My Thoughts on the Tiger Mom

"Tiger Mom" has been all over the news.  I know!  People are either deeply offended by her, or completely outraged.  Maybe a few are curious.  I am one of the curious.  I have not read her book, but would like to.  The idea that we are too "nice" to our children intrigues me, because for many years, I have seen this in action.  As a teacher, I see it a lot, and I know we are not doing our children any favors by giving them everything, and telling them they are terrific at everything.  I tell my students the truth, no one is terrific at everything.  No one is perfect.  Today, we were working on some corrections and I had to spell check a few words to make sure I was right.  (I don't want to teach them the wrong spelling because of MY pride.)  Some of the kids asked why I had to check them and I told them that I have never been a strong speller, and that I know from time to time I have to check myself so I don't make a mistake.  Some mistakes you can avoid!  (Lets hope I found them all in this post.  If not, the world will still keep turning!)  We need to tell our children it is okay to make mistakes, and it is okay to ask for help and it is okay not to be the best player on the team.  But still, everyday I hear and see more examples of how our society is rewarding mediocrity . (Yes, I had to spell check that!)

Our junior high basketball team attended a tournament recently.  I am sure they played their little hearts out, but unfortunately lost all three games they played.  Guess what they came home with?  Can you guess?  I know you did.  Yes, it was a trophy.  They got a trophy for losing every game they played.  And, it didn't even say "Most Losses" or "Biggest Loser"on it.  It said "Consolation."  I am sure they were consoled in their losses by this wonderful trophy.  I just pray they didn't really put it the trophy case. Might make a good candy dish.

Don't know what I'm talking about.  See and article about Amy Chua here.

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Uncreative!

Well, that last post  was very uncreative!  I apologize for that. 

Just read an article in a nearby newspaper online that says the state legislature is going to cut school budgets, again!  This will lead to loss of jobs etc...  Well, in our small school, that will not help.  We already a limited staff.  We do not have a nurse, a curriculum director, or even a full time secretary.  All of our employees either teach all day, or they do double duty.  Examples are, secretary-peims director-teacher's aide,  librarian-iss-cafeteria accountant.  Even our business manager cleans tables after breakfast, answers the phone, and takes care of sick kiddos.  So, what are we to do to cut costs.  I shutter to think what will happen.  Maybe the congress will reconsider!

Early Mornings

So, our school is starting at 7:45 this year.  That's really early!  Everyday I walk down the hall and teachers are yawning.  One of the teachers actually made coffee in the lounge this morning!  Aw, the powers of caffeine.  Maybe it will keep me going for a while!  Still sleepy though!  Maybe I should teach Kindergarten so I could take a nap with the kids.

Bye, Bye Summer

Wow!  What a crazy summer this has been!  We have moved and are starting work in a new school on Monday.  I am going to be teaching middle school English and Spanish!  Crazy.  As for the kittens, they are all happy and healthy.  Three were given to good families and three still live with me...well, sort of...in my neighborhood at least.  They are enjoying the freedom this small community gives them to wander about and climb trees!  (Did I mention there are trees here!)  They come to see us about chow time and one, Feebee, loves to pretend to be an inside cat.  She will quietly get on the couch or in a corner and take a nap for hours.  Curious has turned out to be a favorite of my new friend and next-door neighbor.  Hollis is so beautiful it is beyond words.  Oh, and bonus, my sister-in-law has given us another kitten.  She is a tiny marble calico who was called Pumpkin for a while, until we learned how crazy she was.  I now call her Loquita.  She is sweet, but you have to watch your toes around her, and make sure you have on sufficient clothes!

Another One Gone

Well, when my fourth graders heard that I had kittens to give away, of course they all wanted one. One of the boys, though, does live in town and I knew he would take care of one. Sure enough, he and his sister showed up at my door this afternoon to pick one up. Mama said he could have one if it was a boy. So he took Benji. He was such a cutie with beautiful eyes. He promised to take care of him and I could see in his eyes it meant a lot to him. He is a sweet kid and he has really being down about us moving. I hope that the cat will always be special to him.

They Are Up for Grabs!

Well, I 've been away for a while because the family is moving. WE have taken two loads already. Since we are moving into town, we can't take all the outside kitties, so we are trying to find good homes for them. Holstein has already been adopted by my daughter's best friend. So, if you are in the west Texas area, or central Texas, contact me. I bottle fed them so I have a special bond with them. These little guys are so sweet, I hate to take them to a shelter. Well, I will probably refuse to do that anyway. So, I have to work like crazy to get them adopted.

The Kitties Are Ready to Go!!!

Anyone want a kitty? Now that we have nursed them and they are eating independently, we have made the decision to move and now have to find homes for four of these little guys. I did convince my husband to let me take two little girls with me and our big boy. He is so sweet. We are now calling him Uncle Andy. He grooms them and plays very gently with them and lets them have first crack at the food bowl. Amazing huh? I couldn't leave him behind. Well, I guess my blog will now be about our 200 mile move. Tomorrow the word is out. We will announce to the kids tomorrow, and I am not looking forward to it. I am not sure how they will react, but I am pretty sure some of the girls will cry. It will be the hardest move ever. I have had the same kids in class for three years in a row. Plus, I am quite attached to several of the older students as well. This is also the first time our daughter is old enough to miss her friends. She is taking it really well and gave her final consent to our move after touring the school. We will keep you updated on our switch to gorillaland!

We're keeping Phoebe and Littlebit.