6 word memoirs. Coolest assignment ever.

I've made it through the first two weeks of school so far!  Two very... long... weeks.  Tryouts the first week almost killed me.  13-14 hour days feels like someone pressed thumb tacks all the way into the bottoms of my feet.  But my hilarious co-workers lifted my spirits and made every minute worth it.  I'd make fun of Miley and dance to "Started from the bottom..." all day with tacks in my feet all over again.  Labor Day weekend brought me enough sleep to recoup in time for the next round.  Morning practices.  My body still doesn't understand what's going on with a 4:45-5:00am wake up time.  Though, somehow my brain finds a way to wake itself up enough to function.  Too bad I don't drink coffee.  Once I realize I'm awake and at practice, I can see that we have some really talented athletes (and great kiddos) that make my job well worth the loss of sleep.  Plus, we kicked butt at our first scrimmage, so now I'm pumped for the season.

Then, there is the classroom side of my job.  While I have more students in my classes this year than I've ever had, it's been pretty smooth sailing (knock on wood).  Granted, after the second week, kids are starting to come out of their angel shells and test the waters, but I love all of them regardless.  I feel privileged to be able to teach these guys.  I've got some super sweet, respectful, intriguing babies who make my job a little easier.  Let's just hope it stays that way.  :)

Already, though, I'm impressed by them.  The first week of school they wrote me a letter introducing themselves, and I was impressed by their ability to write so well already.  (Good job 6th grade teachers!! You are amazing!)  The second week we continued to do some reflective writing with some 6 word memoirs.  This is definitely the COOLEST assignment I've ever done, and I learned so much about them.  I can't tell you how much I LOVE 6 word memoirs!  It was so cool to watch my kids dig inside themselves and splatter their stories in 6 words.  I can't wait to hang these up in my room.  I can't wait to see their reactions to how inspirational, strong, and deep their peers are.   Whenever I get time, I'd like to make a cool video of these, but until then check out these 6 word memoirs and see how awesome my kids are...

I can trust anyone... I think?
Bruised legs. Dirt Everywhere. That's fashion.
Lost in life.  Dad is dead.
Football, best sport for teaching character.
Sounded much better in my head.
Creativity big, height small, heart huge.
Swinging so high, falling down hard...
Stress me out, Starbucks saves me.
Without books, life's black and white.
Finding who you are is hard.
Quiet has never been any louder.
My mind is a forest... lost.
Life's a song you're the lyrics.
Lost in thought, slowly falling apart.
Life's a game without extra lives.
Misunderstood, mistaken, mistreated, but still here.
Gooey on inside, rock solid out.
I'm not quiet, I'm just listening.
Like a rose, falls for nothing.
Knowing not all feats are impossible.
Slow learner, but still get it.
Still waiting for that one day.
Today's biggest worries. Tomorrow's funniest memories.
Love bacon, love mustaches, love life.
Used to be shy, not anymore.
I'm short, but touching cloud nine.

This one about sums it up:

12 years old, blinded by life.

I wish I could put all of them up here, but that might take a while.  I'm so thankful that they took the risk to be so transparent with me and each other.  I think we can agree my kids are awesome (and smarter than me)!

If I could sum up the first two weeks, even though I've been dog-tired and dragging through most of it, it has been surprisingly refreshing.  It's refreshing to be able to work with people that make every day better than the last.  To work with coaches who love the kids they coach and who dress up like gangstas.  To work with teachers who I can learn from and who share the same goals and approach to writing as I do.  Suffice it say that I'm excited for the year, and I love my job!


Long hours. Frustrating days. Worth it.