Hello Spring Break!!!

I can’t believe it is actually here. It feels like this vacation has been just out of reach for months now. I shall wait no longer. As I write this post, I’m sitting at my desk sipping a wonderful glass of white wine and looking at the book that will occupy me for the next week. Having free time is such a luxury.

Today, as the hours dragged on until 3:00, I kept thinking about how I could just make it to the bell. It seems, spring break comes at this time of year for a reason. This past week, it has been hard to be patient. I’ve been reaching my boiling point a little bit faster. My tolerance for petty student conflicts is at an all time low. Rather than hash out yet another disagreement between Luis and Henry, I simply said, “Really, do you really want to waste our time with this two hours before spring break?” I don’t know if it was the question or tone of my voice that surprised them more. Apparently they didn’t want to waste our time.

As I sit here remembering the characters in the series I’m about to revisit, I can’t help but wonder… Does spring break come at just the right time, or do I know exactly how long I can hold on? Sort of like the chicken and the egg dilemma.

Sometimes It’s The Simple Things

I have a very chatty class this year. I don’t mind a gentle hum in the room while the students are working. These guys can take it a little far though. Most days I’m on my game and can easily keep the volume in check. There are other days though…

Today was one of the other days. Spring Vacation is next week and I have to imagine that had something to do with it. The kids were nuts. Between Jimmy constantly calling out, at a volume that would indicate I am hard of hearing, and Simon who continues to share his stories, even while you are looking him in the eye asking him to stop, I was coming unraveled. By lunchtime, my head was pounding and my genial nature was seriously depleting. Surely, a nice lunch with the other teachers would center me for the afternoon.

No such luck. When it was time to go back to class, I felt only apprehension. How many hours do I have to get through? This isn’t the greatest attitude with which to approach a Thursday afternoon. Then I remembered the gift my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas… a plug in teapot. Could a fresh cup of tea put a different spin on the day?

I reached to classroom as the students were putting their lunch boxes away, gave the spelling tests to my “paper passer” and turned on the teapot.
Student 1 “What is that funny sound?”
Student 2 “It’s Ms. Teacher’s teapot, remember”
Student 1 “Oh, ya. It’s from her mom right?”
Student 2 “No, her husbands mom. That’s what a mother-in-law is.”

The teapot makes a very subtle whispering sound. It is actually quite pleasant. Once all of the students’ had their tests the water was ready. I made myself a decaffeinated Chai Tea latte with the supplies located in the cupboard behind my desk. One of the greatest things I have ever found, next to the teapot, is the vanilla powder used by “Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf”. Add a couple spoonfuls, a nice teabag, stir and enjoy!

By the time I gave the kids their first spelling word, I was already feeling better. We all managed to make it through spelling, math and even a social studies lesson on the beauty of spring.

Thanks Mama J, I couldn’t have made it without your gift!!

Oops

We took the students to see a play today. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for sooooo long. It seems like every trip we planned this year has fallen through for one reason or another. Not this time though. All 48 of us got on the bus and off we went. It was about a 45 minute ride with morning traffic. Thirty minutes in, I realize the tickets are sitting in my desk drawer. Hmmm. What does one do?

Well, first I asked the other teacher if she had the tickets. This seemed to be a reflex of some sort because I was pretty sure I knew where the tickets were. The reality was just too gruesome! When she looked at me in shock, I said, “ I’m sure they have a record of it. If not, I can call someone at school and have them read me the confirmation number.” This sounded good and seemed to relax us both.

When we arrived I went directly to an usher and informed her of my predicament. Apparently this was not the first time this had happened because she smiled at me and asked my school’s name, number in attendance and where our group was standing. Ten minutes later we were seated in the first row of the balcony. Pretty great seats and no one chastising me for being absent minded.

What a lucky break!

Expecting The Best

Haven’t we all read about the effects of a teacher’s expectations on a student’s performance? I remember a study we looked at in grad school where teachers were told they had a “gifted” group of students. Assuming this to be true, they taught the students more challenging material. In reality, they were average students who produced above average results at the end of the year. Hence, you get what you expect.

In September “Ziggy” was excited to be in my class. We already knew each other from different school functions. Academically, he was a tentative student. He didn’t raise his hand very often and always looked for reassurance before committing to an answer. After probing his parents and last year’s teacher for information about his abilities, I felt comfortable pressing him a little bit.

