Let me just begin with this truth... I only wear an actual hat on "hat day" during spirit week or when I'm outside for an extended period of time and someone tells me, "Put on this hat or your scalp is going to fry." So...I'm not a hat girl.
But this week...I was pondering my newest endeavor and started thinking of the many hats I wear.
First, there's my career as a teacher. Now, the educator's hat is multifaceted. It covers a wise professor, an entertainer, a bookkeeper, a judge, a counselor, a police officer. The hat changes from one minute to the next. I wear this hat the longest each day.
One of the most enjoyable hats I wear is my "aunt hat". Since I've never had my own child, I have learned to excel in my "aunt hat". This summer, Connor pointed out that he and I don't have the typical aunt/nephew relationship. We text each other puns. I attended many of his sporting events. I kept him at my house during the summer days before he learned to drive. This summer, we even co-produced a picture book. Yep, anyone who knows me and speaks to me would know I have a nephew who is "my most favorite nephew in the whole entire world". The aunt hat is similar to my sister hat and daughter hat. My family matters, so these hast are an important part of who I am.
Occasionally, I don the "singer hat". Mostly, this is part of my weekly worship time with my church family. However, here and there, I toss it on a bit while teaching. Ask my kiddos. They will attest that I've already broken out in song a few times in room 302 this year. There have been four times I've accessorized myself with this hat during a wedding; three times I sang while friends married and the fourth I was the hired wedding singer. I learned I'm much better suited for singing at a friend's wedding rather than being a paid wedding singer. Then, once I was asked to sing at the funeral of the wife of one of my church's founding members.
My newest hat is that of an author. I try to devote some hours each weekend to wearing this hat. I find after a long day of teaching, I'm not very focused in my thoughts to weave them into tales or poetry. However, the eagerness at which my 302 kiddos encourage "the next book" spurs me on like a crowd cheering at a marathon. Just like the little engine, "I think I can, I think I can."
However, the hat that I hope is under each of them is the hat of my faith. I pray my faith shines through my teaching, singing, writing, and relating. In the end, it's the hat that won't fade away or be exchanged or wear out. It's the one that makes me...me.
So, what hat are you wearing?
Friday, August 24, 2018
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Energy of Excitement
Earlier this week, I received the "proof" copy of Jasper's ABC Book. My students may have been more excited than I was. As I opened it, the screaming became louder and louder. When it was opened, I read it, and even though they had read it to me a week and a half earlier...they still laughed at all the right parts and made comments that made my "author's heart" smile. Plus, I was the "teacher" taking advantage of the figurative language that "Jasper" uses as he walks through the alphabet.
Then, the next day, they asked if "Jasper's book" was in the library. I had to let them know that I had an error, so I had to edit and resubmit the document. They were undaunted and assured me that "it won't be much longer, Miss P." Then, they continue to tell me I should "pay him" (my illustrator & nephew) more than the stated percentage. Ummm...maybe next book.
Of course, with all excitement...it leads to other things...what did this week's excitement lead to?
First, the completion of a book trailer that I didn't share until the book became available to purchase.
It also prompted my students to ask, "When is your next picture book coming out, Miss Pflaumer?" I told him that Connor agreed to work on the next set of illustrations over his Christmas break.
Then, another student said, "I think you should do a chapter book next. I want to read your chapter book." [Umm, how did he know?] On Thursday, I had two previous students stop by my room, and they both looked through the book. The father of one informed me that his daughter wants me to do a chapter book next.
So...it continues.
The book was approved this morning, and I had the trailer posted on Facebook before lunch. Then, as I'm reading through posts, a sweet friend from Tennessee posted that she had just purchased a copy! Awww, my cup overflows. The son of this sweet couple whose wedding I sang at...will soon be reading a copy of my first book. A dream fulfilled....
Now...the dream expands.
My first chapter book, "Kitten Chronicles", is ready to be proofread and then begin the self-publishing process.
Poetry that I've written since high school is starting to get typed into a document just in case I ever feel the prompting to share those.
My thoughts of my 27 year journey as a substitute teacher and third grade teacher are getting organized.
So....my to do list tells me I'm supposed to add my author information to Goodreads and then share my trailer link in a few avenues that might spread it beyond my friend circle....I'm even contemplating trying to schedule an "author visit" to nearby schools during my fall break. Oh...how fun!
