I'm Walking on Sunshine

The weather outside has been beautiful, I feel as if I have been with my first graders for a month or so although it has only been two weeks. The out-of-ordinary nice weather outside has made my students be ansy to be outside (who doesn't want to be outside?), and made it challenging to teach some of my lessons.

I began teaching polygons for math, and my students have created different creations with polygons such as a robot, people, houses, cats, etc. Also, I began teaching social studies unit on work. We played charades, which they LOVE, learned about needs and wants, how to set up a lemonade stand, and shared what their parents do for job (apparently being a vegetarian is a job).

I continued to work with some students on their writing with the "If I had a pot of gold . . ." prompt. It is a neat opportunity to see the inside of my students' mind: what they love, who they love, who they like (wink, wink), and what situation they're in.

Here are some writings:
If I had a pot of gold, I would buy Amy a jet pack. We would share it. We would have fun.
Writes my Russian student. Amy is another girl in the classroom.

Let me share another writing response from little Lizzie:
If I had a pot of gold, I would spend it on a house. 
And we would not move. Mom could pay the rent. 
It would be nice. 

As I was reading this, my heart almost sunk at the realization of the blessing of a stable, physical house  AND a stable family. I wanted to run and find that pot of gold, and give it to her so that she could have a stable house.

I had a realization of how humbling and fortunate it is to be able to get to know these children, and offer the best I have, which is the love of Jesus. My students have seen and experienced more than they should at their age. But, still they laugh, dance, share, and learn! God's grace in their lives is evident. 

So, as I pick up Language Arts next week (teaching all subjects except writing! AHH!), and create activities that seem like just games and coloring (it is how they best learn), I will walk on sunshine. . but not just the sun rays from the beautiful weather, but the Light of the Jesus through the life and love He offers to us sinners.

I pray my students can see His Light in me, and that students like my Nigerian Oma who is very verbal about her faith in Jesus, can see an example of a follower of Jesus in school. For that though, I need His grace and yielding to Him.