Kindergarten Fashion

So, kindergarteners sure take notice of earrings, boots, etc. It reminds me of last year when I had a student comment on my trendy rainboots. "I just LOOOVE your boots," she gushed. "Why thank you," I responded, "Don't you have some that are similar?" This girl's affectations were exact replicas of her surburban soccer mom, as she she placed one hand on her hip threw the other in the air. "Oh, yes. I just LOOVE to accessorize, don't you?"
In a middle class school, many of my students arrive in some outfits I envy and many arrive in...an odd assortment of flown together pieces. One student in particular comes up with the most bizarre outfits resembling Madonna cirque 1983. I understand the importance of allowing a child the freedom to dress herself, but where did she even get these pieces to work with?
Still, I was caught off guard today when a student, "Marlin," randomly stated, "I like you way more than my mom."
In my mind: Huh? Aren't you being punished right now because you didn't do your work? Shouldn't you NOT like me?
Marlin: "I like you because you are more prettier than her."
My head: Oh please don't tell her that.
Marlin: "She has goosebumps."
Obviously the fatal flaw.

Monday morning

Monday mornings always bring entertainment. Somehow a weekend allows students to forget that they need to act civilized and follow rules. My ADHD student had a parent that forgot to give her her meds and she burst into uncontrollable tears...no less than 6 times during the day.
Anna approached me this morning and we had this conversation:
Anna: "Hey Ms. Bowman! Know what?"
Me: "Hey Anna! What?"
Anna: "I am a REAL BEAST."
What!? Then she proceeded to roar to further prove her point. Yes, you are a beast Anna.
For those who know me, you understand I have extremely sensitive gag reflexes. So, when Chloe today approached me and told me, "Umm...Ms. Bowman? I don't know, but I think I just threw up," I was concerned....and confused. You think? I went over to the sink, and sure enough, she threw up. This immediately made my eyes water and begin to gag. I stepped away and Chloe redirected her attention to me, as she seemed quite concerned at my state. Luckily, I pulled it together and sent her home...after someone rinsed out the sink. That is not in my job description.

Anna

The student who began as my most challenging has become one of my favorites. "Anna", started off the first day by making loud rumbling noises as I attempted to read "The Bernstein Bears." I quickly realized she could not quite control these sounds despite her classmates (and my) shocked faces. I don't have a large experience with autism, but know enough to recognize that this girl is textbook. However, no family member seems to have this same revelation. So, I struggled my first two months with this child who reads and writes at a 2nd grade level, but punches and kicks like the neighborhood bully.
After numerous meetings including the principal, school facilitators, and mom, some sort of revelation took place. Since she ended up in the principal's office every other day, I was beginning to worry I was either a bother to the office staff or that she would just be sent home. I implemented a "star" system on her desk, where she had a visual of each day. If she followed directions and did her assignments, she would recieve a star. Five stars equalled a popsicle (BIG reward). This has been harder than expected...but is working.
Since this, Anna's problems with her classmates have evolved. Now everyone seems to complain that Anna keeps whispering in random ears, "I love you" and attempts to kiss....anyone. I have a hard time not acknowledging, "Well, at least she didn't punch you!" despite the boundaries she is infringing on. We talked about appropriate touch and she responded with the acute phrase, "I'll ask before I kiss." Good deal. The other day, she stood up and kissed my cheek infront of the class, then turned around and giggled in her hand, "I just kissed THE TEACHER." Oh, Anna.
There are many more to come with this character.

Morning Shock

So, Monday morning is show and tell. We are going around the circle, with each child sharing some stuffed animal or remote controlled something. Suddenly, in my blind spot, I hear a loud noise. I quickly turn to see sparks flying and a bewildered "Chloe" sitting in front of me similar to a deer in headlights. This brilliant kindergartener thought to remove the metal hairclip from her hair and stick it into the light socket. Her whole hand turned black and left a black mark on the wall. Don't parents teach these kids such things? I probably didn't handle it in the best manner by freaking out and screaming, "Oh my gosh!!!!" We adjusted the morning schedule to have a brief lesson on the dangers of light sockets and how you should NEVER touch them. Less than 2 minutes later, a different little girl is poking at the black spot. Did you not hear the words coming out of my mouth?!? The little girl is fine. I was a bit worried when the office called home and the answering grandparent starting laughing. Huh. Her left leg moves a bit slower than her right now and she no longer knows the B, H, and M letters in the alphabet. Kidding.