Anyway...thanks for reading...and sharing the journey to my dream. Blessings to all!
Book Trailer
Now available for purchase.
However, I will be selling autographed copies locally during Old Court Days on September 28-30 at a booth with author, David Kummer. Copies sold by me will be less than the Amazon price. [I'll post the price when I have it computed.]
Also, if I can find a local business that would let me set up a small author table to sell before then, I would be willing to do that as well...when my personal copies arrive.
Jasper's ABC Book
Author FB Page
Then, the next day, they asked if "Jasper's book" was in the library. I had to let them know that I had an error, so I had to edit and resubmit the document. They were undaunted and assured me that "it won't be much longer, Miss P." Then, they continue to tell me I should "pay him" (my illustrator & nephew) more than the stated percentage. Ummm...maybe next book.
Of course, with all excitement...it leads to other things...what did this week's excitement lead to?
First, the completion of a book trailer that I didn't share until the book became available to purchase.
It also prompted my students to ask, "When is your next picture book coming out, Miss Pflaumer?" I told him that Connor agreed to work on the next set of illustrations over his Christmas break.
Then, another student said, "I think you should do a chapter book next. I want to read your chapter book." [Umm, how did he know?] On Thursday, I had two previous students stop by my room, and they both looked through the book. The father of one informed me that his daughter wants me to do a chapter book next.
So...it continues.
The book was approved this morning, and I had the trailer posted on Facebook before lunch. Then, as I'm reading through posts, a sweet friend from Tennessee posted that she had just purchased a copy! Awww, my cup overflows. The son of this sweet couple whose wedding I sang at...will soon be reading a copy of my first book. A dream fulfilled....
Now...the dream expands.
My first chapter book, "Kitten Chronicles", is ready to be proofread and then begin the self-publishing process.
Poetry that I've written since high school is starting to get typed into a document just in case I ever feel the prompting to share those.
My thoughts of my 27 year journey as a substitute teacher and third grade teacher are getting organized.
So....my to do list tells me I'm supposed to add my author information to Goodreads and then share my trailer link in a few avenues that might spread it beyond my friend circle....I'm even contemplating trying to schedule an "author visit" to nearby schools during my fall break. Oh...how fun!
Anyway...thanks for reading...and sharing the journey to my dream. Blessings to all!
Book Trailer
Now available for purchase.
However, I will be selling autographed copies locally during Old Court Days on September 28-30 at a booth with author, David Kummer. Copies sold by me will be less than the Amazon price. [I'll post the price when I have it computed.]
Also, if I can find a local business that would let me set up a small author table to sell before then, I would be willing to do that as well...when my personal copies arrive.
Jasper's ABC Book
Author FB Page
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Ah, 23...Looks Like a Good Year
As of 2:55 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2018, I have completed my first week of year 23. Based on first impressions, I believe this is going to be a good year.
So far....
One student has told me he heard I was mean. I asked, "By whom?" He replied it was his brother, but when he told me who is brother was...I was totally confused. I don't even know who it is. So, he then adds, "Well, it might not have been you, it could've been that other teacher."
One student, whose sister was in my class three years ago, has already gifted me a piece of artwork to add to my wall.
I've had a handful of parents already sending me either emails, FB messages, or Class Dojo messages communicating difficulties or questions, so we can work together to ensure we have a productive year.
A couple of my students are the nephews of previous students. Connections usually make things go more smoothly.
One of my girls is my first "second generation" student. Her dad wasn't in my personal classroom, but he was a student in the 6th grade class where I completed a medical leave about 25 years ago. I chuckled when he told me that he told his daughter NOT to tell me who her father was...(Dad was a bit of a challenging student back as a 6th grader).
Then, there was the student who had stated frequently...
"I love this class."
" Is it already time to go? This day goes way too fast."
and today's...
"I love this school. I love our class. I love you."
My cup runneth over.
However, even the most challenging years have been good years. Why? Challenges make us grow stronger. As teachers, challenges help us improve our classroom management, differentiation, and/or teaching strategies. Perhaps, they help increase our resolve to make a difference. There have been a few of my 23 years where I've had to remind myself that there's a reason that this combination of students landed in my classroom, and God has a purpose for me being their teacher.
