Inspire, Summer 2009

March 17, 2009 One of my students was lying on the floor in Mrs. Chenault’s room during bus dismissal, and I said, “I wish you were sitting up like you’re supposed to.” He replied, “I’m taking a spring break!” March 24, 2009 This morning as the kids were coming into the room, I was greeting them like I always do. When Jordan walked in, I said, “Hi,” and he smiled back. Apparently, Marcus didn’t think that Jordan’s response was good enough. He said to Jordan, “Say ‘hi’ before I call Obama ... again.” How do you keep a straight face after that one? April 6, 2009 Last night I prayed for energy and for a good attitude about going back to school after spring break. I had been dreading it all weekend, and I knew I needed a heart change. When I woke up the next morning, it was like God changed how I thought about the remainder of the school year. I was no longer thinking that I have two and a half months until summer, but that I only have two and a half months to get my kids ready for second grade. After today, I feel like we’re off to a good start for the rest of the month. I’m excited to see how much more the kids can grow before it’s time for them to leave my class. April 8, 2009 Today my kids were talking about Easter weekend. Our school sent home a flyer today saying that we would not be getting Friday off and that we’d have school as usual. One student asked, “Why wouldn’t we come to school Friday?” Shawna answered, “Because it’s Sweet Friday.” June 12, 2009 Today was the official last day of my first year of teaching. In a way, I almost don’t believe I made it! Overall, the first year was not as scary as I thought it would be. I’ll admit there were times when I felt clueless, helpless, and frustrated, but I never even got close to wanting to quit. The bright eyes and big smiles on my students’ faces as they learned to tell time or count money made me not care too much that sometimes I wanted to pull my hair out. I know that each year I will grow as a teacher and learn new and better ways to teach the same concepts. I’m looking forward to meeting the little ones God brings into my life next year, and I hope He can use me to influence their lives for Him. In August 2008, Sara (Hayes) Nanney ’08 began teaching first grade at a school in Dayton, Ohio. She kept a journal to record the special memories, funny conversations, and unforgettable lessons of her first year as a teacher. She and her husband, Phil ’08, live in Dayton. You may contact her at sara.nanney@gmail.com . ✴ Names have been changed to maintain privacy. CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 23