I've Burned Out

I don't want to go back to school on Monday. Before we left for Thanksgiving break, we spent an entire day in a workshop that was just used to waste our time. I mean, it was just teachers reading stories to each other and then giving us ideas on how to use the book. Some of the things were valuable...but an entire day was useless. We could have used the time to do progress reports, lesson plans, clean the classroom, organize, etc. I am burned out from the control issues administrators have with how I use my free time, how I do anything! So, how do I get out of teaching? My BS is in Early Childhood Ed., but at the moment, I no longer want to do anything in a school.

Hugging Issue in Mascoutah, IL

If you haven't heard, there is a 13 year old girl who was recently punished for hugging a schoolmate. Hugging is not permitted at school. Her parents wentpublic and decided to say how silly they thought the rule is. So, since this is my blog and I'm a teacher, I will give my 2 cents. Let me begin by saying that I live about 10 miles from where this happened so I am familiar with the school and the town. Mascoutah, IL is located near Scott Air Force Base and lies outside St. Louis, MO. Mascoutah is what I would call slightly rural. Anyway, I think the issue should not be whether or not the rule is silly. I think the issue was that the young lady was warned, TWICE. Discipline handbooks were sent home and read to by the parents and students. She was aware of the rule and its consequences, so she risked it and got caught and now must pay the fine. I wish the parents had chosen to take their problem with the rule to the principal or school board, not the public. As a child, if my parents disagreed with the teacher, they didn't fight me over it. They made me pay the consequences and if there was a battle to be fought, they did it without my knowledge. I was raised to follow the rules. I can also understand their reasoning behind the rule. Sometimes, hugging can lead to inappropriate groping, feeling, etc. I have seen kids feel up another one in what seemed to be an innocent hug. Therefore, elimintating hugs eliminated the "feeling". Sure, its not fair that those who are "huggers" are included in the group of "feelers", but its being proactive. Which hugs are appropriate and inappropriate should not be left to the discretion of the teacher, there is waaaaay too much to deal with than deciphering a hug. So, make it simple and eliminate hugs. That way, I won't have to deal with what I've already dealt with before, "Mrs. *******, when L hugged me, he felt my butt." All she did was reach out to give what she thought was going to be an innocent hug. These kids were 5th graders. So, I hope that in the future parents will work with the teachers to support rules that we feel create a positive leraning environment. Maybe the rule can be no hugging during school hours. Its just silly that it has made nationwide attention.

Gift Ideas...Low Prices

As the holiday season approaches, there are some things that I think will be great gifts for your little learners. For small gifts, some "homework bags" are good. A lot of my students don't return homework because they don't have pencils, crayons, scissors or glue sticks at home. I don't know if it strue, but its good to get if you are looking for a small gift to give. Jigsaw puzzles are great and inexpensive. They can travel, they can be done over and over, they improve problem solving skills and fine motor skills. Books, for obvious reasons. Take your kid to get a library card. They can use it throughout the year checking out books on topics they love, cd's, DVD's, cd-roms and other stuff. Kids are able to to get items that interest them, participate in activities, contests and much more. Finally, a journal and possibly a camera. It allows kids to document their year through words and pictures. It is something that they can keep forever and appreciate for a lifetime.

What's Really Important?

So, I mentioned that very few parents showed up for Parent Teacher Conference. One boy whose mom didn't show up writes me a note, "Mrs. ******, can you please inform me of my son's progress in his work and behavior? All I see are his graded papers from the day, but you don't send home no note to tell me how he is doing." So, I respond that I sent home THREE notes about signing up for conferences for the purpose of updating parents on their child's progresss. It was in his homework folder. She says, she didn't see the note. Then she asks, "Why can't he wear no costume? Your note said no costumes on Halloween." I told her that is because we have too many problems with "weapons" and other things. Ironic thing is, the Halloween note and Parent Teacher Conf. note were on the SAME paper. Go figure. What's really important? Asking me about costumes or coming to conference.

Sugar High

The day after Halloween should be a day off from school. The kids all donned in their costumes spend their evening trick-or-treating. The event usually keeps them up later than normal and they consume so much candy that the dentist will be working overtime! So, here in Nov. 1, the kids are cranky because they are tired. They are hyper because they have had a party at school and then candy all night. Some, even had candy stuffed in their pockets and ate them while in the closet. Its so hard getting kids to focus on work, do an activity or just sit and listen. I hate this day. I feel like nothing gets accomplished. I am not going to say ban the practice of trick-or-treating, I am just asking that it be done in moderation. Let the kids go out, but please, not too late. Sure, eat a piece of candy, but not the whole bag....which leads me to my next post...

Death In a Classroom

Today one of my students decided to "die". He was in a music class. When I went to pick him up, he was on the floor refusing to move, blink, anything. So, in order for the next music class to begin, I moved him out of the room. Once in the hallway, I told him I wasn't going to drag him anymore and that I expected him to walk. Instead, he continued to play this dead role. I mean, he wouldn't open his eyes or offer anything. So, what do I do? I have 19 other kids standing there watching him and waiting to move on. So, we left him. I notified the school counselor that he was refusing to move or even acknowledge me. What was I to do? I am not a psychiatrist which is what he needs. he has caused previous problems before. (Read: "You Tramp" story.) As much as I would like to help this boy, I am not trained to do so. I also can't neglect the other kids in the room. I do hope his mom gets him help. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions on how to deal with what may be a bipolar child, please help.

