I have been thinking a little bit lately about why I love teaching Sixth Grade. I love it more than any other age group that I have taught (I do have some experience under my belt - 8th, 9th, 11th, AND 12th grade). I think I love it because at this age, students still LIKE their teachers! That may sound self serving, and maybe it is. But I love that my students like me. Not because I earned that "like", but because I am a teacher and Sixth Graders still inherently like their teachers. I didn't have to do anything! It's refreshing. I also love teaching this age because of the things they say, the things the do, and even oddly enough - the things they get stressed out about. My first year teaching, I had a number of students accidently call me "Mom", after which they would turn bright red and in embarrasment say, "I meant Miss Cheney! Not Mom!" Haha... oh I love it. Today I had a student walk out of class only to run back in and say, "Oh, I almost forgot.... Are you having a good day Miss Cheney?" When she turned around to run back into the class, I thought for sure she had forgotten something, it seemed so important. When she asked me how my day was, I had to smile. I could go on and on with little anecdotes, like the student who would reach into his pocket on his way to lunch and pull out a handful of swedish fish for me everyday. Mind you the swedish fish had been setting in his pocket all day and had lint stuck to them, still it's the thought that counts. Or how about the time we had a talent show and one kid got up to show his "talent" without really explaining what it was. It wasn't until he was running full force toward another student to tackle him that I realized what was happening. There was no stopping it at that point... I was just really grateful that no one was hurt. I am especially fond of my Sixth Graders who would give me random challenges every day like, "Miss Cheney I challenge you to NOT turn left all day." I accepted their challenge and they would giggle as I would take sweeping right turns in order to go left.
I LOVE teaching, and I am so excited to see what this year holds. I have said it before and I'll say it again. I love my life. I am blessed.
6 comments:
I'm sure your students all love you - and you loving your job makes all the difference! It's refreshing because so many teachers (at least in Utah) seem to complain about their job. My sixth grade teacher is still one of my all time favorites. Good luck this year! Your classroom looks awesome by the way.
you're making me jealous sis....i miss the classroom. I bet you're the bestest teacher ever. Keep up the good work and I miss you.
I am so proud of you! I know that your students will have a life changing experience with you being their teacher.
If only all six grade teachers were just like you! Keep up the good work Trish. Bobby Banjo and the rest of the crew send their best...
I taught 7-9 and I always said I loved 7th grade was the BEST...I got similar things as you from your 6th graders:) I enjoyed catching up reading your blog. If you get a chance check out ours at http://halverson-family.org
Hey Trisha. I stopped by to check you out and see how you were doing and to read this was refreshing. We need more teachers like you in this country. Thank you for what you do!!! Love you girl!
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