Poetry-Because Robin Williams Said It Was Great

The Beginning of Something Beautiful

Hello, all! I am excited to share with you a blog dedicated to my life in the classroom. It will include tales of horror and triumph, ideas that are out of this world, and, of course, student praise.

The idea of this blog came about when the gears started turning for the mere thought of painting a Before I Die chalkboard wall in my classroom. It has always been on my bucket list to find and write on one, so why not bring the same philosophy into the classroom? I know what some of you may be thinking, "That's morbid, Heather," and you're right. My principal expressed that same concern, which is why we made a deal to change it to the, "Before I Graduate" chalkboard wall and he would approve. Done deal! I had permission! Last time I painted a wall, it was without permission and it got my phone taken away by my parents.

Now, I was more than amped to get this project started. It was the end of the year and summer was just around the corner; however, being a teacher, funds can be scarce. No big deal, I would just wait until I had extra money. This was going to happen. Have you ever heard, "Patience is a virtue?" It is one virtue I do not possess...most of the time.

Fast forward a month and a half. Materials are bought, snacks are within reach (Funyuns), and Summer Hits of the 2000's on the Promethaen Board, it was time to get the party started. Paint tape mapped the outline as I figured a whole wall would be too much. This was a trial run so maybe in the future! Que the bug eyes, mouth drop, and a flood of ideas.

After 2 days and 2 coats of paint, Ladies and Gentlemen, there was a chalkboard wall on what was a big, white wall. High five! Little do you know, I actually gave myself a high five for this achievement given the lack of carpentry/ professional painting skills. There were no spills, no outside-of-the-line coloring, and no phones taken away.

Commence the taking it all in. I rolled up my teacher chair, put up my feet, and enjoyed some Funyuns while observing and reflecting on what this wall will become from August 17th-May 24th. Was it going to be a flop of an idea? Will the kids take it seriously or will they use it as a canvas for inappropriate figures? (Freshman and sophomores still do that.) Is the idea of setting goals, publicly publishing them, and working to reach that goal going to help keep students on track? Should we use big sidewalk chalk or the little pieces of chalk? Let's Pinterest chalk ideas! Are they going to paint over this eventually or just leave it a cool chalkboard wall? I hope my principal was serious about this idea. I guess it is too late. As you can see, any and all thoughts crossed my mind about this wall.

The only requirement left is to develop a philosophy behind this wall that the kids that walk through the door on any given day can respect and utilize to help further not only their education, but also their lives. This we shall see!

Please feel free to comment or ask questions! For the story behind the Before I Die wall proceed to this website and read the inspiring story: beforeidie.cc/site/about/