Life is Great!

So yes, we finally got OUR HOUSE!!! We are absolutely loving it! However, a lot of it is still in boxes and may be for some time until I adjust to my new job. I will be putting up pictures shortly.

Today was my first day teaching first grade in the dual immersion classroom. I am the Spanish teacher and I teach math, social studies, science, health, and spanish literacy ALL in Spanish. I am honestly not allowed to say a word of English, ever. That's harder than you think! I did pretty good today, and didn't really slip up. I did so well in fact, that the students really think I can't speak English at all. Some students who knew me before think I lost my English over summer. It's sooo funny. I've included some of my favorite quotes of the day. I am going to try to keep a regular blog about my experiences as a first grade teacher and the great things kids say.

Teaching has always been so challenging for me. I am a perfectionist with a type A personality. I push myself to the max and I burn out. I've had a real passion for different aspects of teaching, but have waited for that moment where I KNEW I was in the right place doing something I absolutely loved. For the first time, I think I may be in that place. I LOVE the little kids. First graders are SOO cute, yet much more independent than the kindergarteners I've taught before. They are hilarious and so full of energy. They love learning and they are still afraid of their teachers. (This is a very good thing!) I hope that every day is as good as today. If so, I could honestly live the mantra: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius.

Today the kids said:

(From a caucasion blonde little girl): "Mrs. West, I know a lot of English. I could teach you after school if you want."

(Conversation between two students): "She spoke normal before, I know it. I don't know what happened." "Mrs. West, can you speak normal?"

(Caucasion boy talking to me): This is a backpack. Say back-pack.

(From boy after school): Come on Mrs. West, just talk English. My ears are tired.