Mrs. Hatch's New Groove

This is a school year with a lot of firsts. I am teaching a new grade, in a new classroom, for a new principal, collaborating with a new group of teachers and trying new technology. At first I was a bit overwhelmed. So much to do and remember from several years ago. I knew I could do it and life would settle down eventually. After four weeks of teaching I have finally found my groove. It feels natural again and things run smoothly. I am really enjoying teaching. The children that I teach are incredible and are so anxious to learn. I have been very blessed to have small class sizes and lots of support help. I wasn't sure I had made the right decision to move to Kindergarten but after four weeks of teaching, it is was the right move.

I have also posted two projects on Donors Choose and both of them have been funded. Through Donors Choose I have been able to purchase student mailboxes and a CD player for my listening center. Such generosity for education in commendable. I really appreciated family, friends, and total strangers who donated to my projects. If any of my readers want to donate to education you can go to Donorschoose.org and pick a project to donate to. It is that simple.

So here's to another year of silly songs, color poems, birthday crowns, food graphs, sight words, alphabet and zero hero. So glad I found my groove.

Not as it Appears.

We are Utah football season ticket holders. Each year we look forward with great anticipation to the upcoming season. It is great fun sharing dinner, lunch, or brunch with family and friends before the game. Then once at the games we share in celebrating first downs, touchdowns, and great plays. I even have learned some things about football. I know when there is going to be a first down, can recognize some of the call signals, understand when the ball is  in field goal range, and I even enjoy a great tackle. With the new techological capabilities what you see in the stadium may not be the same game that is seen on TV.

The last 10 seconds of the rivalry game was such an instance. Those at home saw a more technical version or what we saw live. Hence the reason for writing this post. While in the stadium emotions were running high. At one point in the game my son leaned over to me and said, "I feel pretty safe we are up 24 to 7," to which I responded, "You never count BYU out until the game is over. They are notorious for coming back in the last few minutes." So it is the big instate rivalry game and we are down to the last 10 seconds with BYU having the opportunity to win or at least tie the game. The Utah fans are on edge hoping for another win. The stadium is full of exhuberant fans who are anxious and nervous. So when the first attempt at winning the game was an incomplete pass the stadium showed no time on the clock. The coaches began walking to the center of the field and the exstatic fans rushed the field. It was the rivalry game after all. It appeared from inside the stadium that the games was over. However those of you at home watching saw that the clock hadn't run out and that there was possibly a second or two left on the clock. The field was cleared and BYU attempted a field goal which was blocked. Sensing that the game was once again over as time ran out and the ball couldn't be advanced the fans onced again celebrated and rushed the field. Now those of us in the stadium were watching the play not the fans so we didn't see the fans rushing the field too early as you were able to watch. So once again the perspective of the game was very different depending on your point of view. Finally the 15 yard penalty and BYU had one last chance to tie the game. I wouldn't want to be the kicker for anything. My nerves were shot and I wasn't even playing the game. I can't imagine the huge burden he was carrying. Well we all know how it ended. The poor kid hit the post and by the way that post swayed he really meant that kick. The irony of it was the game ended by my watch at 11:58pm. I just think it was time for the game to end. Just something to think about.

So I am not upset at the fans for rushing the field. From where they were the games was over three times. It was just interesting to have conversations with those that watched it on TV. It was if we were watching two seperate games. Perspective it is an interesting thing.

Some Good Reads

I began reading more about a year ago and have stumbled onto several new authors that I truly love. I thought I would share them with you.

• Ben Behunin: The Isaac books are some of my favorites. These books are very thought provoking, feel good, self reflecting, entwined with a love story. There are 3 books in the series and I couldn't wait for the third one to come out. I actually went to the author's pottery studio to get it and to see his pottery shop. It was just as I had imagined it. Beautifully written.

• Charles Martin: He is also a christian author and writes a great story. I have read several of his books and have never been disappointed. He also makes you think about your own life and your relationship with others. The one I read most recently and truly loved is "Wrapped in Rain." I think since I teach school it really touched my heart about being the one person to throw the ball.

• Gary Schmidt: My sister introduced me to this auther. He writes for young adults but it is a good read for any age. I don't know if the books reminded me of my childhood or if I could just relate to them. These books give you a renewed faith in humanity and how you can make a difference in anyones life by just listening and being positive. I particularly enjoyed "Okay for Now."

• Garth Stein: I have only read his book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain." I love dogs so this book was a hit with me. It is amazing how the author uses the dog to tell the story. Warning, there is profanity in the book which I wasn't too fond of but other than that a great read. Wherever your focus is that's where you will end up.

• Sandra Dallas: She writes mostly about women and their hardships. I have only read "Prayers for Sale," but it was exceptional. I really liked her style of writing and the feelings she shares. The strength of women and the bonds that hold them together are underlying current in her books.

These are just a few new authors I have been introduced to. There are others I have read  but these really are some of my favorites. If you have a favorite please leave a message for me. Our book club is always looking for a good read.

The Big Day

Tomorrow is the big day for me. It has been about 10 years since I have taught kindergarten and my memory isn't what it use to be. I keep finding things I need to get ready for my classroom. Tomorrow is coming quickly. I am not ashamed to say I have butterflies tonight. I have met most of my students and I am very excited to teach them. I am just a bit nervous about putting the whole package together one more time. My room is ready, my lesson plans are ready, homework folders are ready, but it is the element of the unknown that I'm not ready for. So here's to another year of teaching and getting the class of 2025 on their way to success. I can't seem to upload pictures of my classroom but I will try again tomorrow.