Things I Learned This Week

The first kinda full week of school has come to an end. Student dismissal was 1:25 this week, so we could keep a few each day for assessments. Teaching older students, there is only one assessment that needs to be done 1:1. So I kept my 4th graders on Monday, 5th graders on Tuesday, and used the time on Thursday to continue planning for an upcoming student absence/vacation. I finished the 1:1 in class on Monday, for all but the students then on vacation. They will be in class eventually, and will have so much to make up, which actually means more work for me. Luckily, beginning Monday, students will be at school until 2:30, so we will have all the time in the world to get things done. Right?

I learned that even though I told myself the beginning of the year is tiring, exhausting and a lot of work, feeling that exhaustion is still different. And eventually it wanes, and the school year evens out, and all will be well. Amazing, even.

I learned that the old Soul Shoppe mantras, “I am enough. I have what it takes. I can live a full and happy life” really do make a difference. We don’t use the program anymore, but some ideas are still stuck in my mind. I think I will start using more starters like these in my classroom, building self-awareness and empowerment in my students.

I learned singing “Three Little Birds” in my head helps calm me when I am in bed trying to fall asleep. Particularly, every little thing’s gonna be all right. It will, in time. Everything will be all right, professionally and personally.

I learned Pillow Fighting is an actual sport in ESPN. No joke! And it’s a bit entertaining, as well. I didn’t understand the point system and how one wins, but the short time I watched was thoroughly distracting. And kind of fun, in a strange universe way!

I learned CLKA will not win. I am getting a handle on it every day, and while it’s still new and frustrating (particularly since it was rolled out to combo classes so poorly), I am a professional, with over 30 years of experience. So I will emerge triumphant. Probably not soon. Only after more days of working until 5 and a few weekends like this one, but I will. I am now hearing Carrie Underwood’s song “The Champion” echoing in my head. And like Istela Nunes, the current women’s’ pillow fighting champion, I will be victorious. Just without the strangely shaped pillow and cheering crowds… And hopefully without the lightly humorous violence.

So today I will begin the book, They Saw the Elephant. Carolyn recommended it, about women in the Gold Rush. And I will learn a lot, so keep checking back here if you are interested in fun facts! I think it will be just what I needed to refocus my energy on book 6. Then I can get back to writing. Though it will be a while, for those of you reading and commenting on my manuscript. Sorry! The new school year now commands my attention, and since so many of you are in education, I know you get it.

So it’s time to sign off, and I realize I have no new photos for this blog. I took lots of pics of my students the first two weeks, but I can’t post those. I guess I should get out in the world and do something other than work!

Until next time…

^{Yes, I am still waiting to see the nugget that started it all…}