In all seriousness, I cannot remember the last time I was this beat. I sit here in my classroom knowing that I have stuff to do, but I'm so tired that I can't think of what it is that I have to do.
Why are you so tired, you ask? Well let me explain.
Today was our first field trip of the year -- the apple orchard. Its a fun field trip and all, but today's adventure threw into sharp perspective just how different my kids are this year compared to last year's heaven-sent group. This year my kids, while sweet as can be, S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E when it comes to listening & APPLYING what you heard (novel concept, I know).
Let's take a little scenario from today as an example:
Me: "You have 10 seconds to line up with your buddy right HERE (imagine me pointing to the ground in front of me). I start counting.
Several seconds pass and half the class is trying to tickle their neighbor, while the other half wanders aimlessly, appearing to have forgotten who their assigned buddy is (mind you that they were instructed to never leave their buddy's side, so how they forgot who the buddy was, heaven only knows...). I continue to count getting louder and more "obviously serious."
7 seconds have passed at this point and only 2 of the 8 sets of buddies are standing in what appears to be a crude line...in embryo.
The 10 seconds are now up and I feel like in idiot in front of my parent chaperones because apparently, Mrs. Ames can't control her class? Of course, this makes me...flustered (putting it delicately). So what do I do to get their attention? I pull out the "tough teacher voice" as opposed to the usual "Hi. I'm in control" teacher voice.
We stop as a class and have a brief heart-to-heart.
Me: "Who can tell me what your instructions were just now?"
Every hand goes up (apparently eager to show off their mad listening skills?) and they all are able to tell me. UGHHHH!!!!
So I'm tired. Really tired.
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6 comments:
Oh Emily. It happens to the best of us. I think fieldtrips tend to bring out the ugly in kids. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to appear "in control" in the class. And kids who don't listen. SO with you. Sorry it was a bummer day. Tomorrow will be better...because it's Friday!
Emily, you sound like such a great teacher! How I wish Sarah could have you as her 1st grade teacher! Of course she would hang on your every word because she just thinks you are the cat's meow! As for my humble opinion, I wouldn't think twice about the parent chaperones. It's their kids that are being naughty, not your fault! They are probably (well, SHOULD be) the ones embarassed. I hope you get some rest this weekend!
Now you understand what it's like to be a parent to a 2 year old! :) You'll be a great mother.
Now you understand what it's like to be a parent to a 2 year old! :) You'll be a great mother.
ha! That made me smile! I sympathize. We went to HeeHaw's this week and I was of course with the group of troublemakers, who didn't quite follow any of the rules, but did manage to keep me "their chaperone" in their sights. "what is a chaperone anyway Mrs. Payne?"
Oh, I can so empathize (sp?) with you! Today I had girls slapping eachother! You can guess who it was! Oh my...just think, we are "shaping tomorrow's future" (scary at times, but we are doing our best). I absolutley love you and have truly enjoyed having class with you every Wednesday. Thanks for being such a sweetheart!
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