You see, I believe in a sovereign God. This means, I believe my steps are ordained by my Creator...even the steps that lead me through storms or into valleys. Even in those storms and valleys, I come away with something good, and I can glorify the One who gave me the passion for this profession.
What about you? Regardless of your life's path, what can you learn from today? How can you grow from yesterday? What good can come from your storm? How can your journey be used for His glory?
Yes, sometimes I ponder the big questions. Yet other times, I ponder the small. What little thing can I do tomorrow to make a difference in the life or lives of the kiddos in my classroom? Be the one who steps up to shine Light in the darkness. Get plugged in to the power of the Word of God and speak and do the truths you read.
Well...that's all the pondering I have time for right now...so....how's your day/week/year look?
So far....
One student has told me he heard I was mean. I asked, "By whom?" He replied it was his brother, but when he told me who is brother was...I was totally confused. I don't even know who it is. So, he then adds, "Well, it might not have been you, it could've been that other teacher."
One student, whose sister was in my class three years ago, has already gifted me a piece of artwork to add to my wall.
I've had a handful of parents already sending me either emails, FB messages, or Class Dojo messages communicating difficulties or questions, so we can work together to ensure we have a productive year.
A couple of my students are the nephews of previous students. Connections usually make things go more smoothly.
One of my girls is my first "second generation" student. Her dad wasn't in my personal classroom, but he was a student in the 6th grade class where I completed a medical leave about 25 years ago. I chuckled when he told me that he told his daughter NOT to tell me who her father was...(Dad was a bit of a challenging student back as a 6th grader).
Then, there was the student who had stated frequently...
"I love this class."
" Is it already time to go? This day goes way too fast."
and today's...
"I love this school. I love our class. I love you."
My cup runneth over.
However, even the most challenging years have been good years. Why? Challenges make us grow stronger. As teachers, challenges help us improve our classroom management, differentiation, and/or teaching strategies. Perhaps, they help increase our resolve to make a difference. There have been a few of my 23 years where I've had to remind myself that there's a reason that this combination of students landed in my classroom, and God has a purpose for me being their teacher.
You see, I believe in a sovereign God. This means, I believe my steps are ordained by my Creator...even the steps that lead me through storms or into valleys. Even in those storms and valleys, I come away with something good, and I can glorify the One who gave me the passion for this profession.
What about you? Regardless of your life's path, what can you learn from today? How can you grow from yesterday? What good can come from your storm? How can your journey be used for His glory?
Yes, sometimes I ponder the big questions. Yet other times, I ponder the small. What little thing can I do tomorrow to make a difference in the life or lives of the kiddos in my classroom? Be the one who steps up to shine Light in the darkness. Get plugged in to the power of the Word of God and speak and do the truths you read.
Well...that's all the pondering I have time for right now...so....how's your day/week/year look?
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28
"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our heart, so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6
Monday, July 30, 2018
Maybe One Day...
Back in the eighties, I was a high school student. During that time of my life, I started putting my feelings, insights, and thoughts into poems. A few I turned in for assignments, but most...I just wrote in a poetry journal. When my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary, I typed (yes, that was back in the day of typewriters) some of my poems up into a binder for their present. I'm guessing my mom probably enjoyed it more than my dad, as he isn't really a poetry fan. It was nice that someone was reading my poetry. I thought, "Maybe one day, I'll put them into a real book of poetry."
While attending Carson-Newman College in pursuit of my elementary education degree, I remember one of my professors having us read a novel written by a teacher. I thought that would be very valuable. However, I was a bit disappointed when I started reading the book. Even though I wanted to teach in an elementary school, I was reading about things that might transpire in a middle school. Now, it wasn't a bad book. It was enjoyable to read, but...it wasn't applicable. So, I thought to myself, "Maybe one day, I'll write a book as an elementary teacher, so future elementary majors could read a book that was more suitable."
After four years of substitute teaching, I was thrilled to be offered a job teaching third grade at Southwestern Elementary. A few years into teaching, I discovered Louis Sachar's Wayside School series. Every year, they are a big hit with my students as I read them aloud complete with sound effects and voices. Most years, one of my students will utter this thought, "I wish he would have written four books instead of three. Then, you could read one each nine weeks." A few classes have even pondered writing Mr. Sachar a persuasive letter to see if he would write just one more in the series, so elementary classes everywhere could enjoy one each nine-weeks. Then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon Upchuck & the Rotten Willy series written by Bill Wallace. Guess what! Yep, there are three books in the series. Again, my students suggested we ask him to write a fourth one to make the read aloud options easier. So, I promised them, "One day, if I ever write a chapter book series, I'll make sure there are at least four books."
