Today one of my students gave me an apple when he arrived at school.
Yes, that's right, an apple.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
the honeymoon is over
Teaching turned out to be a more difficult task than I thought. Sure, I taught in the DR for two years, and believe me, that was no walk in the park. It is a whole other thing when there are actual criteria that have to be met. I am responsible for the entire education of my fourth grade class.
The lesson plans, the planning, the grading, the kiddos- it's exhausting!
-especially when the students are similar to my little Haitian and Dominican friends.
I have had a couple students that have already served In School Suspension and one that was suspended for hitting last Friday.
Last Wednesday was the first day that I really left work feeling defeated. Everyone has those kind of days. The days where as soon as you drive away from the school or office building or whatever, tears start streaming down your face and you hope the cars around you don't notice.
This particular day I was frustrated. Frustrated with my students' back talk and attitude. The first week and a half were absolutely perfect, and I pridefully thought that I was a natural. My class was controlled, they were learning, listening, it was fun.
After eight days, the honeymoon was over and the kids began to test.
Since then, it has been rough. 8 days of bliss then 12 of struggle.
So there I was, crying throughout the entire drive home. Not being able to keep up to speed with everything it takes to do this job well. Not able to find my phone that is normally on my desk or in my pocket, concerned that it had been taken by one of my students. The next day was Open House. Lots of different emotions during that drive.
I am doing better now. Open House went well, I found my phone, Thursday and Friday were better days. I just completely underestimated the degree of intensity that first year teachers face.
I'll let you know how this coming week unfolds.
The lesson plans, the planning, the grading, the kiddos- it's exhausting!
-especially when the students are similar to my little Haitian and Dominican friends.
I have had a couple students that have already served In School Suspension and one that was suspended for hitting last Friday.
Last Wednesday was the first day that I really left work feeling defeated. Everyone has those kind of days. The days where as soon as you drive away from the school or office building or whatever, tears start streaming down your face and you hope the cars around you don't notice.
This particular day I was frustrated. Frustrated with my students' back talk and attitude. The first week and a half were absolutely perfect, and I pridefully thought that I was a natural. My class was controlled, they were learning, listening, it was fun.
After eight days, the honeymoon was over and the kids began to test.
Since then, it has been rough. 8 days of bliss then 12 of struggle.
So there I was, crying throughout the entire drive home. Not being able to keep up to speed with everything it takes to do this job well. Not able to find my phone that is normally on my desk or in my pocket, concerned that it had been taken by one of my students. The next day was Open House. Lots of different emotions during that drive.
I am doing better now. Open House went well, I found my phone, Thursday and Friday were better days. I just completely underestimated the degree of intensity that first year teachers face.
I'll let you know how this coming week unfolds.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
five years
Leticia told me that we have been friends for exactly five years today. We met during her Phi Lamb introduction when she was pledging. What a start to a beautiful friendship! Was that really 5 years ago?! Crazy!
I'm glad we're friends, Leti!
I'm glad we're friends, Leti!
these few weeks
Who knew that teaching was so much work?! I guess my lack of posts this month explains it some, but man.
The school year has gone off to a great start. I have a fabulous class with 8 boys and 8 girls. They have a lot of character, and make the class interesting!
The planning and preparing is coming along, maybe not quite as quickly as I would like, but chugging along nonetheless.
I was able to take a break from all the lesson planning and room prepping and spend a night in Austin for Labor Day weekend. I was so excited to catch up with Katie and Val and see Katie's new house and then Leticia, Val, and I went to the football game and watched the Longhorns bring home the W.
Sunday I went to church (its been a while, Austin Stone) and then met the rest of my family at my cousin's house in Lakeway to celebrate her getting married. That night we drove back to Houston to have the next day to rest up.
It was such a great weekend, but so quick. There were a lot of people that I wasn't able to see, but I guess another trip should be planned soon! For now, it's back to grading papers!
The school year has gone off to a great start. I have a fabulous class with 8 boys and 8 girls. They have a lot of character, and make the class interesting!
The planning and preparing is coming along, maybe not quite as quickly as I would like, but chugging along nonetheless.
I was able to take a break from all the lesson planning and room prepping and spend a night in Austin for Labor Day weekend. I was so excited to catch up with Katie and Val and see Katie's new house and then Leticia, Val, and I went to the football game and watched the Longhorns bring home the W.
Sunday I went to church (its been a while, Austin Stone) and then met the rest of my family at my cousin's house in Lakeway to celebrate her getting married. That night we drove back to Houston to have the next day to rest up.
It was such a great weekend, but so quick. There were a lot of people that I wasn't able to see, but I guess another trip should be planned soon! For now, it's back to grading papers!
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