Angry Birds, Mr. Lunch and Abraham Lincoln

Who would've thought that all three of those things would've been included in my first day of student teaching...certainly not me.

I started today super early.  In fact, so early the sun wasn't even up.  Too early for me.
6:00am reared it's ugly head at me and I was out of the house by 6:45am to begin the 20 minute drive to Richardsville.
Pulled into the lot at 7:10am and wondered if the school was even open yet because some parents were sitting in their cars with their kids (they must have a certain time to drop the kids off??? no idea).  I walked into the office, and after the receptionist thought I was subbing for Mrs. Thurman, I confirmed that I was actually her student teacher.  I signed in, grab my "Visitor" sticker (which would eventually come off many times throughout the day) and was escorted to Mrs. Thurman's room.

This is the main part of the classroom

Richardsville Elementary is in a brand new building.  They have solar technology, sky lights in every classroom, smart boards, automatic lights, and water-efficient bathrooms.  I think it's an amazing place to learn and those kids are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful place as a school!

Every morning at 7:30am, all the students meet in the gym and have what is called "Town Meeting" where they say the pledge, sing the daily patriotic song, and sing the birthday song if there are any birthdays.  Announcements are made, and then the students are off to their "home base" classrooms.

My "mini-desk" that Mrs. Thurman made for me! (it's a riser)

Our first class began at 8:15am. 1st Grade.

This is where the first two parts of the title of this post come in.
Mrs. Thurman arranged the theme song of Angry Birds for her Treblemakers and Choirs.  Each class, she would turn on the CD with this song, and the students would march into the class to the beat of the song.  After they would sit down, she asked "Now, who knows what that song is from?"
Some would say, "Uhm...I don't know...I think the radio?" or "Willy Wonka?" (hahaha) and then once she told the class it was the theme from Angry Birds, everyone was like, "OOHHHH YEAH!!!!" (hilarious!)

Mrs. Thurman's desk

Next - Mr. Lunch
Obviously, I got some looks from the kids like, "Who are you?" and so it was natural that Mrs. Thurman introduce me to the class!  It went a little like this:

"Class, this is my new friend and our new student teacher for a while! His name is Mr. Lund!"
The students responded with a resounding "Hello!"
Then Mrs. Thurman say, "It's kinda like Lunch, but with a "D" instead of a 'ch'" (hahahaha)
Some of the students asked if they could call me that, which honestly doesn't matter to me, it's funny and I'll laugh every time I hear it!
Other names I was called today: Mr. Lundo, Mr. Lundon, Mr. Lung (hahahaha) :]

Risers on the far side of the room.  The students enter from the door on the right.

Oh and about Abraham Lincoln: the 4th, 5th and 6th graders are doing a musical about Mr. Lincoln and it is sure to be a wonderful show.  Mrs. Thurman and myself will be working together with the students to bring it to life.  As soon as the date of the performance is known, I will let everyone know so they can come! :]

Although I'm feeling exhausted, it was an incredible day of learning and interacting with the students.  I can't wait to see what the next two months have to offer!