Last spring, I saw something on Facebook where teachers ask former students to share something they remember about being in their classes and to let them know what was going on in their lives currently. So, I posted it and relished the comments and memories that were posted. One stood out as Abigail wrote, "I remember the plethora of stories you told us about Jasper." First, I was thrilled that she was using one of my favorite pizzazz words, plethora. Secondly, I was impressed that my Jasper stories remained in her memory. I thought, "You know, one of these days I should really write a Jasper book."
About five years ago, I started doing an author study in my classroom of Patricia Polacco. I adore her books, both their lessons and the personal glimpse of her childhood. As I was going through a Powerpoint presentation I found online about her with my students, I found that she didn't start her writing career until she was in her forties. Guess what! I am in my forties, too! I thought to myself, "See, it's not to late. One of these days, I should actually go for it."
This summer, I didn't have any big plans. As a single lady, I'm not a big fan of going on solo trips. Many moons ago, I would go on trips to Tennessee to visit friends from college. Then, I'd go on trips to Ohio to visit friends. But alas, I didn't have a grand desire to go anywhere this summer. However, I'm a BIG FAN of goals! So, I decided to create four goals for my summer to ensure it was restful and productive.
2. Cooking Goal: As a single lady, I tend to settle for the simple, such as a sandwich, soup, breakfast or drive-through. So, I told myself I had to try one new recipe each week. Now, none of them have been over-the-top superb, but none of them have been inedible either. Last recipe will go in the slower cooker tomorrow to provide dinner and then leftovers as school resumes on Wednesday.
3. Reading Goal: I LOVE to read, but during the school year I tell myself I can only read a chapter or two before bed. My goal was to read 10 just-for-pleasure books. When I reached that in the midst of July, I increased it to 15. Woohoo! My 15th book was finished last Friday!
4. Writing Goal: Start writing one of my book ideas into an actual book and follow through with turning it into a published book. Now, I'm not planning on giving up my day job because, let's face it, I LOVE teaching, so I decided to simply use the self-publishing option on Amazon. My book is written. Connor, my nephew, agreed to be my illustrator and is working on illustrations. I've attended a Writer's Workshop at Jefferson County Library to gain some insights. And...I'm HOPING to have my first attempt at becoming a published author completed before Connor heads to school at the end of August.
You see, I figured most of us tell ourselves that "one day" we'll get around to this or that. One day, I'll start exercising regularly. One day.... Guess what! Today is ONE day, so go for it! Whatever you've been thinking about...but putting off because of fear of failing or whatever...go for it.
What's the worst that could happen?
My book could be available on Amazon and only my family and friends buy it...
Well, that's more people reading "my book" than there are now...so....Go for it!
While attending Carson-Newman College in pursuit of my elementary education degree, I remember one of my professors having us read a novel written by a teacher. I thought that would be very valuable. However, I was a bit disappointed when I started reading the book. Even though I wanted to teach in an elementary school, I was reading about things that might transpire in a middle school. Now, it wasn't a bad book. It was enjoyable to read, but...it wasn't applicable. So, I thought to myself, "Maybe one day, I'll write a book as an elementary teacher, so future elementary majors could read a book that was more suitable."
After four years of substitute teaching, I was thrilled to be offered a job teaching third grade at Southwestern Elementary. A few years into teaching, I discovered Louis Sachar's Wayside School series. Every year, they are a big hit with my students as I read them aloud complete with sound effects and voices. Most years, one of my students will utter this thought, "I wish he would have written four books instead of three. Then, you could read one each nine weeks." A few classes have even pondered writing Mr. Sachar a persuasive letter to see if he would write just one more in the series, so elementary classes everywhere could enjoy one each nine-weeks. Then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon Upchuck & the Rotten Willy series written by Bill Wallace. Guess what! Yep, there are three books in the series. Again, my students suggested we ask him to write a fourth one to make the read aloud options easier. So, I promised them, "One day, if I ever write a chapter book series, I'll make sure there are at least four books."
