I got a new student last week: Joe. I'm still trying to figure him out. He's relatively intelligent, but also has a slight attitude. I had to send him out of the classroom on his second day. I know, however, that I am wooed him over to the Sells side, because he's been putting Swizzle sticks in my mailbox every day, and I made him laugh (of course, I did- what am I saying? I'm hilarious!).

Karla, my monolingual, has now advanced her vocabulary to "Oh my goodness," "Good morning," "Oh my gosh," "Sit down," "Stand up," "No, me," "No, Miss Sells," and "See you tomorrow". I'm talking with our CPT on Monday about what I should be expecting from her, since technically she's only been in the country for two months or so.

Also, I'm starting a book fair for our school at our local Barnes and Noble. Soooo, any purchases made with a voucher at those Barnes and Noble-s, 10% goes to my school. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that if anyone wants a gift from me for Christmas, it'd better be something purchasable at B&N and you better tell me what it is before December. Deal?

Things are getting annoying with a colleague. I had a dream where my principal, the colleague, and the colleague's mom was watching me teach a math lesson. Someone overheard me telling about the dream and told the colleague that "Erica had a dream about you and your mom" and now he won't let me live it down! Grrrrr... BOYS!

New Student Headache/Blessing

At about 8:30 yesterday morning, there was a slight knock on my door. Outside were two women and a little girl, one of the women holding a pink slip signifying an enrollment. I quickly learned that this particular student spoke no English. She stepped silently into my classroom and grasped my hand desperately as I guided her to her seat. Luckily, I had cleared the desk of a withdrawn student the night before so there was a place for her. Also, this space happened to be next to one of my Spanish-speaking sweethearts who was more than willing to help our new class/family member adjust.

I have forgotten over the summer how taxing it is to have a monolingual in the classroom. Last year, I had two: Jose, a student who was unmotivated and silent, unwilling to participate (he left a month after his enrollment) and Cipriano, one of my all-time favorites (yes, it's true: teachers have favorites). This little boy was set in learning English. He was focused and hardworking; refusing to let others help him by translating. He ended up being able to speak and read English pretty well before his family was forced to leave the area in February. I cried when he left.

This new student, Karla, is absolutely precious. She speaks to me in Spanish frequently: "Maestra! Maestra! Blah blah blah lots of Spanish!" I can understand a lot of what she says, but my personal Spanish word bank is very small. I know the Spanish for my numbers up to 10, party, beans, men, cheese, and a couple of colors. I am pleased she is comfortable enough to talk to me, even if it's not in my native language. Luckily, my kids are quick to come to her aid. It's almost heartbreaking to see her looking up at me with her huge brown eyes and a smile, pointing and asking, "Si, maestra? Si???"

Sure Are A Lot of Mexicans

I received a new student last week from Arkansas. A child who would likely be a clone of the rest of the class at many schools, this caucasian, blond boy sticks out like a sore thumb in the sea of Hispanic boys and girls in Room 19. Not only that, but he's rather short for his age, and has a slight twangy accent.

On his first week of school, he made the following observations/vocal thoughts:

Me: How do you like it here in Phoenix?
Student: I dunno- There sure are a lot of Mexicans here!

Student: It's so hot here I think I'm sweatin' in places I never sweated at before!

Student: You better lock your doors 'cuz I hear this place has lots of thieves and murderers.

Student: I'm walking home, but I'll be careful because my mom told me that a few years ago a girl was raped and killed on her way home.

Student: In Arkansas, if you don't wear your shoes, you're called a hillbilly!