March 24, 2018
First day of spring break is cold, cloudy, and gloomy. Hopefully tomorrow will be better because I have to run the Shamrock Shuffle, an 8k race in downtown Chicago.
I've been thinking of ways to try to eat well for the race today, but I was at a loss, so i had a huge hamburger and fries from Labriola Cafe. It was delicious, but I ate too much. And now I'm feeling too full. Hopefully this will pass by tomorrow.
Hopefully it won't be freezing.
Hopefully it will be sunny.
Hopefully I won't be nervous!
Full of hope but sort of low on energy at the moment!
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Made It - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #23
March 23, 2018
We made it! Spring break is finally here!
Made it through the STEM activity, the girl "nudging" one of my students with her head (he described it as a "head butt"), another student supposedly "tapped" a boy on his leg (described as a "kick" from the victim), and, finally, I survived many, many germs.
I don't have big plans for break. I'm running an 8k on Sunday. I'm getting a new toilet on Monday (jealous???). I know I will have to go in to school to organize many papers that are driving me out of my mind. I have two rooms that need to be organized. Oh, and a garage that is basically a storage unit for thousands of Target bags. I could clean that out, too.
So, while I'm going to complete a variety of mundane, boring tasks over break, I'm so excited to step back into a week of no more than two voices speaking. I'm relieved to not worry about parents wanting either more or less teacher intervention for their child's behavior problems. I'm hoping to read at least one book for adults. And maybe it's the right time to start binge-watching the second season of The Crown. I've been saving it.
It may not be particularly spring-like, but it's the break that I need. How about you?
We made it! Spring break is finally here!
Made it through the STEM activity, the girl "nudging" one of my students with her head (he described it as a "head butt"), another student supposedly "tapped" a boy on his leg (described as a "kick" from the victim), and, finally, I survived many, many germs.
I don't have big plans for break. I'm running an 8k on Sunday. I'm getting a new toilet on Monday (jealous???). I know I will have to go in to school to organize many papers that are driving me out of my mind. I have two rooms that need to be organized. Oh, and a garage that is basically a storage unit for thousands of Target bags. I could clean that out, too.
So, while I'm going to complete a variety of mundane, boring tasks over break, I'm so excited to step back into a week of no more than two voices speaking. I'm relieved to not worry about parents wanting either more or less teacher intervention for their child's behavior problems. I'm hoping to read at least one book for adults. And maybe it's the right time to start binge-watching the second season of The Crown. I've been saving it.
It may not be particularly spring-like, but it's the break that I need. How about you?
Thursday, March 22, 2018
One Day More - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #22
March 22, 2018
"ONE DAY MORE!
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DESTINY!
THIS NEVER-ENDING ROAD TO CALVARY..."
I can't help but hear this tune from Les Miserables today, as I'm thinking about what to write today.
The countdown ends tomorrow.
One more day until Spring Break!
I can't think of a year when I needed a break more than this year... or this week, in fact! It's been a constant barrage of tattling, students misbehaving, students breaking their materials (new glasses, new headphones), picture day scheduling issues, unbelievably ridiculous math tests (thanks 2nd grade Eureka Math!), and constant contact with some parents. And honestly, the week wasn't even that bad!
Mostly my need for a break is partly because I switched to a new position so everything I am doing is new this year. This was my choice, and I feel happy enough about it. It's hard to feel ecstatic when there is so much more stress, but I am glad I made the change - sometimes you just need to shake things up. In any case, while I will feel like and probably go in to school at least once over break, I have big plans to organize my life - meaning my house, my yard, and my taxes.
I plan to not worry about making sure Student A doesn't talk to Student B and Student C keeps his hands to himself. I plan to not worry if Student D is in the bathroom too long or has a meltdown because she doesn't want to do math. I plan to decompress and focus on adulting.
Tomorrow I know will be a bit of a crazy day - kids will be excited, some will be gone already, our schedule will be adjusted for our 5th grade buddies, and something I hadn't foreseen will go wrong. But in my head (and maybe under my breath), I will be cheering myself on, singing:
"ONE DAY MORE!
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DESTINY!
THIS NEVER-ENDING ROAD TO CALVARY..."
I can't help but hear this tune from Les Miserables today, as I'm thinking about what to write today.
The countdown ends tomorrow.
One more day until Spring Break!
I can't think of a year when I needed a break more than this year... or this week, in fact! It's been a constant barrage of tattling, students misbehaving, students breaking their materials (new glasses, new headphones), picture day scheduling issues, unbelievably ridiculous math tests (thanks 2nd grade Eureka Math!), and constant contact with some parents. And honestly, the week wasn't even that bad!
Mostly my need for a break is partly because I switched to a new position so everything I am doing is new this year. This was my choice, and I feel happy enough about it. It's hard to feel ecstatic when there is so much more stress, but I am glad I made the change - sometimes you just need to shake things up. In any case, while I will feel like and probably go in to school at least once over break, I have big plans to organize my life - meaning my house, my yard, and my taxes.
