Ahhhhhh---The Wetzler Jungle is Ready!

“Teaching is the only major occupation of man for which we have not yet developed tools that make an average person capable of competence and performance. In teaching we rely on the "naturals," the ones who somehow know how to teach.”

~Peter Drucker 

What Do Teachers Make...

I always get the common statement—“It must be nice to be off all summer and holidays.” Let me tell you, I didn’t get into teaching to be off. I believe good lifelong learning teachers are constantly working. During the summer I did enjoy Florida and tractor pulls, but I presented at a conference, went to a conference, planned, researched, planned, organized, and planned some more. There is always something to be done in the room as I let my creativity control my classroom. Also during the school day, my day does not begin and end with the bell as some may think. I believe sometimes I could live there. I don’t mind putting in “extra” hours or coming in on the weekends—I live for teaching (along with fairs, tractor pulls, Christmas, and Subway)! My mind is always thinking about teaching. I enjoy exploring ways to enhance my room and discovering innovative strategies to implement in the classroom. The main reason I got into teaching was I WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Taylor Mali and an unknown author sums up what teachers make…..

These are a couple of pictures from student teaching. During this time, I fell in love with teaching primary students. When I was in college, I never wanted to teach anything lower than third grade and ONE teaching experience changed my preference on the grade level. It still amazes me how 18 first graders helped me figure out my niche---thank you kiddos! They are now going to be fourth graders. I do enjoy teaching in the same school I student taught. It is so neat to watch them grow!

"Children make you want to start life over."  ~Muhammad Ali

"Teaching should be full of ideas instead of stuffed with facts."  ~Author Unknown

This is a story by an unknown author referencing Taylor Mali:

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher? "He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions

I teach them to write and then I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. What do you make?"

The CEO had no response.

You can watch the video at this link: What Do Teachers Make

A Day Without Laugter Is A Day Wasted

I can honestly say I laugh every day and most of the time at myself (if you know me, you can see how this is done very easily). In my classroom, I have a poster posted in my room stating, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” This is a true story folks. How does one not laugh every day or smile? Maybe I am just a happy go lucky person, but this is how I envision life:  I live once, I do not know when my last day is coming, and God put me on Earth to enjoy every minute of it and make a difference. No worries—I do have bad days like everyone else, but one simple memory, picture, or calling of a person can make my day. When I have a bad day at school, I turn to my kids, even if they are the ones not cooperating with me. Somehow their smiles make my day AND the things they tell me are insane.

Story #1: Last year was my first year teaching Kindergarten, which was quite different from teaching 3^rd and 4^th grade students—sometimes I would forget I was talking to 5 and 6 year olds. It was around Christmas time and we were talking about the importance of being thankful for the life we were given and some kids are not as fortunate. These two kids were fighting while playing a game, so I had them come talk to me and this is how it went:

“Remember how we just talked about how we should be thankful for what we have?” I said

They both looked at me and nodded.

Then I said, “There are kids that would love to be in your shoes enjoying a great school and playing a game.” (After I said that, I was prepared for what was coming next as they both looked down at their shoes….)

One of the students spoke, “Miss Wetzler, why would anyone want to wear these old torn up shoes?”

AND THAT MY FOLKS IS WHY I LOVE TEACHING!!! Some may look at children and think little of them because they are small and 5/ 6 years old. However, my kids are my world and amaze me!

After she said that, I just started laughing and the other little boy asked me why I was laughing. Then I proceeded to tell them to stop fighting—they apologized and went on their merry way. I, on the other hand, had to step across the room and finish laughing.

Story #2: It was starting to sleet outside and I was bringing in the school from morning duty. One of my darling students left his backpack outside, so I told him to go get it. He gets it and comes back into the room excited as can be—“Miss Wetzler, you will never believe this, but it is raining rocks outside.” I think he was disappointed when I told him it was sleet, but I told him he can call it whatever his little heart desired.

 ***ON ANOTHER NOTE***

MY BEST FRIEND JENNY IS GETTING MARRIED IN ONE MONTH!!!

Jenny and I (Dumb and Dumber) share an awesome friendship. We have been best friends since I was about five. I am very lucky to have her as a friend and I can't wait until her BIG day.

