It’s all in the numbers these days. Most people can tell you their age, weight, BMI (body mass index), blood pressure, cholesterol level, heart rate, blood sugar level or how many miles they ran on the track. We’re all about numbers and mine are good this morning! A BP of 130/71 is probably about as good as I can hope to get with my genes. Knowing that my numbers are finally lower makes me feel better, even if it is only psychological and even if it is due to the miracle of modern medicine. I’ll take that until I lose twenty pounds and bring it down naturally. (At least I’ve been assured that will happen.)
Children across the country will be looking for an equally important number during the next four to six weeks, depending on where they live! That is the pass/fail number they need for their report card. Many realize what an impact their final score will make on the rest of their life. Others seem clueless to the fact that passing or failing in school, at any grade level, alters the future. One of my kindergarten students will be staying with us next year. She hasn’t been in my class for very long, but she is sweet and smart and simply a victim of circumstances beyond her control. Another year in kindergarten, if she stays here, will make her a confident, capable first grader. But it will also alter her friendships and feelings and I’m always hesitant to recommend retention. Of course I feel that it is better to spend an extra year in kindergarten than an extra year in a higher grade.
Another number I can celebrate is four! Yes, that’s how many weeks of school we have left. Don’t tell me you are disappointed in my attitude. J I’m still crazy about teaching, but when we get to the last few weeks it is like being in a marathon and finally seeing the finish line ahead. We’ve worked really hard this year and I’m ready for a rest. My students have their minds on T-ball and fishing and playing with friends. Parents are tired of homework and behavior reports and conferences. The last week will be celebrated!!
I always knew that my limited math skills would not be a problem in real life. Although I suppose I’ve used a little algebra and geometry from time to time, I would like to tell my former teachers that calculators, forms, graphs, and other people have allowed me to be successful in life, despite my poor grades in both. However, I have always been, and continue to be amazed by the impact of numbers on our life, health, attitude, finances, and status. At our house it begins with the early morning weather report and the news that the high for the day will be 75 degrees. Believe me, the impact of that is very different from those mornings when the number is 35. The next important number is time. Do I have time to finish my blog? Time to do a load of laundry before school? Time to take out the garbage? Then it’s out the door to the truck. Do I have ½ a tank of gas or just ¼? And if you think this is silly, think about how different my life would be if I drove to work at 85mph, or 35mph, vs. 70mph. J
So…it’s all about the numbers. I hope yours are good ones today!
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