Last week, I substituted for two days in a first grade class. If you are a first-grade teacher, no matter what your salary is, YOU NEED A RAISE!!!
I am sure you have a special reward in heaven for the job you have done here on earth.
I have always loved children - I still do. I love to talk with them, watch them interact with others and just be around them in general.
The last time I was in a classroom with such a young age, I was 22 years old and fresh out of Mississippi State University. The last 30 years have taken their toll on me and I realized just how much at the end of the two days.
I have always taught sixth through eighth grade. Many times people would remark that they didn’t know how in the world anybody could deal with that age children and pre-teens.
I guess different people prefer different ages.
I knew I was in trouble on day one when one little boy came in and informed me he had a toad frog in his backpack. A little girl told me not to worry because he often tells fibs.
Not today - he was telling the truth! I hate anything reptilian!!
Freddy the Frog stayed on my desk in a Mason jar for the day. I made a fort of Kleenex boxes and books to keep him out of my sight.
I informed the young man that if he brought the frog back the next day that he would be sent home immediately.
First-graders will not accept the fact that someone else in the room has done something that they might not be allowed to do.
If someone decides to use scissors on an art project, then everybody needs scissors. If someone needs a tissue for a runny nose, then everybody immediately has a runny nose. If someone gets a Band-Aid for a cut, then everybody needs a Band-Aid. Even if they must pick at a bite or bump until it bleeds, so be it - they want their Band-Aid!
By this time of year, students are very aware of a classroom routine. First-graders will let you know in a New York minute if you are doing anything that is not the classroom norm.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I saw a hand go up to tell me I was doing something wrong. And by the way, as the hand goes up, they are walking to your desk to tell you what the problem is.
They figure if the hand is up they have permission to speak, and they want to be heard first hand.
Just before I left on my last day, the students had a reading test. After they finished their test, they wanted to draw me pictures to take home to remember them by.
Each picture depicted their love for me, the fact that I was the greatest teacher ever, I “rocked,” and that they would never forget the best two days ever.
God love each and every one of you. Kids - you gotta love them!
In two days, we went through two boxes of Kleenex, a huge box of Band-Aids and 100 popsicles - but we made it.
I now know the true meaning of the word tired. God bless you Donna Mumme and all the first-grade teachers out there.
My hat goes off to you and I will remember you in my prayers as you finish out the school year. Have a great and well deserved summer!
Hope you enjoy this week’s recipes. Thanks for reading.
SEVEN - LAYER
FRUIT SALAD
3 cups cubed cantaloupe
3 cups fresh pineapple
3 cups fresh sliced strawberries
4 bananas, sliced
3 cups fresh blueberries
3 cups cubed honeydew
1 (12 ounces) carton Cool Whip, thawed
1 (6 ounces) carton strawberry yogurt
2 teaspoons strawberry extract
In a large clear salad or trifle bowl, layer cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, bananas, blueberries and honeydew.
In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping, strawberry yogurt and strawberry extract.
Spoon whipped topping mixture on the top of the layered fruit; refrigerate before serving.
This is a beautiful salad.
BACON AND
PIMIENTO CHEESE MUFFINS
2 cups plain flour
1 1/4 cups crumbled cooked bacon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup prepared pimiento cheese
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, bacon, baking powder and salt; make a well in the center of the mixture.
In a small bowl, combine milk, pimiento cheese, oil and egg; pour into well in flour mixture and mix with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon batter evenly into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Serve warm.
CHOPPED COBB CAESAR SALAD
1 package Caesar salad flavored croutons
2 Romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
3 cups chopped turkey breast
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
4 ounces shredded asiago and parmesan cheese blend
1 small package bacon pieces
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Prepared bottled creamy Caesar salad dressing
Toss together lettuce and next five ingredients.
Drizzle with desired amount of dressing; toss gently.
Sprinkle with croutons.
