Hello and welcome to my new blog! As a first year 3rd grade teacher approaching the end of my first month, I decided to create this space as a therapeutic outlet and a place to engage in dialogue with colleagues known and unknown.
So, here I am on the front lines with a class of amazing, adorable, often difficult students in a high poverty school. My kids are beautiful. Their lives are not simple. I'm spending the majority of my day working on getting them to behave - pay attention and follow directions. No easy task, let me tell you.
I have learned many mind games in these short weeks - and despite my determination to not become emotional, I actually was moved to tears on Friday when I reached my limit getting the class to be in line, quiet, eyes noses and toes forward, hands behind their backs so they could go to lunch. The bickering and refusal to be in alphabetical order (as if it was a new concept after 3 weeks) put me beyond my limit. I paced back and forth for a few seconds, composed myself and quietly whispered, "I don't work 14 hours a day for this." They fell silent and were surprised to see that I was upset. I said absolutely nothing more to them as we traveled to the lunch room, and they visibly felt bad. Of course, by the time lunch ended I had moved on and returned to my usual smile-filled greeting of them when I picked them up. They were relieved. In fact, one student went back to the room and presented me with a folded makeshift envelope filled with a picture she had made for me - it was a beautiful, colorful design of my first name, Dawn. The note at the top read, "This is for being a good darn teacher." This time, the tears welled up for a different reason altogether, and I realized that I made it through another week.
I can't wait to see them on Monday. After all, because I got more points than them by Friday, I get to eat a delicious treat right in front of them. Let's hope they win next week so they can get me back!
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:) I know exactly how you feel. I've been there so many times working with middle school kids who, I'm sure, have a very similar life at home as some of your kids. They are the most frustrating, and incredible kids to work with at the same time. These kids are going to benefit so much from you and they will never forget you. You are such an amazing person and have such a beautiful soul, I couldn't think of a better model for these kids. Brava on making it through the first month. You're going to have a great year with them!! I'm so proud of you getting your certification and making a difference in the lives of your students.
ReplyDeleteAll I can think is how lucky these kids are to have you for their teacher. By the sounds of it, I think they are grasping it already!! Shine on Dawn!!
ReplyDelete"My kids are beautiful. Their lives are not simple." This statement is so beautifully accurate. My students can be so difficult, but when they share their lives and experiences with me, I am in awe of their resilience and strength. Welcome to the world of teaching... at time it can be the most difficult job there is, but I feel truly blessed to be a part of the education community.
ReplyDeleteBe proud of yourself and know YOU DO make a difference!