First 5 Years - A Blissful Time!

For the first five years of teaching, I NEVER missed a day! I was excited to be at school, completely exhausted myself on a daily basis. I was ALWAYS looking for something 'new' to do.

Years one and two I taught 3rd grade. Years 3, 4, and 5, I taught 4th grade. The primary difference between 3rd and 4th grades is you have to get the Teacher's Editions out when grading math...'eye-balling' doesn't work any more. 'Mental math' skills are not enough.

Another significant difference - in 3rd grade, the class does not view 'the film;' you know....puberty. This pleasure is saved for 4th and 5th graders (same as it was 40 years ago). Oh, and finally, I always had to have 'the deodorant' speech with the boys once spring arrived. Post-recess time was POWERFULLY PUNDGENT!!

I enjoyed teaching 3rd and 4th grades. I enjoyed the people I worked with. They were dedicated and worked harder than anyone else I knew. Finally, however, my patience with the same children all-day long wore thin by Friday afternoon. For two years in row I found myself kicking trash cans and the trash cans were still metal...REALLY LOUD! When my district had an opening in 7th grade math, I jumped at it. Best move I ever made!