they have what they say and that prayer is powerful and useful 24-7-365.

I have pics but not parental consent to share online so just picture in your head 15 awesome Sixth Graders in school uniforms trying to talk over each other when I allow time for them to share in class.  They do not get to talk often so when they do it is like a mighty rumble.  However, they make me laugh with their realities and make me hopeful with their dreams!