The First Couple of Days

I must say, I always adore my class.  I truly believe my class to be the best (and they are!), every year.  It never fails.  And this year is no different.  My kiddos are AMAZING.  I have laughed out loud on numerous occasions (today, one of my students was upset that his taco shell was lopsided and he just stared at me with wide eyes and poked out his lip so far I could have used it as a stair step.  He did is purposely - he was being funny - and I could not stop laughing!), my students flipped when I did my British accent for the first time (I always love seeing their reactions!  Get ready, parents, it's contagious.  Sorry...), their humor and wit is incredible, and they have caught on so quickly to many of the things we are learning.

With that said, there are some concepts that are kind of tricky - and that's ok!  The concepts are new!  Parents, today I told your children that if they get frustrated with new things we are learning, I want them to forget their frustration and just keep working.  Olympic athletes did not just wake up and go to the Olympics.  They trained and practiced and became masters at their craft.  School is the same way.  It's not necessarily that material gets easier, but your child will get better at that material!  Things that seemed hard will seem easy in the near future.  They are the Olympic hopefuls; they have to train and work hard and they WILL see the results. I promise.

I have had a lot of fun teaching my students 3rd grade concepts.  3rd grade is the best grade to teach, in my opinion (and I have taught a few!).  Students are independent and so sweet :) 3rd grade material is challenging and students feel so accomplished when they master a new concept.  And I love watching their faces light up when they first understand.  It is the best.  I hope you have many opportunities to see your child light up when he/she is explaining a concept to you - it is priceless.

I am looking forward to an utterly fantastic year.  I want to instill a love of learning in your child that will reach far beyond third grade.  I think we're on a good track this year - they all seem so eager and excited. I love it!

Cheers,

Ms. Butts  

P.S.  Check back soon - Superhero pictures will be uploaded (and they're adorable!).