Posted by Teacher Ria in Arts and Crafts, Teaching Resources, Tips and Tricks | 1 Comment

Unexpected Crafts

I think I have written about this in the past, but today, I came across a photo in Flicker that I fell in love with. Lookie:

Photo: “Star's Fault: Cigar Box #1” by Eileen Terwilliger, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

So cute right! I think this is one of those boxes you get when you buy wholesale cigars or something like that, rather than by the piece. I remember we used to have a whole bunch of them lying around the house (alongside a whole lot of wine bottles) then for some reason, just when I get into my whole mosaic mode (so much so that I created Project Sunshine as a mural on my wall), it disappeared. Wouldn’t handmade boxes and unexpected crafts like this make such wonderful Christmas gifts??? Sigh.

Anyway, for next weeks class, I asked my kids to bring old shoeboxes and I hope we get to do something kinda like this for the holidays. Other favorite craft materials for me include toilet paper rolls, big match boxes and plastic containers. Yep, I like boxes and cardboard a whoooole lot teeeheeeheee.

So, in preparation for Christmas (be it for decoration or for presents) I am getting ready to get into the artsy-fartsy mode once again. Wish me luck

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Posted by Teacher Ria in Life Lessons, Reflections | 0 Comments

Little Bits of Sunshine

One of the things I will miss the most when I no longer teach my Little Chickens (a.k.a. the seniors class. For some reason they’ve taken to calling me Momma Chicken (or shark, or tiger, and lets not forget cougar at times!). One day they decided that since I’m their momma whaterver, they became little chickens), are the random bits of sunshine they throw my way. From unexpected hugs to hilarious comments, and even those little endearing puppy-dog-please-please-please-teacher-eyes they send my way, these are little bits of sunshine that brighten up even the most dismal and difficult days.

Not too long ago, I was having a really bad day. But one of my little chickens threw such a bright ray of sunshine my way I couldn’t help but feel the love.

oct. 15, 2010. today wasn't all good.... blame in on bad dreams and kulit dogs that don't let me sleep, being too nice to people who i should know better than to be nice to (but then again i'd like to still think being nice is a good thing...butbutbut...lets not go there), knowing i hurt some people without meaning to, having to deal with unexpected requirements... but...lookie what i found in my bag ♥ dear god, thank you for these little reminders that despite everything, there is always something nice in every day ♥

happy, happy sigh

I am so gonna miss this.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Reflections | 0 Comments

When Teacher Gets Sick….

Lately my health hasn’t been in tip top shape. I blame the terrible weather for it,  I tell ya. I’ve been getting asthma attacks on and off and I often feel like I am coming down with the cold or something, but it never really happens so it feels like it’s stuck in there somewhere. A few days ago, I was complaining about yet another one of my headaches and my friend told me it just isn’t right that it’s been happening so frequently. She suggested that I take supplements (errr…I am not really the type to make it a consistent habit to take such things, even if it is dubbed as the best vitamins available in the market!) to help keep up my stamina and resistance to such under-the-weather conditions.

Today I went to the doctor to get myself checked and one conclusion I came to is that all the feeling sick and being out of sorts can be pinned on one thing:

I’m really getting old. Yes. There, I said it. Ktnxbai hehe.

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Posted by Teacher Ria in Preschool, Reflections | 0 Comments

Growing Up Too Fast

In as much as I love seeing the little girls in my class all dolled up and prettified, sometimes it freaks me out when I see:

• heeled sandals for a three year old
• dresses that resemble lingerie (complete with the straps and lace and strings….)
• nail polish on those little fingers and toes
• lipstick for everyday (actually, I don’t even like it for the programs, if I had my way)

sigh. Think Toddlers and Tiaras…or similar beauty pageants.

I do think they’re cute and all, but sometimes, I wish parents realize that they kinda make their kids grow up too quickly. I remember when I was a child, we’d wear braids and have sandals that strapped in a more functional way! I’ve had so many almost-accidents in class because my kids wear all these sandals that are made to look like mommy’s! Errr….may women I know struggle with such kinds of shoes, what more children, right?

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Posted by Teacher Ria in Classroom Escapades, Preschool | 0 Comments

Today With The Seniors…

One thing I love about working with kids is the fact that no matter how stressed I am and how caught up in so many other things I get, I am able to find something to laugh about (or perhaps think about at times) when I’m with them.  Today, we were talking about Christmas and I couldn’t help but laugh at this exchange:

Basti: Teacher, I want a Power Ranger (something…I can’t remember what his word was!!!) for Christmas. What about you, what do you want for Christmas.

Teacher: Hmmm….I don’t really know yet.

Basti: C’mon, Teacher, you can do it. What do you want. I will give you for Christmas.

Teacher: errrr….hmmmm…a big hug?

Basti: uh….a hug? That’s it? (looked perplexed)

Teacher: yes, that would be great.

Bastu: but Teacher, how will Santa bring that to you???

Teeeheeeheee Really random, but it made me smile