Ok, now you ticked me off.

So last week, I'm hanging out in my classroom after school when someone comes in. To keep from being rude and naming the individual, I will use the name Debbie (as in Debbie Downer). After school I usually spend a few minutes cleaning up and preparing a few things for the next day. On this particularly fantastic afternoon, Debbie came in to ask me a question. As I sat at my desk and visited with her, I noticed as she glanced around my room checking it out. I thought about it and continued working on my computer. Then Debbie says as she looks at my goals poster, "You expect them to know 60 sight words by the end of November?"
Me: Yep!
Debbie (in a doubtful and condescending voice):Uh, you know that's a lot, right?
Me: Yeah, they can do it.
Debbie: You may need to lower that. I'm just saying that last year my kids that were reading didn't know that many sight words.
Me: Okay, but I think they can do it. I'm not going to change it.
*but I'm really thinking: probably because you didn't teach them the words!!!!!

Don't tell me that my kids cannot learn those words. YES THEY CAN!! I knew it would happen sooner or later...somebody doubting my kids, making me mad, and inspiring me to work harder to ensure that they meet the goals I set. They can learn 60 words by the end of November because I will teach them 60 words. We will practice, practice, practice.

There is something about being told I can't do something that just makes me want to do it. I don't know- maybe that is defiance, competitive, or something else. Regardless, whether it is good or not, it is how I feel. I am going to make this happen. Just watch me Debbie Downer... or should I say Debbie Doubter. :)