Day Twenty-Six - Wow! of the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge. Tweet at #SOL15
Thanks to Tara, Dana, Anna, Betsy, Beth and Stacey for hosting!
Also blogging with my students at Linda & Jonathan's Class Blog
AND THEN, they don't go as planned at all. Today, I didn't expect
- two students to be ill, thus absent, and I had to have an important group conversation in which they were needed, so had to delay some of what I wanted to share and discuss.
- students that had a hard time concentrating (spring break begins Friday), but we had already talked about how important the work time was this week so all could be completed by Friday
- students that didn't like examples of a writing piece that I thought were good examples. I know I'm not always right, but the argument was surprising to me.
- a conflict with a colleague that I'm torn about. I am trying to step into that colleague's shoes, but it is a difference of philosophy entire, and I'm torn about it.
- to feel uncomfortable about the day, and I wonder what I could have done to make it different? Perhaps that is part of a teacher's dilemma, always trying to "fix it"!
Thanks Terje, your words made me think again about the day, to write about it, and perhaps now I can put it to bed!
Tabula Rasa (clean slate)
22 comments:
The challenges teachers face today are many, Linda. Combine those with our desire to "fix things," and you've got a recipe for frustrated teachers! I'm not sure what the answer is. I used to think staying focused on the kids and doing what's right for them was the best way to avoid all the controversy, but I'm not even sure about that anymore. I hope you have a better day today.
Oh my goodness!! How is it possible to live across the country and have the same kind of day! I wrote about my day too...in my notebook. Know you aren't alone, Linda! Know that I admire you and your teaching and I often think, "I wish we taught in the same school!!!" Know that your thoughtfulness and kindness and reflective thinking will always serve you! Saying a quiet little prayer that today is better for you, for me, and for ALL teachers out there!
OH MY GOODNESS. I can so totally relate to this day! Some days are just like this for teachers. Some days are just hard for kids too....as I often try to remind myself.
It's the little things, the big things, the combination of everything that becomes too much. Tiredness makes things even worse. Sometimes you just have to wait, sometimes you have to let the steam out, and sometimes writing calms the mind. Today is a different day. Much better. I hope your day is better too.
Your slice is one we can all relate to. Ours is a profession where so much is asked of us and we ask even more of ourselves. Your slice made me feel like I have good company!
Thanks, Catherine. I think my goal of wanting everything to go well is something that gets me into trouble. I still struggle to realize that it just won't happen all the time.
Thank you! I imagine it will go better, but this time, ugh-what a day! Sorry for yours too!
And thank you for the reminder about the kids, too, so right, Anita. Many things to consider!
Thanks, Terje, happy to hear that your day is off to a good beginning. And thanks for the words that helped me write, too.
Thanks for your words. It is good to be with each other!
Solidarity indeed. This post gives words and a structure to what so many of us are feeling and carrying. I have some thoughts regarding teaching too that I'm trying to form eloquently to share. I'll tuck your post away and visit Terje's site too! I'm just returning from spring break, I hope that you have a refreshing break.
Thanks, Kendra. I hope you have a wonderful time going back, and find the words to write. I'll look for them!
When things don't go as planned, teachers are the master of determining the best plan B. That's what makes teaching complicated, plan A is rarely allow to be put into play. Hope your tabula rasa is filled with great events/behaviors today.
It is no wonder why teachers are so exhausted---both physically and mentally--- at the end d of the day. So many people don't realize this. We are constantly evaluating and rearranging what we are doing as we are doing it.
I hope so, too, Elsie. Planning to make it better, anyway. Thanks!
Yep, the thoughts never stop, I know. Thanks for describing it so well!
Self doubt - is this a universal issue or a teacher's issue? I doubt and question myself all the time. When I think of you and your many talents I am reminded that we each are people first. Worrying and wanting to do the best for our students and co-workers. We worry, we seek and we learn, and we teach. Perhaps what we need most is to be validated for our efforts. We need to be cheerleaders for each other.
Yes, perhaps it is universal. I don't think I'll stop that thinking when I retire. And on a positive note, maybe that's what keeps life interesting? Thanks for the thoughts,Ruth!
I just read another slice today talking about going back to our non-negotiables which I think of as my core values and beliefs. What do I believe about education and what do I value in the work that I do? It's not easy to let go of expectations but I think if we accept what comes our way and work with what we are given it's much easier...but it's hard to let go of those ideas of what we hope and plan to happen. But even when things don't go how we plan, if we can act according to our values and beliefs, it's all going to be okay. :) Tomorow is a new day!!!
I think your words may have to be printed out and hung near my desk, Jen, so wise. It is a dilemma of how to "think" the expectations, but be resilient with what happens, right? Thanks, today was much better!
Her post connected with me too.
Thank you for sharing as well.
Thanks Loralee.
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