First Quarter has been a blur!

When I last posted we were in teacher inservice and the excitement for the new school year was high.  Since then everything has been a whirlwind.  My room has a "news theme" and do we have many exciting things happening daily! 

We hit the ground running in English and have just completed reading Wuthering Heights.  The story has always intrigued me, although many consider it a negative tale lacking in inspiration.  However, I consider it such a good example of the antithesis of true romance that it does inspire.  I heard recently that Louis L'Amour said something like "It is not what you read, but what you read that makes you think." 

This classic work written by a preacher's daughter definitely made us think!! 

Here is my little teacher's nook.  I have made it cozy complete with a lamp and Grandma's wicker bench!!  Yes, the faithful bench now serves many purposes in my classroom.  This week I had a small group Bible study with 9 girls.  I pulled out the bench, sat on it and told my infamous love story again.  (Sigh!)  It never gets old.  Precious memories! 

Last week we traveled to Murfreesboro for the TACS Educators' Convention.  I presented two workshops:  "Using Reader's Theater to Create Classroom Characters" and "Is Your Classroom Dull or Dynamic?"  Although I agonize over the preparation, I love "game day."  Both workshops were so much fun.  Here is my cast of "volunteer" actors in the RT workshop.  The one guy is playing "Johnny Appleseed."  He was a hit!  He and the entire cast did a fabulous job and helped to make the workshop a great success.

In addition to teaching seven classes, I am also heavily into preparing for our upcoming fall play.  This year we are presenting a mystery comedy called "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night."  Here is how we are presently holding rehearsals . . .in my room with minimal staging.  One day Arabella (above in the blue shirt)  had to leave early, so I doned her hat and glasses and jumped into the role with gusto (see next pic).  I just realized that we are both holding our arms the same way!!  Kaylee is going to be an actress . . . she reminds me of "Kristy Carlson" as a senior!:)

I always am amused when my students are surprised at my acting antics.  It does help them understand more what I mean to act in character at all times!!  We are having such fun.  The play is not until November, but volleyball and cross country occupy much of their time.  We have to practice in short increments for a long time in order to be ready for production.  I found out recently that my parents will be here for my play!  I'm so excited.  After a long week, I'm planning to recuperate and regroup this weekend.  My college speech class starts on Monday night.  God is so good to allow me to be involved in so many opportunities.