In honor of her BIG day soon approaching, I thought I would include these sayings about marriage. These sayings are special as they are questions answered by children. ENJOY!

 WHAT KIDS THINK ABOUT MARRIAGE...

How do you decide who to marry?

·         “You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.” -Alan, age 10

·         “No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.” -Kristen, age 10

What is the Right Age to Get Married?

·         “Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person forever by then.” -Camille, age 10

How can a stranger tell if two people are married?

·         “You might have to guess based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.” -Derrick, age 8

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?

·         “Both don’t want any more kids.” -Lori, age 8

What do most people do on a date?

·         “Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.” -Lynnette, age 8

·         “On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.” -Martin, age 10

When is it okay to kiss someone?

·         “When they’re rich.” -Pam, age 7

·         “The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that.” -Curt, age 7

·         “The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do.” -Howard, age 8

Is it better to be single or married?

·         “It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.” -Anita, age 9

·         “To be single. Because then you can just play video games instead of having to be all romantic and stuff.” -Tyler, age 10

How would the world be different if people didn’t get married?

·         “There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there?” -Kelvin, age 8

How would you make a marriage work?

·         “Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.” -Ricky, age 10

How do you decide who to marry?

·         “If they play with you a lot, then you can ask.” -Jessica, age 7

·         “It depends on if they like each other, and talk to each other.” -Rachel, age 8

·         “Do I feel really happy? Do I feel a feeling even stronger than friendship? I would wait to see if it gets stronger.” -Kaylie, age 9

What is the Right Age to Get Married?

·         “19, because 18 is a little young.” –Rachel

·         “In your twenties, because I’m Mormon and I’m going on a mission [first].” -Brandon, age 12

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?

·         “They share their pets, room, bed, house, pictures, and work.” –Jessica

·         “They are in love. They like all of us. But they like each other more.” –Kaylie

·         “One of the reasons Mom likes Dad is because he’s funny. They’re both creative.” -Brandon

When is it okay to kiss someone?

·         “Somewhere around the end [of the marriage ceremony] when the announcer says it’s okay.” –Jessica

·         “When you’re married.” –Rachel

·         “When the other person says it’s okay.” -Brandon

Question: Is it better to be single or married?

·         “Married, because if you’re single you won’t have any children, you won’t have anyone to play with, and it won’t be any fun.” –Jessica

·         “Married. You can have a family, and it’s nice to have a family to be with.” –Rachel

·         “Married, so you’ll always have company, and you’ll be happy.” –Kaylie

·         “Married, so you will always have someone to tell your troubles to. But you don’t always want to complain to them, so they won’t think you’re a whiner. You don’t want to upset them.” -Brandon

How would the world be different if people didn’t get married?

·         “It would be odd not to have kids around.” -Ryan, age 11

·         “People would have a lot more arguments.” –Kaylie

How would you make a marriage work?

·         “Both have to like each other a lot. They have to know each other, what they need, and get each other what they need.” –Ryan

·         “One of the problems is people don’t spend enough time together—see what they do in their own house, with their own family.” -Brandon

What makes a good husband?

·         “He likes to be around his family.” Jessica

·         “He should be nice to his wife.” Rachel

·         “Caring, nice, tells jokes, likes visiting relatives, and would do something other than sit on the computer all day.” [Ouch.] Kaylie

·         “Someone who is caring, tries to help his family, and spends time with them.” Ryan

What makes a good wife?

·         “Someone who is willing to take care of her family, and help them learn.” Ryan

·         “Kindness. [She] does her share of the housework instead of watching TV all day, and visits relatives. And someone has to cook the dinner.” Kaylie

WELCOME

"The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book."

I am a BIG Dr. Seuss fan!
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

WELCOME to my blog: Kindergarten Korner where I will post teaching ideas and the neat experiences I encounter in my profession. I am a Kindergarten teacher and LOVE it. Education has always been my passion and kids just make my day brighter. The best aspects of my job include teaching (of course)-I enjoy helping others, I can be a kid again (sing, dance, finger paint, etc), it is rewarding, kids truly do say the darnest thing, and I make a difference. It is true what they say, all you really need to know you learned in Kindergarten:

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need to know about how to live
and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain,
but there in the sand pile at Sunday school. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and
draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic,
hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.