Last spring, I saw something on Facebook where teachers ask former students to share something they remember about being in their classes and to let them know what was going on in their lives currently. So, I posted it and relished the comments and memories that were posted. One stood out as Abigail wrote, "I remember the plethora of stories you told us about Jasper." First, I was thrilled that she was using one of my favorite pizzazz words, plethora. Secondly, I was impressed that my Jasper stories remained in her memory. I thought, "You know, one of these days I should really write a Jasper book."
About five years ago, I started doing an author study in my classroom of Patricia Polacco. I adore her books, both their lessons and the personal glimpse of her childhood. As I was going through a Powerpoint presentation I found online about her with my students, I found that she didn't start her writing career until she was in her forties. Guess what! I am in my forties, too! I thought to myself, "See, it's not to late. One of these days, I should actually go for it."
This summer, I didn't have any big plans. As a single lady, I'm not a big fan of going on solo trips. Many moons ago, I would go on trips to Tennessee to visit friends from college. Then, I'd go on trips to Ohio to visit friends. But alas, I didn't have a grand desire to go anywhere this summer. However, I'm a BIG FAN of goals! So, I decided to create four goals for my summer to ensure it was restful and productive.
Summer Goals...
1. Exercise Goal: My routine had been overruled by a rather time-consuming instruction year. The only week this summer I haven't exercised two-five times was the one after I sprained my ankle.2. Cooking Goal: As a single lady, I tend to settle for the simple, such as a sandwich, soup, breakfast or drive-through. So, I told myself I had to try one new recipe each week. Now, none of them have been over-the-top superb, but none of them have been inedible either. Last recipe will go in the slower cooker tomorrow to provide dinner and then leftovers as school resumes on Wednesday.
3. Reading Goal: I LOVE to read, but during the school year I tell myself I can only read a chapter or two before bed. My goal was to read 10 just-for-pleasure books. When I reached that in the midst of July, I increased it to 15. Woohoo! My 15th book was finished last Friday!
4. Writing Goal: Start writing one of my book ideas into an actual book and follow through with turning it into a published book. Now, I'm not planning on giving up my day job because, let's face it, I LOVE teaching, so I decided to simply use the self-publishing option on Amazon. My book is written. Connor, my nephew, agreed to be my illustrator and is working on illustrations. I've attended a Writer's Workshop at Jefferson County Library to gain some insights. And...I'm HOPING to have my first attempt at becoming a published author completed before Connor heads to school at the end of August.
You see, I figured most of us tell ourselves that "one day" we'll get around to this or that. One day, I'll start exercising regularly. One day.... Guess what! Today is ONE day, so go for it! Whatever you've been thinking about...but putting off because of fear of failing or whatever...go for it.
What's the worst that could happen?
My book could be available on Amazon and only my family and friends buy it...
Well, that's more people reading "my book" than there are now...so....Go for it!
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Friday, August 19, 2016
Lessons to Learn...
Teachers....
Teachers!
Some people say our job is to get students to score high enough on the government-mandated-standardized tests to PROVE something.
Some people say our job is to help students learn to enjoy learning in order to make a world of lifelong learners.
Some people say our job is to babysit school-age children while their parents work, so the parents don't have to worry about anything.
Some people say....
Well, some people say we do our job well, but we don't get enough respect...through word or action.
Some say we fail to do our job and therefore politicians who understand how to teach so much better than those of us who were trained to do so should come into our buildings and tell us what to do (read with sarcasm...sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
Some say.....
Well, you know what I say?
I say...;I teach because I have a God-given passion to do so.
I say....I teach the students who find themselves in Room 302 to the best of my ability knowing that each of them didn't just happen to be placed in my class...but they're there for a reason.
I say...I'll be creative in my planning, use the standards as a guide, and in the end...regardless of the test scores...or the governor's stance....or the presidential candidate's son's condemning words...I will teach the student....not the test.... and not for the test...and not for the "school letter grade"....but because it's my calling...my purpose...my passion.
You see...
I teach.
I teach students that seeing an item in a pan of water...isn't just an object in water, but it's a chance to observe what's going on and to learn from it. [Did it float or sink? Why?]
