I can finally say with conviction that this year is better in so many ways than last. (I hope tomorrow doesn't make me regret saying this!!) Not only are my students coming in with a little more knowledge, but I have so much more confidence in what I'm doing. Here are some of the highlights from the year so far:
1) At Back to School Night one of my student's parents told me that she asked who the best 4th grade teacher was (who knows who she asked!) and whoever she asked told her that teacher was me. So, she went to the office and requested me. And she told me that. I'm eating this up!
2) When a parent attempted to chew me out last week because she did not like how I enforced the school uniform policy, I wasn't even phased. I explained to her calmly what the policy is and how teachers are expected to enforce it. That was the end of that and her child comes in uniform every day now.
3) I'm getting so much more planning done, ahead of when I'll be teaching it, so I feel less stressed in general.
4) I no longer cry on Mondays on my way to work.
5) I have some exceptionally kind students who are like miniature teachers to their classmates. There are two boys and one girl in particular who are all so patient in re-explaining things to students who don't understand. And I'm learning a lot from watching the students interact with my difficult students.
6) Instead of every day being a "hard day," I now have decently good days. Most of the days in the week are not "hard ones."
7) I'm differentiating my instruction so much more and I'm able to work with small groups to re-teach the students who don't understand things the first time.
8) I'm allowing myself and my students some time every week to do something fun and enjoyable. We have 2nd grade buddies that come to our classroom every Friday and my students love it! The other thing that happens, which is the highlight of the week for the kids (and me!) is that Jameson comes in to do art. They adore him! I have a hard time keeping them from running over to the window to look if he's coming! When I tell them he's coming in two times during the week they always cheer and clap their hands! Most of my students do not have male figures in their lives, so it is HUGE to have him there.
Things aren't perfect, but they're a lot better than last year. And this year, I'm trying to take the time to notice these things.
4 comments:
I'm so glad to hear that school is going better for you this year! What a great idea to have Jameson come into school. It's so great to have a positive male influence
I'd like to think of myself as an über-male influence. I'm still trying to convince Jessie of the merits of wrestling as a form of communication.
Amen and hallelujah to tearless days. That is something that the 'male influence' simply doesn't understand.
This is so awesome Jessie. I totally believe these things are just MAJOR victories and things to celebrate when it comes to teaching. Wow. And I know it can feel tenuous and there are ups and downs, but talk about awesome ups!
Jessie, I love your comments on your class! It's so nice to remember the details and the little blessings during the week. I should start doing that with my preschool.
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