It's the simple things in life that make me happy and give me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Today, my students, by some miracle, came back from the computer lab and were ready to listen! It was amazing. They were all sitting attentively and anxious to participate. I rewarded them with a "5" point (they get 5 points, they get five minutes of extra recess). Then, we went back to our seats to do a paper (one of the few "drill and kill" things we do, but how else do you practice handwriting) and the kids were right with me the whole time. I just had to give a few reminders.
I complimented the kids and I could see in their faces that they appreciated it. And they continued to try hard. Consequently (and I love when the consequences are positive and not negative), they got 5 extra minutes of an activity they enjoy because there wasn't quite enough time to start something else before they were to move to that anyway.
On the flip side, I have been down for the last 24 hours because I am getting reprimanded for not having a neat and tidy room. Organization at school (and to Pret's chagrin, home too) has been the bane (thanks, Webster, for the correct spelling of this word) of my existance since I began teaching, six years ago. Not often does it impeded my teaching, but does not look good in the show area or to my time management when I am focusing on moving things so kids can sit down at my table rather than teaching them.
But last night, I stayed after work for about two hours focusing on a few areas that were really bad. Afterward, I felt so good about what I had accomplished. It was a great reward. Now if I can just remember that intrinsic feeling and make that my focus of my time rather than wasting it on other things. I was still bothered by it when I was talking to Pret last night. He was late getting home from work and the gym (yucky on-call nights!) so it was pretty late when we finally were talking. I had calmed down quite a bit before that, but talking about it again brought the emotions back to the surface and I got emotional again. I asked Pret for a blessing this morning and in it, I was told that this reprimand was for my good and I should learn from it. Hopefully I will! I'll have to check-in in a few weeks and let you know how I am doing.
OK, this took a bit of a tangent. Really, I just wanted to brag about how well my class had just done. I really have a GREAT class this year! And I sure love teaching!
3 comments:
This is going to be a long comment:
One year when I was teaching we got a new administrator. She was not good at her job and everyone pretty much despised her. Morale at work sank to an all-time low and we were all trying to keep our class time positive while we hated being there. One day I decided to listen to what our administrator was asking of us and just do one thing she required. This was to appease her so she'd stop criticizing me about everything--I'd be able to point out one thing I was doing according to her specifications.
She was adamant about how we were to have our lessons planned in detail three weeks in advance and we were never to leave our classrooms without having our lesson plans for the next day on our (clean) desks and all materials prepared--copies made, equipment requests in, other supplies checked and ready for use.
Because my classes didn't start until the second hour of the day (at the time I was a three-quarter-time specialist), I was guilty of just going home without preparing for the next day, and using the first couple of hours in the morning getting things ready. So I decided I would make some changes and do as she asked.
I was absolutely amazed at how my stress level eased. I got to school in the mornings and was able to concentrate on what I would teach instead of scrambling to make sure I had everything I needed. And I was surprised at how much easier it was to prepare for the next day when I worked on it periodically the day before, instead of rushing to get everything done in the short time I had each morning. It was a good lesson for me, and sort of humbling.
But the real lesson I learned was this: Every area in which you make an improvement makes you a better teacher--no matter how great you already are. And being criticized/reprimanded feels hurtful or frustrating at times, but that's mostly because it targets weaknesses we're already aware of and don't like thinking about.
It sounds like you're doing some wonderful teaching and taking advantage of some really great resources (the priesthood, the support of your husband, and your own amazing talents and hard work) to cope well in what can be a difficult situation.
Thanks for letting me share my irrelevant and very long comment (not that I gave you any choice :-) ). So glad you have a fun class and you're enjoying them. They're very blessed to have you as a teacher!
Glad you commented..I was thinking about calling you about our upcoming trip. We're coming up the week of MArch 14th-19th. You should plan a day for us so we can play. Can't wait to see you!
Hi Meghan! Thanks so much for your comments on my new blog. It's fun to be able to share some of the stuff we're doing. And since I don't really know what I'm doing and am just making it all up as I go along, I'm extra glad to know that you like some of these random ideas, since YOU are the professional! :)
And I loved your idea of another way to use the shapes. Thank you!
Hope you guys are well!
Linda
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