I teach students that when they enter the restroom to be the one to reach down (using a paper towel) and to pick up the used paper towels that are on the floor because someone else didn't respect the school or custodian enough to put it in the trash can.
I teach my students that asking a new student to play at recess shows what type of person you really are.
I teach my students what they haven't learned and review what they have learned in order to be able to reach their goal...of making it to fourth grade...and wherever life takes them.
I teach my students that ALL people can learn at ALL times...you just have to be looking for the lesson.
So...what have I learned?
I learned during my first year of teaching that sending a defiant & disruptive student outside to feed the birds or to the gym to shoot baskets with the assistant principal doesn't teach him to respect or to be responsible. It teaches him if he disrupts my class that he will get out of my class to do something more fun. But I also learned that showing that same student that I like him regardless of his actions did much more in helping my class improve. We all need to be accepted on both our good and bad days!
I learned that sometimes giving a student who lives with a father who doesn't quite "get" a girl's hair a purple hairbrush can show love. When the nurse would use her purple brush to brush out the tangles, I didn't think much about it. But, ten years later when I bump into that third grader as an adult in the dairy aisle of Kroger's, that purple brush is THE memory that she shares. She may or may not have learned other lessons, but she learned that people cared about her needs.
I learned that being consistent in my expectations, even when it prompts weekly (and sometimes daily) discipline shows a boy that you care. When emotional and home life challenges are overwhelming, sometimes just consistently expecting "the best" from him will make an impact....even if you don't see it before the end of the year. That boy may later become a senior who writes about how you never gave up on him and helped him to start making better choices. [Yep, that one prompted tears.]
I learned that what others say about someone isn't always true. Like the girl who entered my room at the end of 2nd grade and uttered the comment, "I heard you're mean," with her nose snarled up. I explained to all of them that EVERY teacher has a MEAN teacher who COMES OUT when she has to, but no teacher enjoys being a mean teacher. In the four years that have passed since that day, I have found great joy in reminding her of those words. When we would be laughing in class or doing a project, I would quickly gasp, "Quick! Somebody shut the door...we must keep the rumor alive!" Then, on her birthday each year, I write "Happy Birthday from Your Mean Teacher" on her FB wall. She replies, "Don't tell anyone but that mean teacher is my favorite teacher." [Aw, my cup runneth over.]
I learned that sometimes...the most challenging years are filled with the most lessons.
-How the angriest student I've ever taught has a good reason to be angry and day-by-day caring for him and trying to get a smile to shine through will chip away at the volcano. [I have several photographs to prove the smiles.]
-How the behavior of some students can so grate your spirit, but those same children will sit across from you at lunch and talk with a smile about things going on in his/her life.
-How students sometime push the envelope just to see if they can push it too far, and when they do...will regret the behavior as tears fall.
-How a child can be having a perfectly good day and then one small misstep triggers an explosion of emotion and anger and that simply breathing, patting him on the back, and reminding him that when he calms down that he needs to do whatever is next...can sometimes be all that is needed to calm the explosion and getting the "good day" to return.
-How students who make good choices daily in a room challenged by students who tend to make negative choices will take every corrective discussion to heart and will have tears in the evening regardless of being one of a handful who made good choices with the substitute in your absence. So, I have to daily remind her that the "mean teacher face/voice" was not ever aimed at her behavior.
-How during those challenging years...the teacher may learn just as much as the students in her class. My lessons learned weren't character analysis and finding evidence in a story...they were character analysis and finding evidence of the students in my room...and along the way analyzing my own character and finding evidence of my own growth as a teacher.
Yes....teaching is full of lessons learned and yet to learn. What shall we learn today?
Teachers!
Some people say our job is to get students to score high enough on the government-mandated-standardized tests to PROVE something.
Some people say our job is to help students learn to enjoy learning in order to make a world of lifelong learners.
Some people say our job is to babysit school-age children while their parents work, so the parents don't have to worry about anything.
Some people say....
Well, some people say we do our job well, but we don't get enough respect...through word or action.
Some say we fail to do our job and therefore politicians who understand how to teach so much better than those of us who were trained to do so should come into our buildings and tell us what to do (read with sarcasm...sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
Some say.....
Well, you know what I say?
I say...;I teach because I have a God-given passion to do so.