I plan to not worry about making sure Student A doesn't talk to Student B and Student C keeps his hands to himself. I plan to not worry if Student D is in the bathroom too long or has a meltdown because she doesn't want to do math. I plan to decompress and focus on adulting.
Tomorrow I know will be a bit of a crazy day - kids will be excited, some will be gone already, our schedule will be adjusted for our 5th grade buddies, and something I hadn't foreseen will go wrong. But in my head (and maybe under my breath), I will be cheering myself on, singing:
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
A case of the Wednesdays - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #21
March 21, 2018
I had three meetings today. I almost had four, but one was canceled, thank goodness.
By the third meeting, I was very frustrated and, to be honest, I feel at a loss.
I have so many students that have special needs and behavior issues, but aren't necessarily identified with anything, so I don't really have support. I keep receiving suggestions or more requirements of data. Everything adds another layer of responsibility to me plate, and I'm tired. I think a lot of teachers feel like this.
At my last meeting, there was another layer of responsibility basically announced, for the next school year.
Sometime soon (maybe tomorrow?) SCOTUS is going to announce the ruling in the Janus case, which will probably gut unions. Unions are the only thing keeping us afloat right now, at least in Illinois.
So my slice today is about being frustrated, overworked, and under-appreciated. It's a bit of a pity party, to be honest. I'd love to hear how others are doing/feeling and how you cope with these days of being overwhelmed.
I had three meetings today. I almost had four, but one was canceled, thank goodness.
By the third meeting, I was very frustrated and, to be honest, I feel at a loss.
I have so many students that have special needs and behavior issues, but aren't necessarily identified with anything, so I don't really have support. I keep receiving suggestions or more requirements of data. Everything adds another layer of responsibility to me plate, and I'm tired. I think a lot of teachers feel like this.
At my last meeting, there was another layer of responsibility basically announced, for the next school year.
Sometime soon (maybe tomorrow?) SCOTUS is going to announce the ruling in the Janus case, which will probably gut unions. Unions are the only thing keeping us afloat right now, at least in Illinois.
So my slice today is about being frustrated, overworked, and under-appreciated. It's a bit of a pity party, to be honest. I'd love to hear how others are doing/feeling and how you cope with these days of being overwhelmed.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
The First Day of Spring (and I missed it) - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #20
March 20, 2018
Facebook just told me that today is the first day of spring. I didn't realize it at all. I knew it was coming soon, but it still feels early for some reason. Perhaps it's because we've been having temperatures in the 30s or so lately. Perhaps it's because we haven't had Spring Break yet. Perhaps it's because I just haven't considered spring being here because I'm so behind in the school year!
If you ask me, I will always say my favorite season is Autumn. I love the cooling weather, the breezes, the colors of the leaves as they change, and apple cider donuts being readily available.
Spring is a close second, though. I guess I am just happy with semi-temperate weather! I like the 50s-60s, to be honest. But of course, spring also has the blooming flowers, the greening of shrubs, trees, and the grass, and return of pollinators.
As I walked in the door this evening, I noticed the daffodils that had poked up through the mulch have now started to display some yellow tinge of the petals, still closed, still waiting to open up. Many of my purple and white crocuses are in bloom. My magnolia tree is just waiting for a string of warm days to break out in bloom, filling the air with its heavenly scent. I thought about the year we had a warm day, my magnolia bloomed, and then the weather turned, and snow fell, causing all the petals to fall the next day.
Heartbreaking.
So, today, on the first day of spring, I'm feeling somewhat hopeful. I don't always feel this hopeful; it's hard in our current political and social climate. But today, the thought of spring fills me with anticipation of the colors, scents, energy, and new visitors that will be traveling in and out of my neighborhood very soon.
Facebook just told me that today is the first day of spring. I didn't realize it at all. I knew it was coming soon, but it still feels early for some reason. Perhaps it's because we've been having temperatures in the 30s or so lately. Perhaps it's because we haven't had Spring Break yet. Perhaps it's because I just haven't considered spring being here because I'm so behind in the school year!
If you ask me, I will always say my favorite season is Autumn. I love the cooling weather, the breezes, the colors of the leaves as they change, and apple cider donuts being readily available.
Spring is a close second, though. I guess I am just happy with semi-temperate weather! I like the 50s-60s, to be honest. But of course, spring also has the blooming flowers, the greening of shrubs, trees, and the grass, and return of pollinators.
As I walked in the door this evening, I noticed the daffodils that had poked up through the mulch have now started to display some yellow tinge of the petals, still closed, still waiting to open up. Many of my purple and white crocuses are in bloom. My magnolia tree is just waiting for a string of warm days to break out in bloom, filling the air with its heavenly scent. I thought about the year we had a warm day, my magnolia bloomed, and then the weather turned, and snow fell, causing all the petals to fall the next day.
Heartbreaking.
So, today, on the first day of spring, I'm feeling somewhat hopeful. I don't always feel this hopeful; it's hard in our current political and social climate. But today, the thought of spring fills me with anticipation of the colors, scents, energy, and new visitors that will be traveling in and out of my neighborhood very soon.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Garbage Day - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #19
March 19, 2018
Tomorrow is garbage day. And recycling day.
