Thursday, September 3, 2009

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

There were times last year, where I would have traded classes. 

There were times last year where I felt if certain students were sick, I would rejoice.

There were times last year when I wanted to pull my hair (or their hair) out.

But the age old saying is true:absence makes the heart grow fonder.

As I see, or correspond with my students from last year, my first class, it makes me excited.  These students, just 10 years younger then me tried my patience, made me proud, and frustrated me all the time last year.  But this year, probably because I don't see them 8 hours a day, 5 days a week I love seeing them!  They rush up, tell me how much they miss 6th grade, and fill me in on their lives. Whether it's K pulling a chair up by my desk and telling me the exciting news about the cute new boy after school. Or M writing me letters, passed through her sister, I love knowing I made an impact.  But as I read this post, it appears, rather clear, that they made an impact on me.  They helped me be a better teacher and person.  



Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Yes, that noise is coming from my room.

Something I've learned as a second year teacher:  I am not a miracle worker.


When I entered the teaching field last year, college had "prepared" me to help any child, modify any behavior, and raise everyone's self worth.  I felt like I could take on the world, and succeed. Maybe that year made a critic out of me, but this year, I'm just not buying it.  I can give 100% to my students and still, all will not necessarily learn, all will not feel good about themselves, or get along with their peers.  I can bend over backwards, dance in front of the class, and work one-on-one with every student, and still all will not understand everything.  It all comes down to one thing: them giving a rip.....for 12 year olds that's demanding a lot.  

They are too old to be little kids, who want to impress their teachers and parents.  They are not old enough to care about their future. So somewhere in there, lies me, responsible for showing them the light.  I say all of this to lead up to the tantrum thrown in my room today.  This year I have a student who was placed in my room this year, instead of the smaller class setting she was accustom to.  She enjoyed being in my class, but literally would not participate in anything...including recess, lunch, gym, music, let alone anything academic.  So today, when being moved to a smaller setting,  she decided to really let the principal, new teacher, and 6th grade wing have it.   That's right folks, temper tantrum, 12 years old, 50 minutes. 

My next degree will be in psychology. 
 

Saturday, August 29, 2009

firsts in a year of seconds

It's a year of seconds for me.

It's my second year of teaching
It's my second move between states
It's my second year of marriage
I'm living in my second apartment
This is my second blog.

With the first you expect newness, the second is supposed to be more comfortable, more predictable. No one told me the second is just as difficult, it sneaks up on you! 

So follow along, as I conquer my first year of seconds.