Books and Trends

Being a teacher, I witness some very interesting things sometimes.  Kids are funny whether they mean to or not.  It's also interesting to see what kids pick up on.  I find that I set a few trends with my students each year, purely by them observing me because I don't ever talk about these things.  The most prevalent is the type of writing utensil I use.  I tend to find new pens that I like using and I change it up every few years, but no matter what, by the end of the year, I see those pens everywhere in my classroom!  I think it's funny, but at the same time I sometimes question if they just picked up my pen or if they went out and bought that pen specifically because I use it.  These observations lead me to then think about what other trends I am setting because apparently I am an example to my students even in the small things like what I choose to write with so how to affect their other choices in life?  Am I doing all I can to be a good example in all areas?  I can't do some things poorly and then turn around and tell my class to do as I say and not as I do.

Another thought/realization I had at school today is that I don't own one of my favorite books!  One of my students asked if I had a copy of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry in the classroom as she wanted to read it for a book report.  I immediately started beaming because I loved that book when I was in the 5th grade and I read it several times.  Since I loved it so much, I figured, "of course I have that book!"  I started looking through my shelves and when I didn't find it, I searched through my cupboards (I have more books than shelf space sufficient to hold them all at the same time so I rotate them in and out).  When I didn't find it, I went to the database I keep on my computer of all the books I own (I'm glad I started it oh so many years ago because now I have over a thousand...it's what happens when you teach several grades and love to read) and that's when I was severely disappointed in myself.  How could I not own that book?  I guess I will have to start looking for it when it comes through a book order.  I really need to go read it again.