Freshly Sharpened Pencils

Well, the first week of school is almost to a close. We are spending tiresome days going over procedures, rules, and getting-to-know-you activities. I have 26 smiling faces greet me each morning. The Lord has blessed me with another good class, as past teachers quickly tell me.
Today they were working on "rules" our class should have. They wrote a few down and then got together with their table group to decide on the 5 most important rules. I overheard conversations with thoughtful suggestions, and others were:
"We should get to take home Ms. Collins's books.
We should get to walk around during dismissal.
We should get to eat/drink when we want."
I was afraid their rules were turning into a wishlist- these were all procedures I had taught that apparently didn't sit well with some. I had to ring my bell and ask for reminders of the purpose of rules- all examples had to do with safety and learning. So we'll see... can't wait to read their final copies. Of course, now I take those lists and come up with the "best five rules that would work." I wonder if any notice how often they "come up" with things that I've already set in stone. =)

On another note, I myself have started school. I started on Monday, along with my students. I'm getting my Specialist degree. And oh, I'm not sure if I'm ready for that again! The month of Aug. is twice a week, 4 hrs. a night. Then we'll be once a week. But ready or not, here I go...