89 - 93 And the Rollercoaster Continues...

 Day 89:

When you greet your students and find a twin!

So the Rams are one step closer to a Super Bowl!

I was a huge Vikings fan as a child.

Then I stopped watching football.

When the Rams came to build a playground 2 years ago,

I became a fan again.

The pandemic made me a huge fan (basketball too).

Too emotionally invested in my teams,

but it's all good.

Day 90: 

Some days are like rollercoasters.

You have incredible moments like hanging out with other Milken Educators after school,

sharing teacher stories,

and remembering why you became a teacher,

and why you will remain a teacher,

even in challenging times.

My reason: it's always about the students.

I shared how wonderful it was for former students

to read to current students

on zoom

during a pandemic.

and the art work

that brings me joy 

everyday

when I see it on my wall.

But then you go home

and try to be a parent

to a teen

that may not like you

because you took off a door...

Day 91:

Hopefully, we will go on 3 field trips this year.

Each field trip requires our students to follow covid protocols.

He doesn't keep his mask on.

I want him to feel the ocean water.

I want him to see amazing vehicles.

I want him to experience the beauty of nature.

Today,

he started to wear his mask.

Sometimes,

small things make me extremely happy.

This

made me happy.

Day 92: 

Sometimes,

when they don't follow your directions,

they come up with something even better.

Task: Create a building.

He had other ideas.

Day 93:

I love My Big World.

It's informational text for preschoolers.

Today, we learned about penguins.

And it was my little sister's birthday too.

85-88: They're Back... Sort of

DAY 85: 

Today more students returned. 

They had served their time in quarantine. 

And we were tested.

Someone was happy that the 49ers beat the Cowboys.

I had lovely surprises too!

 I discovered that I do like tres leches cake... if it comes from Portos!

And all was right in the world.

DAY 86: 

And three were sent home.

#teachinginapandemic

Today, 

during small group time outside,

a pigeon fell from the sky,

from the mouth of a hawk,

as witnessed by E...

"The owl, just bite the bird!"

Life.

Today, A created a car.

It had a trunk for toys.

It had wings that could help it fly.

I told him to draw the design,

and he did.

#engineerisabeautifulthing

DAY 87:

When you just let them play

they will go where you want them to anyway.

#learningthroughplay

DAY 88:

We had a snow day today...

in SoCal weather!

Just making memories with 4 and 5 year olds!

80.5 to 84: Here Comes 20-22

 Prologue: 

The week before our return from winter break, the district announced that every student must take a Covid test and receive a negative result before they are allowed into school.

The last week of my winter break was not a break anymore. Needless to say, it became a scramble to find testing site for parents and students before the week ended. Good idea, poor timing. I was negative twice, so I guess I can return.

Day 81 becomes day 80.5:

Monday was suppose to be Day 81. Instead, it became a pupil free day with the option of working from home. I chose to get my 10K steps in by cleaning and setting up the classroom for my students with my my negative TA. 

We also planned,

for PLAN B.

We made packets of work. (I hate packets)

We ordered workbooks. (I hate workbooks)

We took inventory of our PPE supplies. (I hate wearing a mask to teach)

We spaced our lunch/play tables 3 feet apart. (4 year olds don't stay 3 feet apart)

and we wondered what this week would look like as we walked into the unknown.

Day 81:

But even in crazy, unknown times

We sang.

We danced.

We read.

We wrote.

We counted.

We drew.

We played.

We created.

We shared.

We learned.

We started our Building Study.

M created a high-rise apartment complex.

I told him that I use to live on the 6th floor,

so he added the 6th floor and put me 

(aka Lego Duplo lady with dark hair and glasses) there.

At the end of the day, he turned to me and yelled, 

"Miss Fung! I'm going to miss you!"

I couldn't help but smile and respond back,

"I'll see you tomorrow,"

hopefully I will.

Day 82:

We tested yesterday.

I got my results overnight.

It was the fastest I think I have ever gotten my results.

Life in a pandemic-covid world,

where weekly swabbing of your nostrils is a norm.

Something wonderful happened today.

Wednesday is writing day,

and I always write too.

Today, I drew a picture of the floral covered bus I helped decorate for the Rose Parade.

I was able to convince L to sit next to me and work in his journal.

He used the date stamp to stamp all over the pages.

I continued to work on my bus.

Before I could add writing to my picture,

I turned to notice that L had drew a bus too...

and had wrote B U S

and then he yelled "BUS!"

I yelled too!

Some moments bring me such joy.

This was one of them.

He continued to draw and write

about buses the rest of the day.

We continued to acknowledge and celebrate his accomplishment.

Day 83:

More students are quarantined.

The school is at about 11% positive rate.

Our class is at 30%.

Fortunately none are school transmitted, 

and hopefully some will be able to return next week.

I miss my students then when they are not here,

but it is what it is and we do the best we can.

Kids are resilient.

They will be okay.

Hopefully so will their teachers.

Day 84: 

We must use time creatively, 

in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” 

― Martin Luther King Jr.

Looks like we made it... to Friday.

Whatever next week brings,

we will continue to move forward.

In the meantime,

a house coffee with grass jelly sounds good.

80: Finally!

12/17/21

One...

I made my first breakfast casserole.

And a batch or two of peanut butter fudge.

We had a special breakfast

and sat at the kinder table + one.

Then the highlight of our year took place,

in the form of Ms. Perello,

and her quest to bring joy to students...

It also brought joy and laughter 

to her colleagues as well!

Click for the Tic Tok Video!

Run Gingerbread Man! Run!

Cashed in on my Starbucks bonus points...

Admired a mural created with love

for someone we lost too soon.

May everyone have a peaceful and happy holiday.

May 2022 bring new beginnings, joy, and health to all. 

79: Traditions Continue

TWO...

Last year I didn't get to make fudge with my students.

Fudge and December

are a tradition in my classroom.

The tradition continues...

When your teen appears on stage

and realize that's not the way you dropped him off

an hour ago.

#untucked
 

78: THREE...

When you forget

your laptop at school,

and are running on fumes,

and realize it shows on your face.

Ugh!

We continued our Sweets Week.

Today: Marshmallow Snowmen

My go to chocolate store closed down

so I found a mom and pop store in East LA.

Tiny shop, but happy to support.

And finally wrapped all those fish and books!

Thanks Mere for the fish.

Thanks Toyota for the bags.

Thanks Kohl's for the discounted books.

77: Rainy Days and Tuesday Before Winter Break

Four...

It was wet today.

We had to stay in all day.

So students got a chance to play

and I got a chance to make observations.

My center was focused on fine motor development 

using slime and gue.

I supplied the materials

and they supplied the innovation!

One of my students created a basketball game using the gue.

He found it fun and entertaining,

he didn't know he was helping develop the muscles

in his pointer and thumb,

but I did.

Funny thing when you just let go

and let students create their own activities.

Damian decided to make the entire alphabet

using slime on his own.

He used the resources around the room to help him.

and the Holiday Sweet Activity of the Day is.... 

Driving Daniel home today there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

Hoping for a sign of a more peaceful home life during break.