The Little Things that Make it Worthwhile

Well, I've been kind of negative about teaching and parents and students, but its just because I feel like I put in so much and get nothing out. Today, my little student asked me for an extra take home book. The take home books are little copies of easy to read repetitive books. (Ex. I see the dog. I see the cat. I see the bird.) So, I asked her, "Why do you want an extra book?" She said, "I'm teaching my grandma to read." I just melted. It never occurred to me that Grandma couldn't read. She is such a loving and stern grandmother, but she can't read. However, she is not converned about age or arrogance. She has humbled herself and allowed her grandaughter to teach her to read.

I'm Pro-Life....but some parents shouldn't have kdis

So when school is dismissed, we walk the kids out to their parents and most days 99% of the kids are gone within 10 minutes either walking, bus or picked up by a parent. The other 1% will be walked back in to the office where they wait generally 5 min. because a parent may be running late. So, the 1st grade teacher brings her left over student back into the building and calls the house leaving a message that your daughter is in the office. The teacher goes to make copies, grade papers, etc. and 2 hours later realize the girl is still in the office. So, the principal calls security to escort the child home. Mom answers the door and is upset because security was involved. Not once did she call the school or go out looking for her child. She is just home doing whatever it is she does all day.....which isn't worrying about her child. It frustrates me that this sweet little child who didn't ask to be here is forced to live in a house where she may not be wanted.

Burn Out

I am feeling it. When I began teaching in 1998, I would hear of teachers talk about burning out. I couldn't imagine it. I would think, "I absolutely love teaching. I love the moment when you see things click for a student. " I've seen many of those moments and that feeling never gets old. The subject matter you've been teaching for weeks or maybe something you have gone over for months and the one kid still doesn't get it....then, one day, out of the clear blue....a light comes on and you see you've finally reached her. She can do it. She will make it. But is that moment enough to keep me in the classroom. I am interested in exploring career options in the education field that is outside of the classroom. However, for the moment, I am trying to figure out what causes the burnout among teachers across the US? I think for me, its a lof of little things. I don't like being microgmanaged by administrators, pushed around by parents and no freedom to adjust the curriculum so it meet the needs of my students. I'm burned out with trying to complete all of the paperwork and include so many minutes of what the State and textbook writers who haven't set foot in a classroom deem is important. For goodness sake, just let me teach. Let's not worry about the mindless paperwork, tedious meetings and test scores that really don't determine how smar a child is or how well a teacher teaches. It basically determines how well did the teacher teach the student the test. Let us teach so that students learn in exciting experiments and hands on activities that are meaningful and lasting. But, it isn't that way and that is why I'm burned out.....but I won't give up. Tomorrow is another day and I plan to teach...MY WAY!

Parent Teacher Conference...A.K.A. Ghostville

I will keep this simple. I am upset. I take a lot of time out to prepare report cards, folders of student work, comments, etc. because I think that someone cares about the child and is interested to see who is spending 7 hours each day with their child. 22 students, 2 days of conferences and only 5 parents respond.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!

Year 2020

This is the year that my students will graduate high school and enter the workforce, enter the armed forces or further their education. How are we preparing our future generation to become independent citizens that contribute positively to our world? How are we making sure that these kids think well of themselves? Today, I am not so sure of our future generation. Not that I don't think they are capable, but because of two separate incidences watching how kids are treated and spoken to by their parents. Excuse me for any grammatcial errors, but I am really upset. If you watched today's Oprah Winfrey Show with Bill Cosby, you will better understand what I'm talking about.
This morning, I stop at the QT to get my cup of coffee. A mom and her two very small children are checking out, too. I go out to my car and they follow behind. The mom has 3 other adults in the car. Apparently, while she was in the store, one of the adults took her spot in the front seat. She proceeded to cuss the other adult. Although you could tell she wan't really mad, but joking, it was still inappropriate language for anyone....let alone a child. This loud screaming and cursing went on for at least 60 seconds....literally, before everyone was in the car. The kids just got in the car and seemed to be used to this. I looked at my coworker and said, this is how kids end up in school cursing out teachers and thinking its OK.
So, I get to school and I am going through homework folders, which only 12 of 21 kids have bothered to return despite the fact they get one simple homework sheet each night. Anyway, I open up a folder and the little boy comes funning over to get me to read a letter out loud to the class. The letter is from his grandmother who mailed it to him yesterday. I see the prison return address, but make no judgement and decide to read the letter to myself first. I'm so glad I did. Grandma offered advice such as, "I wonder if you got a girlfriend, don't settle with just one, you go ahead and be a playa." Then she said, "I can' wait to see your litle ass." Finally, she ended and said "You best be on your good behavior and listen to your teacher." At least she told him to listen to his teacher.
I am not making up any of these stories. These stories are not exclusive to one particular race or economic group. Its just that today I am discouraged about our future because our parents seem to care less.

