Journal: 12/15/05

Oh, how bitter cold it was yesterday! I think the temperature was down in the low teens when I left for school around 6:00 am, and I’m not sure it got much higher all day. I felt frozen most of the day, except when I was sitting in my classroom directly in front of the little space heater. Occasionally, I had to walk outside to get to another building, and I felt instantly chilled when the outside air hit me. Of course, the blessing that winter cold brings with it is the lovely contrast you feel when you are indoors and warm. I am fortunate to have a cozy, bright classroom where the temperature hovers around the 68 degree mark, and my cheerful students always bring some extra warmth along with them. In addition, I always have a pot of hot water simmering so that my students and I can warm ourselves up with hot chocolate or tea. In fact, one of the real joys in my life is to see the students sitting quietly and reading while they enjoy their hot chocolate. I start each class with about six minutes of silent reading, during which time a designated student serves hot chocolate. Yes, it takes time away from other possible lessons, but every time I see the students absorbed in a good book and sipping their steaming mugs, I realize that the time is very well spent – especially on frosty days like yesterday.