It's been awhile....but I felt compelled tonight to write because I made several parent phone calls tonight and ALL of them were good...okay, one was because the kid pulled his jeans down to expose his lovely under-garments....BUT the rest were positive.
As a teacher, it's very hard to remind yourself that the kids that you usually have an issue with have parents that have been hearing this for a long time. I try so very very hard to make as many positive phone calls early in the year (sometimes before I run out of positive things to say) so that I create a 'team' feeling around that child - meaning, both the parent and I are on the 'same side' and the kid won't be able to play one against the other.
This year, I really want to start off on the right foot in my new school and with my new, more active parents. I called several parents and just raved about their kids. They were stunned and so happy and were so appreciative that I had called so early in the year. One of my students, who lost his father last year, was beginning to have some trouble so I spoke to him mom to let her know that I was keeping an eye on him and would do my best to make sure he had a good year. She explained how the last year had been and was just so wonderful and grateful that I had called her. Every phone call ended with me with a smile on my face and a good feeling inside.
I know that these calls are creating 'money in the bank' for later in the year when I do begin to have issues with certain students. And while they take a lot of planning and thought, it is completely worth the time. I want these kids to know that I mean business and there is no way they are coming in and screwing around when we have work to do. I am making the MOST of this year.
The backlash of this entire week is that I am exhausted. I feel like it's my first year again. Maneuvering through new paperwork, new computer programs that DON'T work, different procedures....it's a maze of craziness and challenges. I end up feeling very frustrated, not because of the kids, but because I feel like I am bothering people so much with my constant questions and ignorance to what is going on. I feel helpless and slightly blind...and blind-sighted sometimes....
I am exhausted.
To anyone who reads this who isn't a teacher but has children....please reward your child's teachers (unless they completely suck and don't deserve it) and let them know that you appreciate everything they do, or try to do. There are teacher appreciation gifts out there for a reason!
Good night!
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