It is almost Thanksgiving Break, and I am in survival mode. Not only am I in survival mode, but I can sense that many of my students are as well. The holidays are coming up, and some seem to need extra attention.
Survival mode during the holidays can mean many things for many people. For me, it is about trying to be patient and understanding. It is about trying not to stress out when things are chaotic. It’s about not letting that one student who is wanting to be ugly to me get the better of me. And yes, I had a student who was hateful to me on Friday, and my students whom I taught last year looked at her and said, “That just wasn’t right.” I fought the urge to write her up for the disrespect, but then I thought back and realized that this week was the first time she has been that way with me. I don’t know what is going on at home. I don’t know what she may be dealing with outside of my class. She may have just needed to let off some steam. Moments like this, I’m reminded of what my dad said to me when I was upset and hurt at my mom’s death: Give it to me because I’m big enough to handle it, and I have large shoulders to bear the burden for both of us.
That doesn’t give anyone permission to run me over or be nasty, but I can also pause and think about what is going on. Students don’t always do that.
My 6th graders are starting to become extra needy right now, too. They are starting to congregate around my desk if I dare sit down. It’s frustrating because I’m claustrophobic, yet at the same time, they are all trying to gain my attention.
Two more days, though. I just need to hang in there for two more days, and then it will be a nice break.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
