10 things I've learned from Teaching

So, I'm still trying to figure out this whole blogging thing...and I'm pretty sure I'm the last to "get" something or hear about what's going on.  ha ha But I HAD to link up with these other teachers and blog about the 10 things I've learned from teaching...even though I'm a few days late.  

Jennifer at Rowdy in First is hosting a "Ten Things I've learned from Teaching" linky party.  Visit her {site} to read some of the other postings from teachers.  Some were so funny, I literally laughed out loud!  And the sad thing is...they are all so true and I can totally relate.  The hard part will be limiting the list to only 10.

Here we go...

1. Thank the LORD for instructional assistants, good parent volunteers, and subs that actually go by the sub plans!  I'm pretty sure there is a special place in heaven for them. 

2. I can look at laminating film and tell you if it's the "good kind" or the "cheap kind."  If the cheap kind....don't waste your time.  Pay to have it done somewhere else...it will peel and almost always ruin your stuff.

3. NEVER EVER let your kids use the pencil sharpener.  If it should jam or God forbid, break, a bent paper clip can usually fix it along with a little TLC.  But call in your custodian for back up....just incase!  ;-)

4. The students who usually make you think twice before having kids of your own are NEVER SICK or absent.  I will have to think long and hard before naming my child.  

5.  There is a monster who lives in our classroom that devours crayons, glue sticks, and pencils.  They are constantly disappearing.  (Specific crayon colors, too!  It's a mystery.)  Moral of this - you can NEVER have enough school supplies.  I reccommend 20+ glue sticks per child, PER year.  

6. Sharpies, dry erase markers, clorox wipes, and chocolate are a teacher's best friend.  :)  It's sad really....and cute fonts and clip art become a slight obsession after a teaching degree is earned.

7.  The Dollar Tree and $1 section in Target were really invented by teachers.  

8. They should rename your "Planning Period" to the "Get Stuff Done and Run Around like a Mad Woman Period" because you NEVER use your planning to plan lessons.  It's used to make phone calls, run copies, play catch up, empty folders, etc.  Your planning is to be done on your own time and your work is never done....no matter how caught up you think you are. 

9.  You will look at things twice before throwing it away...wondering what on earth you could use that to make or how you could recycle it to be something creative.  Whether it's a new center or craft - it's amazing what you can do with Cool Whip and Pringles containers!

10.  Your bladder will grow to hold an amazing amount and no longer will you have to urinate as often as you once had.  There is such a thing as a "teacher's bladder."

ha ha I could seriously KEEP going!  So much fun....despite all that, I love my job and love my students.   I'm certainly thankful for all that it has taught me.  Now...what has teaching taught YOU? Jump on over to Rowdy in First Grade and link up to play!  ~Miss E