For some reason, garbage day is always the windiest day of the week. I can't figure it out. Mother Nature has something against my neighborhood, I guess.
In many neighborhoods, this wouldn't be a problem, because they have sensible garbage and recycling receptacles. Ones with lids, tops, covers...
But in my town, we have to cart out old garbage bags and plastic tubs for recycling each week. This is a poorly though system, for two reasons:
Tomorrow is garbage day. And recycling day.
For some reason, garbage day is always the windiest day of the week. I can't figure it out. Mother Nature has something against my neighborhood, I guess.
In many neighborhoods, this wouldn't be a problem, because they have sensible garbage and recycling receptacles. Ones with lids, tops, covers...
But in my town, we have to cart out old garbage bags and plastic tubs for recycling each week. This is a poorly though system, for two reasons:
- SKUNKS. RACCOONS. BUNNIES. COYOTE. CATS. We have lots of wildlife. So garbage bags don't survive well overnight. People (and their neighbors) that do bring them out at night wake up to a huge garbage mess on the ground in the morning. Lovely.
- WIND. The wind blows the lightweight plastic and cardboard all over the neighborhood. I even lost one of my recycling containers on a particularly windy day. After it was emptied, it was blown down the street, never to be seen again. I received a neighbor's the same way, but they had the forethought to write their address on it, so I returned it in secret a few days later.
Next week the town is going to have a meeting to discuss the problems with the current system. I really am hopeful we switch to a more contained method (though our mayor seems to have something against it).
Until then, I'll just place the garbage bag on the recycling bin, to try to prevent my recycling from blowing down the street before the trucks come by to pick it up.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
One More Week - Slice of Life Challenge, Day #18
March 18, 2018
One more week to go before Spring Break. I'm filled with excitement to have a moment to stop, redirect, focus on my own house and yard (Hopefully the weather will behave), and mentally detach from worrying about student behavior, data, and curriculum. (of course I know I will still be working on school stuff to some extent).
I'm also excited about sleeping in :)
On the other hand, I'm just about to go through my weekend morning routine - sometimes Saturdays, sometimes Sundays - of completing lesson plans. Time to see what I didn't accomplish last week and figure out how to squeeze it all in this week. (2nd grade Eureka Math is killing me!)
I'll have a cup of coffee with cream, no sugar, and my dog will lay next to me on the couch. I'll watch CBS Sunday Morning and probably some of the Sunday morning political shows, and I'll work on my plans. It makes the working from home less of a bummer, to be honest, to be comfy and cozy while I do it (which is probably why I don't stay late at school to plan on Friday nights!).
This week, though, as I think about my plans, I'm trying to problem solve: How do I keep the students learning this week? How do I keep their ever-increasing energy in check to focus on lessons? Students had Friday off, so they're coming from a three day weekend. They already have lots of trouble listening and controlling impulses. I'm thinking this week will be exceptionally challenging, behavior-wise, so I'm trying to think of what could happen, and how to curb it before it does.
Brain breaks of Simon Says? Pulling out the Listening activities from Tin Man Press? Whatever works at this point. Maybe afternoon naps - we tried that once - just a five minute nap with a CDs of lullabies. They loved it. Promising a Pajama Party on Friday if they get a certain amount of positive behavior cards (using an idea from a fellow slicer)?
I'm open to suggestions!
Anything to get through the week! 😉
One more week to go before Spring Break. I'm filled with excitement to have a moment to stop, redirect, focus on my own house and yard (Hopefully the weather will behave), and mentally detach from worrying about student behavior, data, and curriculum. (of course I know I will still be working on school stuff to some extent).
I'm also excited about sleeping in :)
On the other hand, I'm just about to go through my weekend morning routine - sometimes Saturdays, sometimes Sundays - of completing lesson plans. Time to see what I didn't accomplish last week and figure out how to squeeze it all in this week. (2nd grade Eureka Math is killing me!)
I'll have a cup of coffee with cream, no sugar, and my dog will lay next to me on the couch. I'll watch CBS Sunday Morning and probably some of the Sunday morning political shows, and I'll work on my plans. It makes the working from home less of a bummer, to be honest, to be comfy and cozy while I do it (which is probably why I don't stay late at school to plan on Friday nights!).
This week, though, as I think about my plans, I'm trying to problem solve: How do I keep the students learning this week? How do I keep their ever-increasing energy in check to focus on lessons? Students had Friday off, so they're coming from a three day weekend. They already have lots of trouble listening and controlling impulses. I'm thinking this week will be exceptionally challenging, behavior-wise, so I'm trying to think of what could happen, and how to curb it before it does.
Brain breaks of Simon Says? Pulling out the Listening activities from Tin Man Press? Whatever works at this point. Maybe afternoon naps - we tried that once - just a five minute nap with a CDs of lullabies. They loved it. Promising a Pajama Party on Friday if they get a certain amount of positive behavior cards (using an idea from a fellow slicer)?
I'm open to suggestions!
Anything to get through the week! 😉
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