Saturday, October 30, 2010

As if

As if working a full week with 23 third graders didn't make me tired enough...

Today my apartment demanded my attention. Now, the one benefit to this is, it doesn't shout 'Mrs. Howard!" ...at least not where I can hear it.

Now the dishes, laundry, and various boxes around my apartment were calling things, demanding to be cleaned, moved, or wiped. All week I had ignored them, but today they ganged up on me!

So, I decided to see to them all at once, something I'm used to from working at school.

Laundry thrown in, Bread maker filled and turned on, dishes started.

Boxes taped together and filled; while those three things were working by themselves. I could draw many illustrations how this is like my classroom, but I'll save you the pain.

So now I hear the humm of my dryer. I can smell the cinnamon rolls rising, and my dishes are drying in the dishwasher. My living room looks a bit better than it did hours ago.

Success.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Adventures of the Hows and Borches














Dear Fall Break,

I counted down to you for at least two weeks, knowing you would give me temporary relief from the day to day challenges of teaching third grade. I was certain that during your glorious 4 days that no one would call me Mrs. Howard. I knew that no one would ask me to repeat directions, and that no one under my line of vision would require my attention. (except for one perfect nephew, who doesnt count) Fall Break, you didn't let me down.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

a short Rant.

Nothing in life drives me crazy..to my CORE…then mediocrity…or the people who are fine living with it. Now I’m not saying that every day must be a huge life changing adventure, but people that are complacent, or allow others to dictate their entire life get me riled up.

I believe the biblical word is luke-warm. I understand a bit why being luke-warm was frowned upon. I’ve heard a lot of lessons taught about the original meaning of the lesson ‘be hot or cold but not luke-warm’.

I look at people who I see making huge life mistakes, but who are living, really living life. Even though I don’t condone their choices I’m glad that they taking an active role in their life.

It bothered me when 6th graders just blindly repeated and acted on what others told them. It gets ridiculous when adults do the same thing. I just want to scream at them. Probably wouldn’t be a good choice.

All summed up, life is short. Live where you want to live, work where you want to work, love who you want to love. Serve others. Be true to yourself.

*Disclaimer* I tried to leave the spiritual side of the way I see this topic out of this specific post, or it wouldn't be a 'short' rant. :)

Monday, October 11, 2010

Mean Mrs. Howard

Now...in 6th grade, I almost NEVER had to be mean. 

I guess after 7 years of school, my 12 year olds had their fair share of strict teachers, so walking in my room was a breath of fresh air.  I liked to treat my 6th graders with respect, dignity, and lots of love.  They responded well to this, and for the most part rose to the occasion.

But in the third grade, MEAN Mrs. Howard it is.   By mean, read strict.  By mean, read unyielding. By mean, read stubborn with expectations.  

There are a few reasons why I have to refer to myself as Mean Mrs. Howard at certain points in the day.  I compare myself with Viola Swamp.  
1. Third graders don't have a 'chill switch'  (6th graders understand "chill")
2. Third graders don't understand the difference between 'work together' and 'copy'
3. Third graders argue with each other even when asked to stop
4. Third graders don't have political correctness yet. They comment about teacher's fake hair, fatness, pimples, butt cracks, etc
5. Third graders forget what you've asked them to do, about 5 seconds after you ask
6. Third graders need reminding of all procedures, even though it's the 3rd month of school
7. Third graders go home and tell their parents everything, even if it's not true
8. Third graders throw fits
9. Third graders cry...a lot
10. Third graders have more drama then 6th graders


So for all these reasons, there is little flexibility allowed in my room.  There is more sitting and working quietly, there is more re-doing when papers are labeled wrong. There is less group work, there are less games.  Some day they are going to be awesome 6th graders. 

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Saturday Mornings = love

Schedule:
1. Drink coffee
2. Drink more coffee
3. Feed the dogs
4. Garage Sales
5. Put new Scentsy in warmer because Lindsey's coming
6. Eat lunch at Hideaway
7. Walk around Hobby Lobby
8. yet to be determined....

No grading, 8 year olds, or people to call me Mrs. Howard today..! 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Finding a Balance

I need some amazing teacher to tell me how to find the balance.

1. The balance of the student that distracts VS focusing on the other 20 kids
2. The balance of how to let teaching be a job VS giving the students all they need.
3. The balance of teaching the information for the test VS teaching them productive life skills
4. The balance of asking for help VS figuring it out on my own

If anyone knows the teacher who can tell me the answers to these questions....please send them my way! 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

taking the time..

to be thankful.

instead of wishing my eight year olds would instantly turn 12...I'm thankful for a job

instead of wishing Trevor would graduate from Pharmacy School tomorrow....I'm thankful for our growing marriage 

instead of wishing it was Summer so I could stay home...I'm thankful for the beauty and coolness of Fall

instead of wishing that someone else would clean my house... I'm thankful that I'm able to


instead of wishing, I'm pausing.  Taking the time to see what's important and thanking.  

instead of yelling at Samson to quit barking.... I'm getting myself off the couch to go play fetch