Q and A

Are you spontaneous or more of a planner?

I'd like to be spontaneous. I've tried. But alas, it doesn't work.

I'm such a planner. It stresses me to not plan ahead.

Share the last picture you took.

 

Favorite flower?

Sunflower

How early is your wake-up call?

5 am

Can you sew?

Not at all.

What's your go-to midnight snack?

usually cereal

It's high school all over again. Where would you be found?

band room

Thoughts on journaling?

I love it. It's therapeutic. The problem comes with my forgetful memory. So when I actually do it, I love it ;)

Are you a daydreamer?

big time 

How do you like your food? Spicy or not so much?

I love spicy food!

Last screenshot you took?

A friend shared this lady's photo on Facebook the other day. How clever was this teacher? :)

 

What's for dinner tonight?

chicken and veggies over couscous

Unless I'm exhausted after work. In that case, dinner will end up being a bowl of cereal ;)

Are you typically more trusting? Or are you more guarded?

I'm super guarded. I've been "burned" a bit too much in life. So you have to definitely earn my trust.

Thoughts on learning a foreign language?

I think it's important. It really makes you a better, more rounded person. 

My only "problem" is that when I'm learning a new language, I want to be perfect before attempting to communicate with someone who is fluent in that language. So I end up being scared to even try sometimes. I'm pretty sure I have a fear of failure. Clearly, that's something I need to work on...

Patience... Do you have it?

With kids? Yes. With adults? Not so much. That's something else I'm working on...

Who taught you to cook?

I basically taught myself. My mom gave me a few recipes, but that's it. And I had a very patient roommate at one point, who helped me too. Now I love to cook! :)

Big plans today?

I taught 16 little angels all day. Then I met with the adults planning to help with Kids Club. Now I'm in the library for my weekly after school library duty (there's AC and I can meet a lot more kids this way). Once I'm done here, I have some prep work to do in my classroom. And then, hopefully I'll get to make it home before dark and eat supper and do a couple lessons in my ASL book before bed.

Relationship status?

Single. Know of any single guys who love Jesus? And it'd be nice if they loved Africa too. Just sayin' ;)

Sometimes it's the little things...

Sometimes it's the little things that make you smile the biggest. It's things like...

Finding a way to make learning fun ;)

 

A pretty surprise 

 

Learning a cool bit of history

 

Supper eaten in the A/C

 

Late night cereal and Duck Dynasty :)

 

A new behavior chart

 

Finding the necessary supplies for a class project

 

A gift that speaks volumes 

 

A new school year

 

An electric pencil sharpener

 

A kid that makes me smile

 

Time spent with friends



A fun "get to know you" activity

 

A verse from the Bible

 

Talking to a friend for hours and hours

A quote to get you through the hard days of your job

What They Wish I Knew

A few years back I saw an article online which told how a teacher had asked her class to anonymously answer the following question...

What do you wish your teacher knew about you?

It was a way for the teacher to learn more about her students, their backgrounds, etc. And she was able to do so more easily, because the kids weren't afraid of anyone knowing what they were writing.

She then took their answers and used them to better herself , to help open her eyes to the issues her students faced, and to become a better teacher for those kids.

I don't remember where I found the article, but I know it has definitely stuck with me all this time. So I decided to "borrow" her idea.

The other day I sent a writing assignment home with my students, where I asked them to answer the following question...

What do I wish Ms Nichols knew about me?

I gave them plenty of room to answer the question and gave them an envelope to place their papers in and then seal so to keep their answers anonymous.

I finally read their answers the other night and came away, having learned so much...

Some of their answers were funny.

Some were serious.

Some surprised me.

And some... 

Some broke my heart and even made me cry.

But you know...

I took each one seriously. 

And I prayed (and am still praying) that God will help me use these handwritten lists to be the best teacher I can possibly be for each and every one of these kids.

Letter to My High School Self

Today I'm joining Andrea and a whole lot of other bloggers for her Show and Tell Tuesday link-up, where the prompt is... 

