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.