Crazy Days: Slice of Life 12 of 31
Thanks Stacey and Ruth: Two Writing Teachers
Today was one of those crazy days at school. You know the kind; the ones where you laugh to yourself about being held accountable for learning when so many other things go on in a day. Today we had a fire drill, a lockdown drill, and a musical assembly. Now that does seem like a lot of interruption, but on the bright side it is all in one day.....and, of course, the musical was terrific. Our fifth graders are so talented.
For me, days with our schedule out of whack are hard. Our routine has a lot to do with the climate in our classroom, the work that will get accomplished, and the general management. Thankfully, this year my group of students is very flexible. They handle change of routine very well, and despite the interruptions we got quite a bit of learning accomplished. Yes, my class rocks!
On days like these I sometimes pause to think of the little things that made me smile during the day. Here they are in no particular order:
10. My iPod (Today it was music by Fun!)
9. My teammates!!!
8. Lunch in the lounge.
7. Heated car seats. (When you live in Ohio, you start to really like heated car seats.)
6. Biscotti. (There just happened to be one piece left. My lucky streak continues!)
5. Talking with my mom.
4. Finding time to write.
3. Someone else did the dinner dishes.
2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!! (Thankfully my husband bought me a 2 pound bag for Valentines Day. I know, you're surprised I haven't eaten the entire bag already.)
1. Coffee. (and lots of it!)
What gets you through the crazy days?
It's always good to look on the bright side of things. Teachers have to be so flexible in their teaching with so many interruptions. It certainily makes it easier when you have a flexible group of kiddos too.
ReplyDeleteI love your list of things that make you smile. Some of those items make me sigh with joy (such as heated car seats and Reese's). Here's to tomorrow with less interruptions.
ReplyDeleteI love your list! And man, that bag of peanut butter cups would be long gone at my house. :)
ReplyDeleteWe had a fire drill yesterday...in the rain! So glad you have a flexible group! Don't you wish our families or students' parents could follow us around on one of these days? Talk about instant perspective!
ReplyDeleteLove your list of loves...craving heated car seats!
Trish
You are so right ... the interruptions get in the way of the routine, the class climate, the community - and yet at the same time, can create bonds and experiences as well. I am very structured and our routines run like a well-oiled machine in our room, and yet sometimes it is fun to throw that all out the window too.
ReplyDeleteWhat gets me through a crazy day?
5. Playing "school" with my girls
4. A LONG afterschool chat with a colleague who has become a friend.
3. My husband not hesitating to come and rescue me an hour away with car troubles.
2. An amazing revelation for a student who reflected on his behaviour and made really good choices.
1. Early bedtime!
Have a great rest of your week Cathy - I look forward to your blog every day!
Nicole
One of those days in Denver too. We started state tests today- I did recess duty for 45 minutes, then did two testing sessions, then lunch duty for 45 minutes, then another testing session, then more recess duty. Today it was all about chocolate and diet coke! And then a walk with my dog when I got home.
ReplyDeleteNice to see your list, Cathy-& I understand that it's good to have all the interruptions all on the same day. Just like your no. 5 only reversed-talking with my daughter. Always a good visit.
ReplyDeleteLucky you have a flexible class...but I think that could be because their teacher is able to handle change and interruptions. I have not seen your blog for a couple of days...somehow I missed it! Oh no...I won't let that happen again!!!
ReplyDelete