A Sub note, a Gift, and a Blog Award

Hi, friends. I don't know about you, but I have had good luck this year (not so much in the past) with securing great substitutes for my class when I have to be out (mostly for required training). Of course, when I come across a good sub that becomes a favorite, she usually is a favorite among others as well (and soon gets busy) or gets hired on as a teacher - yea for her, but not-so-yea for me. I like to know who to expect when I'm out, and I want consistency for my kiddos.

This year has been different; when I have been out, I have been pleasantly surprised that retired teachers or qualified subs are picking up the jobs. It's been a win-win for me (not returning to chaos) and my students (the regular schedule can be followed).

A Note from a Sub...

I always request that my sub leave me a note to let me know about the nuisances of the day (kiddo went home sick, H was a chatterbox, A didn't want to work, etc), but imagine my surprise when I returned to find the sweetest note about how they all did great because they were hard workers and big helpers to her. But, there's more to her note. This is the part that brought tears to my eyes, "I can tell you are a gifted teacher by how your classroom looked and how well your students followed directions!" I l-o-v-e Mrs. J!! I shared the note with my class, and they beamed. They were so proud of themselves, and it sure put a hop in my step for the rest of the week.

On to my gift...

One of my firsties brought this in for me one day. Now, I get coloring sheets, apples, letters, and other treats (that I display proudly on my cabinet doors), but my sweet, little N took the time to make this for me at home on her own time. It was a little moment of "aww - I am thought of outside the classroom" and it made my heart swell.

And the winner is...
A huge thank you to Dee from First Impressions and Ann Marie from Innovative Connections for sharing the One Lovely Blog Award with me.

The rules ask this:
1. Link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Pass the award on to 15 other lovely bloggers. (I am apologetic about breaking the "rules," but I am reducing the number to 5 - please forgive me :) )
3. Follow the person who sent it to you.

I am passing the award to:

Mrs. Daniel's First Grade Blog
First Grade Lyon's Den
Chalk Talk
Swamp Frog First Graders
Asprec's Apple

Check out these great blogs if you don't already. How do you prepare for a sub? What's the cutest surprise gift you have received from a student?

I am lovin' my spring break!!