teacher? more like shmeacher

tired. i am very tired right now.

it is very difficult to assess teaching, take what i have learned from the assessing, apply, and then re-assess. especially when tired. it is not the satisfied, work well done type of tired. it's a more frustrating type of tired. certainly not a hopeless tired, which is good.

but, what am i supposed to do when i have one student who asks another one, "why are you looking at me, do i have a dick on my face?" what? what the hell does that have to do with anything. the reason you are being looked at is because you are acting like a rabid raccoon and won't stop f-ing talking or making noise.

well, that student is removed from the class. it seems like order might be restored and they just might complete their silent reading time. cue the 5th grader that decides to start talking in baby talk and denying it immediately after and during bouts of baby talking. wow. more sugar, let's give them more sugar.

i did find some bad news out about one student who has been very off lately, not following directions, not doing class or homework, and has changed quite a bit over the past 3 weeks. i spoke with her mother and found out they are just starting to go through a divorce. the students' behavior now makes complete sense and i will continue to keep that in mind. it is really amazing how much what is going on at home will affect a child's behavior, decision making, and overall ability in school. also, reminds me to stay positive and compassionate with my students because they go through some very heavy stuff.

the power of writing things down is amazing. already, looking at what i am writing, i laugh at what they say and what they do. no, it's not appropriate what they are doing, but it could be much worse. certainly not the end of the world and i still feel confident in the connections i have made with these students and that these days are just going to happen.

my job is to not let these days be the ones that i remember, but the days that we do well and get through lessons and have fun are the ones floating around in my head.