Dphilliber's Blog

Too Long…..

Debbie Philliber — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:04:07 +0000

I find that I am not blogging like I want to. My days are so full and my nights are spent working on my laptop, looking for new exciting things I can use. I am tired today. I have gotten my kids into a great routine. They actually sit in their desk and work now. Atleast that is what I thought, until today. For some reason, maybe the rain, the moon, or just my luck, they talked, and talked and then they talked some more. What makes today different? I wish I knew. Whatever the reason, if I knew it, I would forever avoid it. I guess every one has one of those days. Today was ours. We worked hard through our chats. Even my students who always walk the straight and narrow, veered off the path. Perhaps I am the one who veered….

“I’ve come to the frightening conclusioin that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.” (Ginott)

Day 23…

Debbie Philliber — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:56:42 +0000

Well, little did I know it would take 23 days to get into a good routine. I still can’t say that we are, but I will pretend like we are. Just when I think I’ve got it going, we have something come up like, library, book fair, pictures, snack…. need I say more? My little 1st graders are so sweet. Today I decided to spend some “QT” and ask each one of them to tell me something that is important to them. The responses were cute, everything from “I went to McDonald’s last night” to “I’m getting a new house my Granny bought” and even “I have a cat.” Sometimes I think education goes so fast, you lose track of the purpose of education. Is it really important to give kids so much to learn that you don’t stop and remember they are kids? They are litte 6 and 7 year olds. Some of them went to bed late, got up early, and didn’t even take a bath last night. Today, I think God reminded me of just that. Some of them need a hug every morning and I may be the only person that will give it to them. I never want to lose sight of that. What an awesome privledge I have been given. To be able to teach these babies. Some say, “well, your just still a new teacher.” It is my prayer that in 25 years when I retire (if I do), then I will still be humbled by my calling. This is a calling, it is not a job, it has no set hours, it is non-stop. When I’m not at school, I still think about them, I wonder about them, I miss them. I am grateful to be a teacher, and to be able to do what God has called me to do. I am happy:)

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” — (Carl Jung)

TIRED!

Debbie Philliber — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:52:11 +0000

Whew! These past few days have been a blur. I get up @ 6:00, at work before 7:00, stay till 5:00, and work at home until 11:00PM! That is a long day! I know I will adjust and life will become easier. I think I am going to have to enlist some volunteer help:)

I must say that my little 1st graders are the best. I dearly love them. I wish I could take 30 minutes with each one of them and just talk. They say the cutest things! I’ve already learned several “secrets” from a few of them:) This is really going to be a great year!

“Time spent learning, is never wasted!” (AU)

This is getting exciting….

Debbie Philliber — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:28:23 +0000

I am so blessed! Things are finally starting to come together, and my classroom looks great. I’ve gotten my role, I’ve seen the names (I don’t know any of them yet!), and talked to most of the parents. Tomorrow I will try to finish up my classroom and get it ready for open house on Tuesday night. I really can’t believe I’m here. I’ve had some doubts and I’ve actually felt some butterflies in my stomach! I keep thinking I am dreaming, and I will wake up and it will be time for me to go to Waleska. Then I realize that I am not dreaming, and on Thursday of this week, I will realize my dream. I will take the helm. God has been good to me, and I am amazed.

Zack and Em have helped me so much! My room is looking amazing, thanks to the beautiful artwork these talented two created for me. They gave so much of their time and talents to paint a beautiful ocean on my closet doors. I can’t wait to see it all come together. It is like the icing on the cake. I am really proud of it!

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
~Vincent Van Gogh

July 17 Preparation is key!

Debbie Philliber — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:47:50 +0000

My past few weeks have been filled, and I do mean filled, with preparation. I have spent more time at the Teacher Resource Center, than I thought possible. I have created so many activities, posters and games! Now, starting this coming week, I will be able to go into my classroom and get it ready:) I just cant wait. I’ve even got a great teacher rug. My life is getting ready to become busier than ever. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I am so excited!!!

It’s better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret. ~Jackie Joyner Kersee

Off to work I go….

Debbie Philliber — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:06:27 +0000

Last week (Thursday @ about 12:07pm) my prayer was answered. I was offered the position I wanted, 1st grade, at
the school where I student taught. I am so excited. Finally, after everything, all the work, I’ve got it. I still can’t
believe it. It just really doesn’t seem real. This will be my dream job, where I begin and end my career. I can’t wait until I meet my little 1st graders. This is going to be an awesome year!! I can’t wait for our first day!!

“An educational system isn’t worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn’t teach them how to make a life” ~Author Unknown

Graduates Sunday

Debbie Philliber — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:00:33 +0000

Long ago you came to me,
A miracle of firsts:
First smiles and teeth baby steps,
A sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away
And leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of
A lifetime of your last….

The last time that I held a bottle,
To your baby lips,
The last time that I lifted you
And held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke crying,
Needing to be walked.
When last you crawled up with your blanket,
Wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,
Still small enough to hold,
The last time that you said you’d marry
Me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and
Bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held on longer if
I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,
Your final mid day nap,
The last time that your wore your favorite
Faded baseball cap.

I never said goodbye to all
Your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow,
Will I recognize your last?

The last time that you talk to me
About your hopes and dreams,
The last time that you wear a jersey
For your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed
Seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I’d hold on to your last.
For come some bright tall morning,
You’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon
In a brilliant sort of way.
One last hug, one last good bye
One quick and hurried kiss,
One last time to understand,
Just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how fast
Our time together passed.

Would I have held on longer, if I had
Know it were your last?

5 Days until SUMMER!

Debbie Philliber — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:19:56 +0000

It’s beginning to feel alot like summer! I am ready for school to be out, and I am ready to sign a contract. I have several possibilities and I am praying that God will open the door to the place he wants me to be. I have been so filled with stress over this whole situation. I am really trying to practice patience, but it is so hard.

On Friday my Nick will graduate. I am so proud of the man he is becoming. He has done so well in high school, and I can’t believe he is completed. I watched him speak at our middle school worship service on Wednesday. He spoke like a seasoned motivational speaker. I can see God using him and working through him. I am so proud.

“When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang up my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things are special things.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I LOOKED….and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

Good Day

Debbie Philliber — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:55:09 +0000

Today was nice. My sweet 2nd graders came for their CES tour. I walked with them. They were all so sweet. I had soo many hugs! It was like I was a celebrity! HAHAHA! I am completing my year in PE, which is a huge adjustment. I’ve gone from multiplication to “capture the flag”. Not to minimize the importance of play, but I really miss the classroom and teaching. I am dying to get back in there. I think it will make my fall transition even sweeter. I am so ready!

“You’re happiest while you’re making the greatest contribution.” ~~(RFK)

B.S. of Science in Early Childhood Education

Debbie Philliber — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:58:24 +0000

That is the degree I never believed I would see. Larry & I talked about it for years. I do mean years. We knew that it would
be too much of a struggle. Just too hard. Hard on the family, the budget, and our life in general. Then one day I became motivated. And the rest is history. Time really passes fast. Today Larry & I talked about how fast it went. 28 months of deadlines and papers. I blinked and they called my name. I walked across the stage, and shook hands with the President of Reinhardt College and he said “Congratulations Debbie!” I did it! I finished. And all four of my kids were there for me. I am happy to be complete and happy to start the next leg of the journey. It’s going to be fun. My life will be consumed with students and standards. It’s the first time, I’ve ever said, I can’t wait for school to start!!

“Children are the only future the human race has, teach them well.” (AU)