Share advice for your high school self.

So in true Elisabeth writing form, I decided to write a letter to myself back in High School.

Dear High School Version of Me, 

I'd love to tell you that life gets easier after high school. But the truth is, it doesn't. Yes, good things happen. But so do bad things. Your life takes a few twists and turns and even a few loop-de-loops. But you know what? All in all, I'd say it's a good life. So, back to the point of this letter. Want to hear some advice? 

Quit worrying so much about what other people think. Who cares that you're not the most fashionable or the one with the highest GPA. You're still beautiful and you're still smart. 

Listen to Mom and Dad. They actually do know what they're talking about. I know that they seem goofy sometimes. But they're pretty stinkin' smart and have been in your shoes before. 

And while we're on the subject of Mom and Dad, spend as much time as possible with them. Dad will only be around another 12 years after graduation. You'll feel the most awfully gut-wrenching pain ever the day you say your forever goodbye to him. And Mom? Well she'll still be there, but you'll have moved overseas. So you won't get to see her as often. And trust me, you'll miss being in the house with her more than you could ever imagine. 

Ok, on to other things...

Pick the right classes. You're going to struggle with college at first. Going from such a tiny high school straight to college will be difficult at first. Don't give up, though. You'll make it through with your head held high, and end up with a Bachelor's and a Master's in 10 years. And yes, that's a longer time than you'd prefer, but that's okay. ...because you did it almost entirely by yourself! 

Make time for friends. You'll stay in touch with friends from high school. ...some more than others. But you have to put forth the effort. It's so worth it. So do it.

Enjoy your free time. It won't be long before you have to start working 40 hours a week to help you get through college. And then after that, when you start teaching, you'll be working well over 40 each week. You'll love your work. But free time won't be as common. Neither will sleeping late and being lazy all day on your "off" days. So enjoy your freedom while you can.

Dream big. You are a dreamer. You'll accomplish some of your dreams. Some you may not. But never ever stop dreaming. One day when you're 31, you'll be working in your school's office over the summer, and in a meeting, you'll tell your school's director that you realize you're a big dreamer and probably need to reign in your dreams a bit. But thankfully, this man will tell you that's crazy talk and that we all need to dream big. 

Pay attention to the little things. Sure the big things are great. But it's the seemingly little things that often get overlooked and at the same time, can often mean the most. Stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Don't get so busy and overloaded and stressed that you miss the good things in life.

And last, but most certainly not least...

Draw close to your Savior. You'll be tested a lot over the years. You'll face trials and temptations. You'll face decisions that are so far out of your control and your grasp. The only way you'll make it is by clinging to your Savior and the promises He's given. Study His Word. Commit it to memory. You'll be surprised how often it'll come back to you at just the needed moment.

Sincerely, 
Your 31 Year Old (and no that's not old) Future Self

Q and A Time

How long could you live without tv?

Honestly, I think I could go forever. TV's just not my thing anymore. Yes, I'll watch it sometimes. But I could totally live without it.

What book are you reading?

Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris - A friend recommended and sent it to me.

Thoughts on Pokemon Go?

I think it's silly. But hey... If it makes you happy, go for it :)

When was the last time you cried?

The other night on the phone with my mom... I had a lot on my mind/heart and just needed to unload and get it off my chest. I tend to bottle stuff up inside until I just can't stand it any longer.

Do you usually think too much or too little about things?

Oh I'm definitely 100 % an over-thinker.

Biggest fear(s)?

Snakes! Break ins, bad guys...

What's on your menu for today?

Breakfast - an oatmeal cookie and a handful of mixed nuts

Lunch - sandwich with chips & salsa

Supper - spanish rice with sausage, peppers, & onions

Bible passage you read most recently?

Does 1 Peter count since I'm reading through it with my 5th graders. I'm always impressed at their level of thought when it comes to the Bible. ...even the kids who haven't grown up reading the Bible can give such amazingly deep answers to discussion questions.

