It is that time of year when I receive many leaf bouquets. I enjoy the colours of the Fall leaves and am always pleased to bring them into my classroom and enjoy the array on my desk.
No matter what year it is, the children in my class show their appreciation of nature’s beauty by collecting the leaves that have fallen on the ground. I remember my own children doing this when they were younger. It is a practice that does make me smile.
(This post is linked to Becky’s Square Challenge for which we will be posting square photos featuring lines during the month of October; and Trent’s Weekly Smile challenge which focuses on sharing all things positive. )
On Friday last week when I arrived home, I was so excited to see that I had received an ARC of Adam Silvera’s upcoming Fantasy release Infinity One from the team at Harper Collins Canada. Fantasy fiction is my favourite genre and when I heard about this series, I knew that I wanted to read it. On Friday, I admired the cover and loved the lines of the Phoenix. The ARC looks beautiful and I expect the cover of the finished hardcover will look absolutely stunning.
I have started reading the novel – I set aside my October TBR piled with no compunction. I am loving it so far! The story explores sibling relationships, being comfortable in your own skin no matter what your sexual orientation, and (I suspect) finding your inner strength. I look forward to seeing what the magical battle in New York will bring.
The past few weeks have seen the advent of the beautiful array of colours in nature as the leaves of the trees change. In the school playground a couple of years ago, some Maple trees were planted and they are currently showing their beauty.
The red leaves are stunning this year and I can understand why Canada has taken this leaf to be a part of the flag. I see this tree from my classroom window and enjoy its beauty when I am on duty outside in the playground.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the sombre days have begun. Yesterday I took advantage of the shining sun to take some pictures for my Instagram posts because when it is overcast, the photos I take are too dark and cannot be used. In addition, during the past week we were reminded that summer is a thing of the past and we are required to now wear closed shoes and jackets. There is definitely a chill in the air and I definitely feel it when I am on duty outside on the playground.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that this week I have been working towards achieving my deadlines at work. Two are coming up next week: the report cards for my students as well as the IEPs (Individual Education Plans). Staying after school on a couple of days and working on the report cards bore fruit as Friday at 5:30pm, they were done. I walked home with a sense of satisfaction as that meant I would not have to work on them during the weekend. Now I can focus on the IEPs.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I had a pleasant surprise when I arrived home on Friday. I had bookmail! The marketing group at Harper Collins Canada sent me an ARC copy of a Fantasy novel that I wanted to read: Infinity Son by Adam Silvera. I am so excited to read this one that I pushed aside the books I had planned to enjoy during October and opened this one this afternoon. I am loving it so far!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the tree foliage has changed colours – and it looks beautiful. I am also receiving a few leaf bouquets which are decorating my classroom. These are definitely the highlight of the season and the children in my class love collecting them.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that my Sunday afternoon was spent reading and relaxing. It is definitely my favourite part of the weekend. Now that I have older children, I definitely enjoy these moments that I have for myself – it is like I am finding the person I was before children. 😀
If we were having coffee, I would tell you to have a wonderful week. And if you do anything for Halloween, enjoy it.
Last week I was grateful for the air conditioning units in my classroom. This week, I am grateful for something warm. Yes, the temperatures have dropped that much – especially in my room! As my space is north facing, no sun comes through the windows during the day and, with the lowering of temperatures outside, the space is not warmed up at all.
Because the heating in the school has not yet been turned on, my students and myself wear our sweaters. And if the children do not have sweaters, they wear their jackets. It is at that time of year when it is warmer to be outside than it is inside. We definitely look forward to when the furnance is turned on.
In the meantime, I warm myself from the inside by drinking tea from my thermos. My bottle of water remains untouched as my body craves something warm to drink. I am wondering whether I should take another thermos of tea to drink instead. Brr!
This week I am grateful for warm tea – and the occasional cup of coffee – to warm me while working in my classroom.
What have you been grateful for this week? Share your post in the comments below.
Time spent on a park bench in early November allows one to admire the foliage of the surrounding trees. During the past week with the warmer temperatures, many have taken advantage of the inviting benches to soak in some sun and admire the colours of Autumn.
Temperatures are dropping outside and the days are getting colder. The time has come for me to open the closet in our hall and reach for the warm jackets, scarves and hats.
Last week we had snow falling gently for over a day. Luckily we escaped a blizzard – but we did not escape the cold. The dropping temperatures forced us to dress in warm winter gear while still in the middle of Fall. Even though the temperatures were lower, I did enjoy the sight of fresh snow on the ground. The day after the snowfall, I had the chance to walk in a nearby park and thought I would take you with me.
I enjoy walking on the snow – especially when not many have yet walked in it. I love the silence of the surroundings and the sound of my feet crunching the snow. Temperatures are warmer today and rain is forecast. I know, however, that I will have another opportunity to experience white winter scenes.
Do you enjoy walking in the park after it has snowed?
On Saturday I was walking down streets I have walked down for years in all types of weather. What I enjoy most about this time of year is the beauty of the Fall trees.
I have a student ECE working with me in my room at the moment doing her practice. A couple of days ago she planned an activity to do with the interested children in the class: she wished to create a panel depicting a forest of trees. She laid out a large strip of paper in the corridor and invited those who were interested to come and create. They were to use markers to draw the trees – and anything else that came to their mind. Craft glue was provided so that they could glue onto the trees the leaves that had been gathered outside.
The children got to work creating their forest. Imaginations soared as flowers and birds were represented among the Fall trees. As usual, chatter occurred while the student ECE encouraged them in their endeavors. The resulting trees were reminiscent of those that are currently outside, brilliant in colour and variety. The panels are now posted in the corridors outside of the classroom for children to admire as they walk past. These panels will be a reminder to the class that the season we are currently experiencing is Autumn, and that one of the signs of the season is the changing colours of the leaves.
Last week I was grateful for the air conditioning units in my classroom. This week, I am grateful for something warm. Yes, the temperatures have dropped that much – especially in my room! As my space is north facing, no sun comes through the windows during the day and, with the lowering of temperatures outside, the space is not warmed up at all.
Do you enjoy walking in the park after it has snowed?
