I sat through a staff meeting today, where I felt guilty and ashamed for something I did (well, didn't do, actually) for a student last year. It seems there was a student who just slipped through the cracks on reading. Many indicators were there, but he responded so well to intervention, it just seemed like it was either a maturity issue, a motivational issue, or possibly both. This student was very hard to reach, and never seemed a "part" of the class.
Then, to be reminded of all the demands we have this year (updated grades WEEKLY, in first?!, testing, testing, testing, Common Core demands, etc)...I just feel spread so thin, burning the candle from both ends, and completely ineffective as a teacher.
Ever had those days, or am I alone at this pity party??
So, Jennifer's Linky couldn't have come at a better time for me.
Something Good at School:
My students are LOVIN' Daily 5, and working so hard! We are up to 20 minutes at Read to Self (our goal is 25), and 15 minutes at the other 2 components we've learned so far. When we reviewed how to Read to Someone today (with a parent watching the entire time, mind you), they popped up with all those D5 buzzwords that I've pounded into their heads from day one. They explained "Coaching or Time" perfectly...and we only learned about that on Monday! Yay!!
I guess I can do a few things right:)
Something Good at Home:
Two nights ago, my oldest son told me, "This finally feels like a home. I'm so glad to have our own space." And my youngest son said, "I like this house better than my other house."(his dad's)---insert sneaky smile. I honestly strive to never make it a competition, but sometimes it's just nice to hear. I always hear fabulous things about their dad and his family and his girlfriend and all the fun things they do...
It felt so amazing to purchase a home for my boys completely on my own...and apparently make it feel just as good (if not better) than other homes they know.
Now, it's your turn.
You know we all need it!
Link up with Jennifer and spread the love, y'all.
Come on and....
Congrats on buying a home! Glad your boys love it.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, everyone is feeling overwhelmed and the pressure. We are supposed to have grades in Friday and I can't get into the system! Seriously??
Thanks for the affirmation. Sometimes, other teachers in our building look at us like we have 4 heads when we talk about being stressed. I secretly think everyone has it all together and I'm floundering:) I know it's only my second year teaching, but I just want to feel like, "I got this!", and I've yet to really have that feeling!
DeleteYou shouldn't fill like you are a failure. You did what you could to help that student. You have to remember, that sometimes they have to want to be helped too. There was also a lack of support from both parents when anything was mentioned, so please don't beat yourself up about it. That student is actually in the process of hopefully getting the help needed soon. Hang in there and remember I'm always next door:)
DeleteYou are the best, and you know that I truly think that. I couldn't make it without you right down the hall:) Thanks for the support and the virtual "hug" today!
DeleteWOW! I am so impressed that your 1st graders are already up to 20 minutes of RTS! We tried 10 minutes again today and are ready for 11 tomorrow. I am super proud of my 2nd graders though... last year's group never got past 15 minutes :( It was a rough group, let me tell you!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower! We are both so close to 100 followers! Maybe when we both make it we could do a 100-follower give-away together?
~Sarah
Wishful Teaching
I actually have contacted some BIG names in blog-land for the 1-0-0...but I wish you well (you are soclose to 100!) on reaching triple digits, and would love to collaborate on something in the future, if you want!
DeleteInteresting that your last year's group was rough...maybe it was that year for everyone! I'm extremely psyched my group works so well this year, because last year's group would never have made it to 10!!! Thanks for stopping by:)
Impressed with you D5 times! I posted the other day about how I'm going to time/organize my stations. I made a Youtube video (my first blogger one!) about it. I'm your newest follower and I will totally blog about my segmenting/blending strategy.
ReplyDeleteOh, and while I do not have children of my own I get a similar inner-smile when former students say they wish they were still in my room, haha.
Brenda
You Might Be a First Grader...
Looking forward to hearing about the strategy and more of your math program. Good things are definitely going on over in your neck of the woods if former students are wishing to come back:)
DeleteYou are NOT alone. I had a pity-party-lets-order-take-out-and-drink-wine yesterday. I cried on the way home. I'm planning on making this a monthly linky party! I'm so glad you linked up! Hang in there!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRowdy in First Grade
Thanks for the encouragement, and this Linky is pure genius! I'll be looking forward to it each month:)
Deletefeel that is!!!! Long day!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE D5. My 2nd graders have done so great catching on. They blurt out the word "stamina" all the time! :)
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through the linky!
BTW - You might already have one, but I am hosting a giveaway. You could win a free, personal laminator! Come check it out if you get the chance! :)
Heather
Sensational Seconds