This weekend was full of nothing, and that was ok by me. None of us were really feeling 100% so we just enjoyed time together at home.
Not sure what to do about these sippy cups, Caroline is addicted to them. I have to keep them out of her sight or she will walk around just like this.
Caroline and I didn't worry about fixing our hair this weekend!Caroline had a bit of a bug this weekend that was causing many dirty diapers. She never acted sick, and still wanted to snack constantly. She even helped herself to a few goldfish.
____________________
Teaching feels intense this time of year as TAKS is creeping around the corner. I find myself constantly frustrated with kids who find it more important to tattoo themselves with ink pens and pass notes under the table rather than participate in class. I have tried to find different ways to engage my difficult learners, but I am getting frustrated with fighting the negative influences outside of school that these kids gravitate towards and bring into the classroom. Since this is my first year with sixth graders I now understand the challenges that come with these older kids. Somehow we have to convince them that education is the way to break the cycle of poverty and violence, but at this pre-teen age most of them don't realize they are even living in a dire and dangerous situation. They see the fights, alcohol, gangs, and drugs as fun and cool, not potentially life ruining. So as their teacher, I am constantly trying to form relationships and turn them onto things that will keep them on the right path. To say that is easy is a complete fabrication, right now I am burned out and could be called a "Negative Nancy." Even with my recent lack of passion, this past week was actually really good and I am hoping to get my energy level and spunk for teaching back on the right path. God knows if I don't share my passion, I will never light that fire inside my students.
Cary also blogged about something similar to this, so check her blog out as well.
11 comments:
Glad you had a nice quiet weekend. Looking forward to seeing you at my bday dinner! Oh, I guess I get to see you twice this week since we are going out for dayme's bday too! YAY!
I love those types of weekends.
Allison- I am sure you are a GREAT teacher and I'm sure it's only normal to get into little slumps like that. I can only imagine how frustrating that situation must be-you want so much for those kids and for them (and probably their parents) to not realize that is just frustrating! Keep up the good work- I'm sure you are making a big difference even if it isn't apparant right now!
I love the sippy cup face!
You are an amazing teacher! I think it is just that time of year...the pressure is on and we get a little burnt out. Just remember, you are probably the only positive person in a lot of their lives. I am sure you are making a difference. Many of them appreciate it even if they act as if they don't care.
Teaching middle school must be so hard!!!!
Right on sister! Keep your head up and know that you are doing an amazing job! love you!
Good luck with the teaching slump. I could not even IMAGINE! You are doing fabulously, I am sure!
I think Caroline looks pretty adoreable with her messy hair! :)
That picture of C with the sippy cup is great!
Sixth grade would be SO hard! It seems like that is when my nieces all started to get a little bit of an attitude and friends started to become the most important thing in the world! Hopefully this last part of the year will go by fast for you! You are an amazing teacher! Hang in there!
Hang in there- you're doing a great thing for these kids. As you know, you're the ONLY positive role model in so many of their lives. I have been eating lunch with a couple of mine once a week and that seems to help.
Post a Comment