Which version of the Bible is your #1?

I like the ESV. 

Share the last selfie you took.

I was with one of our sweet AG kiddos ;)

 

It's time for cereal. What's in your bowl?

I love Cookie Crisp ;)

Read to or read yourself?

I hate listening to someone else read. Obviously I don't mind in the classroom. That's different. But past that... It's so hard for me to concentrate when someone else is reading. 

Where's your happy place?

...anywhere with my family. Or in London :)

Introducing My '16 - '17 Class

First up is A1, from Sierra Leone. He's a quiet little guy, who may not talk often, but boy when he does, he shares big, huge ideas! He loves God and says he loves that God lets him come to our school. He also loves swimming, which is why his self-portrait shows him underwater :)

 

Next is A2, A1's older brother. He has a big smile that can instantly make you feel better. He may not be the first one to answer a question, but he'll get there eventually. And y'all... Spelling is the subject where this guy shines, blowing my mind at the words he can spell. He has one of the most loving spirits and brightens up a room upon entering.

 

Then we have E, from Brazil. She is quite the thinker, taking loads of time to make a decision, only because she wants to make sure she's correct. She loves Art and Music the best, but said she's happy with all subjects too. She calls me Auntie because that's what they called teachers in her last school, but also she told me I remind her of a sweet Auntie who loves all her kids. So I'm totally fine with being called Auntie :)

 

Next up is H, from America. Last year she was the only girl, so she was super stoked to see so many new girls this year in our class. She likes experiments and projects, and wishes we could do more of that and less "boring reading and writing" stuff. She said when her family leaves America, they're sad to miss family, but they're happy too, because it means they're going back to Senegal to do God's work. She was the biggest fan of our class ROCKSTAR theme and compliments me on that "decor" decision daily :)

 

Then there's Miss G, from India. She's very soft spoken, but loves to read and draw. She's quite smart. Plus, she's a very talented artist and has very neat handwriting. Mark my word... One day she'll be a famous fashion designer, I have no doubt.

 

And then there's J, from America. J's probably my biggest reader. He would read all day long if I'd let him. He's a funny guy and tells the best jokes. He says he loves life here in Dakar and is so glad his family moved here to work with people and tell them about God. 

 

And then there's Mr. I, also from America. He loves reading and will often "sneak" and try reading a library book while I'm teaching. He said Math's okay, but Reading is his favorite. He's super athletic and shines in any sport he plays. His family teaches people English and teaches them about Jesus too. He thinks that's cool.

 

Next up is Miss I, from India. She's a sweet girl who can't start her day without a hug. She absolutely LOVES to read. She says "the maths" are hard for her. But I can see that she's a super hard worker, so I think that'll change soon. She's super eager to succeed and will ask if her answers are correct probably a zillion times a day ;)

 

And then there's Jr, from Rwanda. He has the sweetest smile and loves to make people laugh. He says his favorite subject is Science and he's ready for us to start our experiments. He's a big fan of drawing and wishes I gave him more class time to do it :)

 

Then there's Mr. G, also from Rwanda. He seems to be a thinker, taking a while to ponder anything before acting on it. He's very bright, but shy. He's new this year, but seems to have settled into our class very well. 

 

And W. He's a character. At the end of the school year last year, his friends voted him the Most Likely to Become the Leader of Canada and Lebanon at the same time. I could totally see it happening, too. :) He's very personable, and strives to make sure everyone in our class gets along. 

 

And then there's M, from Finland. She's a smart girl with a super sweet and positive attitude. She seems to like all subjects, although I'm thinking math might be her favorite. She's a talented artist and a great student.

 

There's Y, my one Senegalese student. He's very studious, and loves all subjects, so much he can't pick out a favorite. He said his hero is his dad, who is a pastor. He wants to be like him when he grows up. 

 

And here's M from Oman. He's very quiet and respectful. He loves moving around because after all, sitting still all day is super boring. He seems to really like being read to, so Read Aloud time is a hit in his books. He's a funny kid and will definitely give me a run for my money this year.