In November, while being sure to supply loads of encouragement, I began to push Ziggy. At first, he looked hurt. Why was he not good enough all of a sudden? I explained, “ you’re doing good work, but I think you can do great work.” He still appeared confused by my higher expectations. Soon, however, his sentences became longer and more interesting.

In December, he started to take pride in the slant his printing had taken on. After Winter Break, he crowed about writing 5 pages when only 3 were expected. The best, oh my, the very best is his love for reading. At least once a week he is at my desk giving me the run down of his latest chapter.

Every now and then he has a rough day. He is a sensitive guy and any interpersonal conflict can cause his work to suffer. Even on these days, we have a trust. He knows I expect a lot, but I know he just can’t give it all of the time.

So, expect a lot and understand when it just isn’t possible. I guess that is the amended version.

A Pleasant Surprise

I adore the Olympics. It doesn’t matter to me if it is the Winter or Summer Olympics. I’m in either way! Luckily this year we were able to work the Winter Olympics into the curriculum nicely. It is such a great way to teach good sportsmanship, geography and writing. I even managed to get it into a math lesson here and there. The kids loved using information about what they had watched the night before.

As part of this unit, I asked the kids to write a paragraph about who they think should carry the Olympic Torch. We talked about what kind of person deserves this honor. Someone you look up to, admire or really respect. Someone who is a good role model to others would be a good choice. I loved reading who they chose as I began correcting rough drafts. I read things like mom, dad, Body Miller, Grandma Sally, Ms. Teacher, Ms. Teacher, Ms. Teacher. I couldn’t believe it. It had never occurred to me that anyone would choose me. I hadn’t realized I was an option.

That was a great day.

Fire Drill Update

For any of you who have been sweating it out, the crier made it through. I happen to be meeting with our head of elementary when the alarm sounded, so I had to run in order to get into place. I told my little man that I would be waiting right outside the Spanish classroom. He came out searching the hallway with bloodshot eyes. It was clear he had been crying, but was not at present. I gave him a big smile in exchange for a high-five. He smiled and took a deep breath. I’m so proud!

Tragedy

A terrible tragedy befell a Los Angeles area school today. Around 3pm a car swerved onto the sidewalk, near the school, hospitalizing 7 students and killing a teacher. The news has reported that grief counselors are already at the school working with the administration. It will be an immense challenge for the faculty to deal with this tragedy, while also helping the students cope.

Having recently participated in a California private school conference, I recognized the school. The woman who taught the poetry workshop I raved about is a 4th grade teacher there. My heart goes out to the faculty, students, and parents who are affected by this terrible event. Lean on the ones who love you. This is when they are most important.

What will tomorrow bring?

We were notified today that there will be a fire drill tomorrow. I don’t really mind them. It seems like a good idea to be ready, especially here in California! This year has been different than most though. I have a student that is terrified of the alarm. Not terrified of the prospects of danger, or the chaos a drill brings about, just the volume of the noise. It is really quite amazing.

I noticed that the little guy had the same reaction to the buzzer they use in the gym signaling the end of a quarter. Last time we were all up there for a game as the crowd chanted 10,9,8,7,6, he became more and more tense. 5,4,3,2, he now has his fists clenched, teeth locked and is in a sort of crouch position. 1, BUZZ, it was an abbreviated buzzer! The little guy looks around in bewilderment and then starts laughing like crazy.

It was a total Calvin and Hobbes moment. Phew, no explosion.

Tomorrow’s fire drill brings with it an interesting twist. Rather than walking out with my class, I will be meeting them on the yard. My students will be in Spanish during the designated fire drill time. What will my scared little man do? I’ve warned the teacher about his reaction and I plan on giving the student in question a heads-up.

After our many talks about how best to use one’s energy in an emergency situation, will he behave rationally? My guess is no. I’d say, it would be a 50/50 shot if he were with me during the time of evacuation. That poor, poor Spanish teacher. Maybe I’ll wait outside his classroom, just in case I’m needed.

Teachers Inspiring Teachers

Today, I was fortunate enough to attend a day of workshops offered by our local private schools. We are able to choose from a large variety of presentations for three separate time slots. I had a great time. There is nothing better than learning from other teachers.