I say....I teach the students who find themselves in Room 302 to the best of my ability knowing that each of them didn't just happen to be placed in my class...but they're there for a reason.
I say...I'll be creative in my planning, use the standards as a guide, and in the end...regardless of the test scores...or the governor's stance....or the presidential candidate's son's condemning words...I will teach the student....not the test.... and not for the test...and not for the "school letter grade"....but because it's my calling...my purpose...my passion.
You see...
I teach.
I teach students that seeing an item in a pan of water...isn't just an object in water, but it's a chance to observe what's going on and to learn from it. [Did it float or sink? Why?]
I teach students that when they enter the restroom to be the one to reach down (using a paper towel) and to pick up the used paper towels that are on the floor because someone else didn't respect the school or custodian enough to put it in the trash can.
I teach my students that asking a new student to play at recess shows what type of person you really are.
I teach my students what they haven't learned and review what they have learned in order to be able to reach their goal...of making it to fourth grade...and wherever life takes them.
I teach my students that ALL people can learn at ALL times...you just have to be looking for the lesson.
Proverbs 22:6
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
So...what have I learned?
I learned during my first year of teaching that sending a defiant & disruptive student outside to feed the birds or to the gym to shoot baskets with the assistant principal doesn't teach him to respect or to be responsible. It teaches him if he disrupts my class that he will get out of my class to do something more fun. But I also learned that showing that same student that I like him regardless of his actions did much more in helping my class improve. We all need to be accepted on both our good and bad days!
I learned that sometimes giving a student who lives with a father who doesn't quite "get" a girl's hair a purple hairbrush can show love. When the nurse would use her purple brush to brush out the tangles, I didn't think much about it. But, ten years later when I bump into that third grader as an adult in the dairy aisle of Kroger's, that purple brush is THE memory that she shares. She may or may not have learned other lessons, but she learned that people cared about her needs.
I learned that being consistent in my expectations, even when it prompts weekly (and sometimes daily) discipline shows a boy that you care. When emotional and home life challenges are overwhelming, sometimes just consistently expecting "the best" from him will make an impact....even if you don't see it before the end of the year. That boy may later become a senior who writes about how you never gave up on him and helped him to start making better choices. [Yep, that one prompted tears.]
I learned that what others say about someone isn't always true. Like the girl who entered my room at the end of 2nd grade and uttered the comment, "I heard you're mean," with her nose snarled up. I explained to all of them that EVERY teacher has a MEAN teacher who COMES OUT when she has to, but no teacher enjoys being a mean teacher. In the four years that have passed since that day, I have found great joy in reminding her of those words. When we would be laughing in class or doing a project, I would quickly gasp, "Quick! Somebody shut the door...we must keep the rumor alive!" Then, on her birthday each year, I write "Happy Birthday from Your Mean Teacher" on her FB wall. She replies, "Don't tell anyone but that mean teacher is my favorite teacher." [Aw, my cup runneth over.]
I learned that sometimes...the most challenging years are filled with the most lessons.
-How the angriest student I've ever taught has a good reason to be angry and day-by-day caring for him and trying to get a smile to shine through will chip away at the volcano. [I have several photographs to prove the smiles.]
-How the behavior of some students can so grate your spirit, but those same children will sit across from you at lunch and talk with a smile about things going on in his/her life.
-How students sometime push the envelope just to see if they can push it too far, and when they do...will regret the behavior as tears fall.
-How a child can be having a perfectly good day and then one small misstep triggers an explosion of emotion and anger and that simply breathing, patting him on the back, and reminding him that when he calms down that he needs to do whatever is next...can sometimes be all that is needed to calm the explosion and getting the "good day" to return.
-How students who make good choices daily in a room challenged by students who tend to make negative choices will take every corrective discussion to heart and will have tears in the evening regardless of being one of a handful who made good choices with the substitute in your absence. So, I have to daily remind her that the "mean teacher face/voice" was not ever aimed at her behavior.
-How during those challenging years...the teacher may learn just as much as the students in her class. My lessons learned weren't character analysis and finding evidence in a story...they were character analysis and finding evidence of the students in my room...and along the way analyzing my own character and finding evidence of my own growth as a teacher.
Proverbs 1:5
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance..."
Yes....teaching is full of lessons learned and yet to learn. What shall we learn today?
2 Peter 3:18
"But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen"
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