 

Here's H.I., from Korea. She doesn't say a lot right now, due to her lack of English. But she has made it very clear that Math is her favorite subject. She's super sweet and has a beautiful smile that she shares with us all the time - especially when I try to get her to teach me Korean words :)

 

And last, but certainly not least, there's Z, my most avid reader. He's a smart kid, who catches on to almost any new topic super fast. He doesn't know it yet, but he will be our official class Googler. If we have a question about something, he'll grab the iPad and go online to research it for us. That's because he loves to ask super deep questions that boggle my mind. He once told me last year that his parents are super cool missionaries and he's their super cool youngest son ;)

 

And that, my friends, is my class this year. We have 11 different nationalities and 9 different languages represented. We have academic abilities ranging from one extreme end to the other. We have unique gifts and talents and characteristics and we are Rockstars :)

I feel so incredibly blessed that God sent these 16 in my life this school year. I can't wait to see what He has in store for them!

Welcome to My Classroom

Welcome to my home away from home for the 2016-2017 school year. Room A7 is officially open for learning ;)

When I found out our 5th Grade teacher would be taking a year off, I was sad. But, at the same time, I happily jumped at the chance to stay with my crew and move up with them.  

As time went on, I learned more about my squirrely crew and about the new kids that would be joining the mix and I quickly realized that teaching this class God was blessing me with would definitely not by any means, be a boring job. This class has, by far, the widest range of ability levels and widest range of English fluency of all the classes I've taught over the years.

I know it will be a challenge.

...a good challenge

...but a challenge nonetheless.

But do you want to know something?

I love a good challenge.

And I'm ready for what's coming my way. I have studied and prepared. I've researched and worked during the summer. 

I've planned our daily schedules. And I've arranged their desks, praying over every single one.

I've chosen class jobs, with my kids in mind. My goal is that these "jobs" will teach my crew skills like leadership and citizenship and communication and how to have a servant's heart.

Our class decor "theme" is Rockstars. I want my 5th graders, upon entering this room, to realize that they are, indeed, Rockstars. They are smart and talented and creative and gifted in their own unique ways. They are fearfully and wonderfully made and they are royalty because they're children of the King. And in my book, that makes them Rockstars :)

We will also have fun with the Rockstars theme at times, realizing that sometimes our brains just need a break from learning and that laughter is good for the soul. And we will also learn to embrace our differences, our families' cultures and languages, our uniqueness. After all, that's what good Rockstars do ;)

I will encourage their already huge, insatiable love of reading.

I will encourage their love of art and writing and just creativity, in general. I will encourage their love of questioning and research and even their love of asking "why" and "how" a zillion times a day. I will encourage their love of technology, (educational) games, and music.

I will use the cooperative learning strategy to teach many of our subjects, offering students more time in areas where needed and less where not.

I will offer students time for advancement and challenging themselves in individualized areas. We'll have a weekly Imagination Station, where we do just what the name implies... Imagine.

I will spend very little time during the school day at this desk, but will use it wisely during break times and before/after school to plan/prepare how to best meet the needs of each of the students placed in my care.

I will make it my mission to be organized this year...to keep everything contained in my Binder of Awesomeness :) And hopefully, I will be leading by example, since my 5th graders will ideally be doing the same thing with their own binders of awesomeness.

I will learn all I can about my students, using the information I gather to be a better teacher, mentor, and encourager. I will also utilize the resources at our disposal, inviting parents to come and teach us about their home countries, cultures, languages, jobs, etc. 

I will guide my students, using rules associated with the Word of God. And I will spend more time focusing on the rewarding of good/positive behavior and less time focusing on the punishing of bad/negative behavior.

I am blessed that God chose me to teach these the students who walked through the door of my room this morning. I will take my passion for teaching and use it to the very best of my ability.

I, with God's help of course, will work my absolute hardest to make this classroom and its 2016-2017 school year's occupants the best they can be.