New Students

Just when I finally learned the names of all of my students, I got more students! Two new kids, Mindy and Andy, were added to my E4-B (phonics and vocabulary) class. Both of them are cute, smart, and friendly. They're fitting in splendidly, so I don't mind that class getting bigger (they were a good class to start with). Mindy in particular is a real sweetheart.

Cate also decided to merge two classes, so my E3-D (phonics) class, which previously had only four students, now has eleven. Here is where the problem comes: the new kids are much slower and the original four students resent the "intruders." I am finding it a challenge to bring the new kids up to speed without boring the other kids, or worse yet, adding to their resentment. At least the seven new students are pretty well behaved. I miss the intimacy of the smaller class, though.

I also lost a few students (fortunately none of my favorites, although I did like all but one of the kids I lost). My last class of the day lost the biggest troublemaker, for which I am grateful (he was a monster), as well as one of the girls. She never talked, so her absence isn't really noticeable, but I still kind of miss her. In my E2-A (phonics) class, I also lost one. This kid was a sweet little guy who could be a handful sometimes, but was just so cute and enthusiastic that I never really minded. As much as I liked him, I have to say that the class is quieter and better behaved without him.

That's the one downside of being a teacher - I can't hold onto my students forever. I dread the day my contract ends! How could I ever say goodbye to kids like Rosie, Jinny, Erin, Sally, Rose, Perry, Gene, Emily, Amy, Harry, Sam, or Jay? And what about Cali, Anne, Angie, Tracy, Minnie, Patrick, Isaac, Chad, Lynn, or Linda? Not to mention Liz, John, Sam, Tommy, Cleo, Gloria, Mindy, Susie, and Lisa! I never knew I could fall in love with so many kids!