I attended a session on incorporating poetry into your curriculum. I am a huge fan of poetry and try to do at least 4 or 5 lessons a year. This was unreal though! The teacher had her kids write poems inspired by various poets. To see 4th graders writing poems beginning “how do I love thee” was amazing. Love poems, funny poems, poems in the style of William Carlos Williams :
This is jus to say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
They were all fantastic. At the end of the 7-week unit the teacher has each student’s complete works bound into a little book and the parents come in for a poetry reading. The best part of the book is the About The Author section each student has to write. I’m definitely adding that little gem to my students’ next writing assignment.

I remember growing up hating poetry because I could never get it right. Today I learned that there is no right or wrong in poetry. It is all about how you feel. Each person interprets it through his/her own filters. Isn’t that wonderful? A subject you can’t help but do well in. As long as you participate you are right. That seems like fun to me.

My second workshop focused on group work. Love that group work!! I learned all about the Jigsaw technique. It is like a puzzle. You only get the whole picture when everyone does his/her part. It was pretty cool. The teacher had us do a run through of a project on water pollution. We met in expert groups where we became experts in one area. Mine was about the problems pollution causes. After everyone in our group read the provided information, and completed a worksheet we had to agree on how to present the information to others. Next we were put into new groups composed of one person from each of the expert groups. We each took turns teaching the others what we learned. So you see, all of the pieces came together. It was a successful Jigsaw.

All told, it was another great year for the workshops. What is that you say? I mentioned there were three session? Right, well. . .
I Must Confess

I did not make it
to the
third session

Two had been
great
a third maybe
better

But
arriving home early
was oh
so sweet
By Ms. Teacher
Inspired by William Carlos Williams
( I also learned that you always credit the inspiration)

To skip or not to skip

This is the time of year when teachers have to make decisions regarding student placement for next year. This is a particularly sticky process in schools that have combined grade levels. For example some schools have kindergarten and first grade in the same room. Others have a primary level in which students can stay anywhere from 1 to 3 years.
In these classrooms teachers often need to decide if a student should spend one or more years in the room. Parents frequently assume that if their child is kept in a mixed level for a second year it is because he/she is not smart enough to move on. The truth is, it takes an exceptional child to spend only one year in a mixed level classroom. This child would have to not only be able to perform a full year above his/her age. He/she would also be expected to socialize at a level above his/her age. That is a lot to ask of a child.
Early on in my career, I worked at a private school that tended to bend easily to the will of the parents. During my time there, a parent insisted that her child be moved to a higher grade for math. The student was able to perform basic calculations, but had no idea when or why to apply them. In the end, the parents won out and the child moved up.
As a teacher, that kind of thing breaks my heart. Rather than seeing it as giving the child a head start, as I’m sure the parent must see it, I see it as putting them at an unfair disadvantage. Most of their peers were allowed to move sequentially from stage to stage in each subject area. In math, they would have learned and practiced several concepts over the previous year. A student not given the opportunity to move through the yearlong process is expected to perform at the same level as the other students without the benefit of practice or even much exposure in some cases.
I have yet to meet the student that is both academically and socially prepared to skip a year. I’ve taught a few students that have skipped and each time there were very frustrating friendship issues to deal with. That seemed to be the trade off for the kids. Students are offered rigorous academics, but as a result experience many challenging social issues.
I’m a big fan of slow and steady wins the race.

The beginning

Well, here we go. No longer the novice teacher, I feel like it might be time to branch out. The days of worrying about tomorrow’s math lesson are a thing of the past. Now my big concerns regard improving my existing curriculum. It is a great feeling.
I’m hoping this Blog will serve several functions. It would be great to have somewhere to let off steam. After a full day at school, I often come home with stories I think are very interesting/ thought-provoking/ funny or maddening. My extremely patient husband, who has nothing at all to do with teaching, doesn’t appear to feel the same way. He is a good sport, but this Blog may get the stories out to folks who are actually interested. Imagine that!
This could also be a great place to flesh out teaching ideas. I’m big into group projects and cooperative units, so collaboration is always helpful. Teachers can learn so much from each other. This may be a nice way to create some kind of dialog. Don’t feel like you need to be an educator to participate though. I’ve gotten some great ideas, for the classroom, from friends in all sorts of fields.
Welcome to the beginning. I sure hope all goes well.