A nice off day

I truly wish I had more days like today. I've done nothing but laugh and feel warmth from my students, not that half of them or here or anything.

It's a Muslim holiday, so a lot of them are missing today. Some of my little Bosnians and Russians showed up today, but a mass majority didn't.

It's not that I'm glad those students are gone. Many of the students absent today are ones that I really have fun with normally. But it's just that today is very relaxed. The students here are literally just a blast today. Deavon, who is reading my Harry Potter books, is curled up in my little nook with the pillows (at this very moment), and at one point had made a little fort, calling out names of kids and making them curious as to where he could be; Brandon turned around, looked at me, then turned around again and muttered, "Where on earth is he? I know he said my name...". I burst out laughing when I noticed what he had done; it was just too cute! There have been moments like this all day so far, and it's really refreshing.

Sanela, a girl that I normally have a lot of issues with, stayed with me for two whole hours today, cleaning my desk, taking roll, going outside the classroom and taking down all of the old projects, cleaning out the file cabinet, and even going through the Respect posters and writing down the names of those who had done them. She was beyond helpful, and I think we had a good connection today as a result. She left after 3rd hour to go celebrate the holiday with her family.

Lauren's been very chipper around me since my talk with her a few weeks ago. Everytime she sees me her face lights up with a smile and she makes it a point to stop in front of me and say, "Hi Miss Franklin! Are you having a good day today?" Her classwork leaves much to be desired, but it's okay since I know that she's a resource student; she's going to have some trouble with what I'm asking of her in the hour she has me, and I've been doing my best to modify her lessons. For example, she is to create a board game for her book report, and instead of creating 20 facts I allowed for 10, and I also informed her of a way in which she could make the board, watching as she attempted to follow my directions. She seems to be doing very well right now, and I'm pleased with her.

I have oldies music playing right now on the radio, and the kids for the most part ignore it placidly, and sometimes they break out in silly song voices. It's really funny and adorable.