"Shutup you tramp"

That is what my student said when I called him back to get in line. He is 5 years old. I am sure this is something he has heard at home in the midst of one of his parents fights before they separated and divorced. Then he ran out the classroom, at least attempted, but I stood in the doorway while the other 20 kids watched in amazement. So, he kicked me. His punishment: sent home the rest of the day. His mom made him apologize. I can't say I was mad at him. Instead, I hurt for him. The divorce has been extremely difficult for him to adjust to. Dad's new girlfiend had to be hard, too. Dad's girlfriend is of another race and I often hear the boy use racist names. My guess is mom says those things about the new girlfriend and the "tramp" came from dad. Also, hitting other girls and telling them, "You deserve to be hit, you don't listen.", had to come from home. What can I do? I've set him up to receive counseling at school. I've talked to parents and let them know his actions and how he is probably just imitating behavior he picked up elsewhere but it is inappropriate. I told them he is not allowed to hurt anyone and I wouldn't le thim hurt someone. Not to mention he threw the bookbags down in the closet and cursed the kids as we tried to ignore him. Sadly, occurences like these are common occurence. Not just in urban schools, but everywhere. Kids have a hard time dealing with divorce. If parents really can't make their relationship work, at least fight privately and make your kids feel secure in your love for them.

What Do You Remember About Kindergarten

Hey, email me or post on my blog what you remember most about kindergarten. I want to do activities and programs that wil be memorable for their entire life. For example, I remember my teacher having a treasure closet. She spoke of it with such detail that I really thought there was a jewel covered treasure chest under her desk that was invisible to kids. I now have my own treasure chest hiden in my classroom. I want to knowthe activities that you did as a kid so I can add them to my bag of tricks.

Thanks to Dedicated Parents

I want to say thanks to all the parents who take the time to assist me in the classroom. Its hard teaching 21 kids and not having an assistant. I mean, if I was a manager of a company with 21 employees, I would probably have an assistant. Anyway, I want to say thanks for the little things you do. To the parents that stand in for me for 5 minutes so I can run to the restroom. Thanks to the parents who take things home to cut and staple for our classroom. Thanks to the parents who donate pencils, copy paper, etc. Thanks to the parents that show up for parent teacher conference so your child understands that learning is important. Thanks to the parents who take the 10 minutes required each night to help your child complete their homework. To you, I say thanks.

Why Do We Teach Kids to Hate?

I have about 21 kids in my class. Some white, black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indian (not Native American but from the Middle East). Anyway, I've heard some of my students make comments that demeans a person because of their skin color, origin, size, intelligence, designer label and more. I like to think that as a teacher, I can teach tolerance. I want them to treat all people kindly. I know you can't be best friends with everyone, but try to get to know a person based on qualities that can't be seen. So, I always tend to make my seating chart in a way that you are bound to sit next to someone different. You may sit next to someone that is of a different gender, language, neighborhood, etc. I encourage them to work in groups that require team building skills. When describing each other, we use words that are positive. So, if I average 20 kids per year, I like to think that I have opened the minds of at least 200 individuals so that we can have a less hateful world.

Real Stories from the KG

Each day I will try to post a new story from my day as a KG teacher. I guarantee all stories are true. Most stories will be about my students and the things I deal with. Other stories will be about administrators, curriculum, and the parents of the students. Like I said, all stories are true....but students names are fictional!

Tyler and Shayla are following the class to our special for the day. (Special is music, art, PE, computer). Anyway, Tyler and Shayla are at the end of the line and somehow, going down the stairs, they manage to lag behind. The next thing I know, two other teachers are bringing these kids to me because these two kindergarteners were engaged in a "passionate kiss". I ask the kids why are they kissing, and they just respond, that they don't know. So, I call Tyler's parents and his family informs me that he sees his older brothers (older being 13 years old) engage in that activity at home and he is just replaying it. The parent doesn't see the harm in kindergarteners kissing. I can't call Shayla's parents because they don't speak English, but I do know that her parents are going to be pissed off.....not because she was kissing, but because he isn't from her ethnic background.

About Me

I have been teaching KG for almost 10 years. I am married with two small children. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, yard sales, teaching the youth group at church and playing Phase 10 and Scrabble. However, right now I am addicted to QWERTY on pogo.com. I must admit, I am pretty good. I guess I had a well balanced "normal" life. I grew up in a two parent home with a brother and sister and a dog. I was a good girl that didn't give my parents much trouble. I am pretty happy with my life and hope to bring happiness to others. I love to help people any way I can.

Why I Created This

I guess you can say I decided to blog for several reasons. 1. To reflect. As I go over my day, I can reflect on the things that we did today in our classroom. Did it work? What should we change, etc. 2. To destress. I have 21 kindergarten students. They have come from all different backgrounds ethnically, but economically, they mmostly come from low-income families. We are active and busy all day and I need to relax. 3. To educate. I think teachers often get a bad rap as having "easy" jobs. I hope to debunk that myth. 4. Finally, I created this blog to journal my personal experience as a teacher.


With that said, I hope that you find my entries education, entertaining and enlightening. Enjoy.