I wish I could say that I had a reality check today that stamped the message "It's not always rainbows and butterflies" across my forehead. However, the reality is that every day has had its fair share of ups and downs that has not left room for naivety (although my colleagues may tell you otherwise). This whole year has been a learning experience, with each day contributing in some way, shape, or form. Because there will always be tomorrow, I think I have (at least subconsciously) learned to accept what happens today as an indicator of what needs to be worked on tomorrow.
That being said, today I was reminded of one cause of teacher lows: students' misbehavior. Now, I have to put a little disclaimer on this: generally, my kids' behavior on a bad day sounds a lot like what I hear some other teachers describe as good days. But let me tell you. I really can't stand having my kids the last period of the day. In fact, while discussing this with a friend this afternoon, she said something along the lines of, "Maybe we should just film you reacting like this to post to your blog." The kids weren't awful, but the lack of focus and excess of inadvertent sidetrack attempts just got to me more than usual today (Yes, inadvertent. I don't have any Nick Allens in my class.) In all actuality, I probably can't blame my disdain for the last period of the day entirely on them. By the end of the day, I am simply exhausted. Social Studies begins around 2:30, which brings me to the 8-hour mark of being at school.
Even still, I have decided that the last period of the day just should not exist! Getting the kids to read (or even listen to and focus on a lesson) is next to impossible. Sometimes I'll look out into a sea of zoned out faces, acknowledge the zoning, and still have to practically jump up and down to break the zoning. So, for today's "indicator of what needs to be worked on tomorrow" I propose a cancellation of 8th period until further notice.
Or perhaps "Operation Make Social Studies More Bearable" will commence.
I'm really enjoying your stories! It makes me nostalgic for my 5th graders at HOPE charter school in Philly. Thanks for sharing and for having such a positive tone to your stories :)
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