School started this week. I'm not complaining because I had the best summer of my life. But, I quickly realized a few things as I have gone back to the daily grind.
I realized how much I miss Geneva. I miss my friends. I miss second graders. I miss working for my principal. I miss being trusted with my own classroom. A few tears have been shed and my darling husband has been so nice to just listen to me whine.
I have realized that first graders and second graders are a world apart. I love the little ones, but I was in for a shock that first day. To their credit I think I only had 3 kids cry. (After what their parents told me, I was planning on many more!) I have never met kids that are not phased by anything. I have a group of really cute kids that want to learn and want to please, and then I have this group of boys that is going to be the death of me. NOTHING PHASES THEM! They laugh when I discipline them. When I ask them to walk with "quiet feet" they stomp. Completely defiant, and they try to argue with me. If I say it's white, they say it's black. We had to have the "I'm the teacher, I went to college" talk today. I don't think it made a dent. On the positive note, I didn't cry today like I did the first day!
I am working at the after school program a few days a week. So far I have actually looked forward to going. It's fun to meet the older kids, to just hang out with the students and unwind. I figured since Tay was going to be in class till 10 I'd better keep myself occupied.
I don't mean to sound negative. I love my job. I really do. All the hugs, the drawings the kids make for me, the smiles, make up for all these rough moments. I wouldn't trade what I do for anything. It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I love working with disadvantaged kids, because the rewards are that much greater. It's going to be a long first week, but I'm going to make it. I'll be darned if these kids are the end of me. I'll show em!
P.S. Thanks to all who have called and texted with your support. Your love means the world.
I realized how much I miss Geneva. I miss my friends. I miss second graders. I miss working for my principal. I miss being trusted with my own classroom. A few tears have been shed and my darling husband has been so nice to just listen to me whine.
I have realized that first graders and second graders are a world apart. I love the little ones, but I was in for a shock that first day. To their credit I think I only had 3 kids cry. (After what their parents told me, I was planning on many more!) I have never met kids that are not phased by anything. I have a group of really cute kids that want to learn and want to please, and then I have this group of boys that is going to be the death of me. NOTHING PHASES THEM! They laugh when I discipline them. When I ask them to walk with "quiet feet" they stomp. Completely defiant, and they try to argue with me. If I say it's white, they say it's black. We had to have the "I'm the teacher, I went to college" talk today. I don't think it made a dent. On the positive note, I didn't cry today like I did the first day!
I am working at the after school program a few days a week. So far I have actually looked forward to going. It's fun to meet the older kids, to just hang out with the students and unwind. I figured since Tay was going to be in class till 10 I'd better keep myself occupied.
I don't mean to sound negative. I love my job. I really do. All the hugs, the drawings the kids make for me, the smiles, make up for all these rough moments. I wouldn't trade what I do for anything. It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I love working with disadvantaged kids, because the rewards are that much greater. It's going to be a long first week, but I'm going to make it. I'll be darned if these kids are the end of me. I'll show em!
P.S. Thanks to all who have called and texted with your support. Your love means the world.
4 comments:
no way! You're doing first grade?! I'm so jealous! You are going to be amazing!!! I have no doubt! Know that I'm thinking of you:)
Hey only crying on the first day is quite an accomplishment! I don't think these kids realize how much their behavior affects their teacher. I hope things settle down a little bit for you. Do they have totally different problems then Geneva?
Linds! How's it going now? Are you whipping those 1st graders into shape?
Hey cute little teacher-sister-friend :) I hope you are doing alright and that school is going better for you - just be tough with those little stinkers - eventually something will work - sometimes it is just hard to find what that THING is...enjoy the fun things about first grade (like their tinyness, & excitement to learn) :) by January they will so much more grown up - You are great - no matter what you say or think - you are great! :)
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