As I sit here biting into one of the greasiest chicken shawarmas I'll ever taste, devouring my small plate of french fries and eyeing the water bottle, still sitting half full on my desk, I can't help but marvel at what a wonderful week its been.  The Spring Semester can be quite honestly a hand (even two hands) full.  The children are chattier, they now know the teacher and each other quite well, including how to push each other's "panic buttons", capable of doing damage no strangers could do to each other.  However, this is now how we have started our third, and final term in third grade. 

The first week back from Spring break was supposed to be difficult.  How come it was so satisfying instead?  THE STUDENTS!  That's how.  We worked in small groups twice this week.  We discussed, grouped, regrouped, cut, pasted, and presented about children's opportunities.  Ever time we were in a different group having to take turns, agree, and disagree politely; all ample opportunties for us to fuss, become frustrated, and throw a fit.  But, none of this ever happened.  The students listened, followed directions, clarified for each other, joined groups, agreed to leave groups, and generally all just did what was expected of them and all got along.  Ms. Pippa and Ms. Edelie jumped in with ideas, resources, and group management.  I can confidently say that this has been my favorite week at Raffles in 3A.  Thank you, Students.