178 to go.
The first day went GREAT. And the point that I'd been most worried about-- my demeanor-- was what I felt best about. I'd felt so worried that I would try to be either TOO "buddy buddy," or that I would overcompensate and try to come across as a war general, which would be fun for no one-- least of all me. I'd prayedprayedprayed about the first day demeanor, and hooray, I felt like I was just what I was supposed to be: firm, articulate, and warm. When kids engaged in side chatter, I either gave them "THE LOOK," or called them out. 6th period has been called out several times. Both yesterday and today, I had to have a "Come to Jesus" moment where I said firmly, no really, I DON'T LIKE SIDE CHATTER. 6th period (which I'm pretty sure will be this year's 5th period) is an especially rambunctious group of Seniors. They've been together for 13 years; they know each other incredibly well, and I'm the new kid. Plus, the teacher last year was incredibly popular; why should they respect this new chick that they know nothing about, whose main distinguishing characteristic at this point is NOT being Mr. Johnson? Also, Seniors are just tricky I think. They're old enough to think they know everything, but not old enough to realize they don't.
Still: I had all kinds of rambunctious, hard kids last year. I can win these kids, right? All day Thursday will be spent at a retreat. My mission: have real conversations with the harder ones. It was only by forming relationships with my hard kiddos last year that I won them over onto "my side." Right now, I'm focusing on obtaining their respect, and being consistent with precedents. Winning their affection can come later.
I'm so tired, by the way.
I have STACKS of summer reading essays to read through. Also first-day freewrites. Also tests.
My goal is to leave school by 6:00 every night: trying to get as much grading done by then as possible, and then, I'm supposed to TAKE OFF. And be DONE. The only problem is, yesterday and today have both necessitated lots of conversations with other teachers, and random house cleaning stuff after school... It's 4:42, and I haven't even started on the piles yet.
Also, I'm blogging.
I needed to decompress.
Bottom line: God is good, and it's going well. I'm having a blast with my Sophomores. I totally freaked out my AP kids, which I love. I've got THEM on the ropes!! They're going to be a great group. My other class of Seniors is fine-- it's really just that 6th period that will be a handful, I think. But I feel like I know what to do with them.
Or in any case, He does. And we're in communication.
Too tired to end with a witty addendum. Check ya later, bloggies.
3 comments:
You have no idea how good it makes me feel to "see" you doing so well. Honestly. I've seen to many teachers that don't have the drive and dedication and patience and love it takes to be successful, and knowing one more is out there makes me smile.
Winning them over is indeed key, and doing that without being a Nazi or a pushover is hard for young looking, fun loving peeps like us. Worth it in the end though.
I had a great day teaching too. Even though I'm not in a classroom (where I'd love to be) I'm still connecting and starting to make a difference - and that's what it's all about isn't it.
Keep up the good (very hard, tiring, but rewarding) work Miss Greta!
You're so encouraging Matt. Thanks for being such a cheerleader in my teacher-life! :)
Oh Greta dear...I start school tomorrow, which is why I'm up at 3:30am commenting on your blog. I tried to make it to 4 but just couldn't. The butterflies were just too much laying in bed thinking about school...so here I am reading your blog on the couch downstairs when I should be getting sleep, because TEACHING IS EXHAUSTING! You are so wonderful and I am so glad to hear that your first week is going so well. Remember the good days and save them up to remind you on the challenging days why you're doing what you're doing!
I'm sure you are doing a spectacular job! :) Best of luck this year my teacher friend!
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