Asking for Help: I brought up the need for coworkers to step in and help me with making the next reading power points and in updating the next math units, if they thought it was valuable. Three of the five were right there nodding their heads, so I know I have help. The other two, I think, just feel overwhelmed with everything. I am happy to have help on the next units in math and reading.
Thursday we had "The Best Day Ever!". Kids were off of school on Wednesday. Tuesday resulted in misbehavior at the lunch table. We reviewed the classroom rules we all signed, and I commented that no one in our class wrote on their "Hopes and Dreams" that they wanted to hear bad language or wanted to have someone leave them out. It ended up being just a great day in the classroom; specialist teachers commented on what a great group I have, and the students got to hear the compliment! We have also had some fun and laughter at Morning Meetings with our games. I've had to remind myself to be human and let them be human.
There's a lot of stress in our building and grade level right now because we will be sharing data to inform our teaching, but there's also the fear of exposing ourselves and our weaknesses. Preliminary conversations have been good, though, and I hope we can keep the focus on best practices and how to improve student learning. Our first data share will be Tuesday. So much of what our district is doing blends in well with my master's program. It is much easier to be on board because I am learning/have learned some of what is needed to be a better teacher and to help my students achieve.
Wow, Janet. It seems like you have a lot of things going on. I like how although you are under a lot of stress as a teacher, you are making sure your classroom stays a positive and energetic environment. Your students are lucky to have you!
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