It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I have been so amped about decorating my classroom. It's so hard to be jolly when there is no snow - but I guess I have to make do with what I have - hot weather and AC :) The last two weeks I've incorporated my English lessons into Christmas themed lessons. We have paper chains, 3-D snowflakes, regular snowflakes, hand print holly berries, snowmen shape poems, a sparkley hand print Christmas tree, and even a mini 3 footer tree in our reading corner. I have to say its the most snazzy looking classroom in the whole joint. With all that and the continual playing of Christmas music, I can tell the kids are anticipating the Christmas season.

Today I got observed. Which always seems to make me jittery and nervous. It went surprisingly well (considering I bribed my naughtiest boys with candy to ensure they were on their best behavior). We learned about monologues and character perspective. Then I preceded to do a dramatic monologue (in costume mind you) of King Herod. It's been a long time since I put on a theatrical performance. It was a blast and the kids loved it.

They started writing their own monologues and I can't wait to hear them tomorrow. Of course they are only a few sentences long, but they are fantastic!

We're also wrapping up our English unit a week early so we can focus solely on our performance. I know it will go fine, but I am really nervous because the kids can't sit still to save their lives. I hope it works out.

Christmas time in the classroom also means one other big thing: report cards. Since I have had ample free time, I decided to kick start my report cards a week early. That being said, I'm about 60% done! I'm really pleased with the progress my students have made over the course of this quarter.

Each day is a day closer to coming home for Christmas. I am beyond thrilled that it is coming so fast! Only 10 days of school left! Can't wait to spend time with my family, but I have to admit, I'm going to miss it here - even just being gone three weeks sounds like an eternity. But at the same time I am wiggling in anticipation to see my crazy (and awesome) family! They always bring happiness and laughter into my life.