and living life one day- and book- at a time
Two months ago I was diagnosed at the age of 53 with ADHD. Upon speaking with other adults, it’s not something that is unusual. Much of our symptoms are combined with other things such as anxiety, stress, and our mental health that many doctors fail to realize that perhaps those things are a direct correlation …
There is a clear difference between children and adults in how they handle put downs. I think if it came down to it, I’d be more upset over another colleague saying something than I would a student. It’s how we handle conflict. As an adult, you begin to master the art of “oh well.” Lately, …
One of the benefits to our school district changing over to a year round schedule (not really year round, but close) is that it offers an opportunity for a long week and a half break after each 9 weeks. The good thing is that you can relax and rejuvenate yourself before starting another 9 weeks. …
Today as I was sitting in a meeting with my fellow co-workers, I realized that perhaps my patience -the patience of a saint- isn’t a gift after all. Perhaps maybe it is a flaw. It’s no secret that this year’s group of students have tested that patience. The patience that I pride myself for having. …
When I was in college, I was often told: Don’t smile until after November. The reason behind this is that in order to have effective classroom management, your students need to know that you mean business. What they don’t tell you is that it’s difficult to do that when you cycle up with the students. …
I haven’t truly had the time to process this week the way that I really need to process this week. I’ve cried a lot. I’ve been bullied by students (that will be in a later post). I’ve received a diagnosis which made me realize that I wasn’t losing my mind. Let’s begin with the crying. …
I blinked, and August disappeared. I’m not sure what happened, but one day I was starting August, and the next, it was gone in a flash. Labor day is behind us, and I noticed that the leaves are in prep mode to change. I do apologize for not posting, but in my defense, school life …
Work emails are rolling in. Sign ups for beginning of the year PDs are being sent. Schedules for the first week is here. That first day of school is fast approaching. I. Am. Not. Ready. Our district is initiating the year-round school calendar. The drawback: Teachers return in July and students start August 1st. It …
As I was taking down my bulletin board, I came across a small laminated card that I was given at the beginning of the year. It was my reminder to Love my students first, and then teach them after that. Simple. Love first, teach second. Unfortunately that small reminder was buried under the important information, …
I know that sounds a little post-apocalyptic, but you teach, you know that there are multiple meanings behind that and each one feels real. We have 2 half days this week: Tuesday and Wednesday. No school on Monday. Am I personally hoping that no one shows those last 2 days? Yes! Will they show up? …