WOW!!!!! What A Week!!!

This week has been wild wild wild...But I have learned so much this week that I don't know I can fit it all here...This week I get to see the true power of a caring teacher...and the impact that we can have each day on a child.  This week in South Carolina, 5th and 8th graders had to take the PASS(Palmetto Assessment of State Standards) test.  Being in a virtual environment, our students don't interact with one another as much face to face as they do with a computer.  At the same time this blog could show some of the drawbacks of virtual schools, but don't get me on that soap box...because I will shut it down...:-P...We had a student walk into the room who was terrified of being there...she refused to leave her mom and was hysterically crying...as soon as this was noticed, one of our other teachers, automatically began comforting the student.  This really showed me how comforting and caring our teachers are.  We also took the time to call the students homeroom teacher.  Just by talking to the teacher with in the room and talking to her homeroom teacher automatically calmed her.  This shows how caring and passionate teacher have to be...our students look to us for guidance and support...we are they're foundation that is built upon.  So many students, their teacher is all they have that loves them...that is truly something to think about :)

Teachers and things you will never know about them...

So, a friend of mine posted this amazing link.  I completely agree with it.  The title is a link, if you click it you can go straight to the original page (I give full credit to Reader's Digest for putting this out there...) I have put the list below the link and my comments are there as well (in a different color so that you can see them...I know I'm smart ha ha)...I hope you enjoy...and take a minute to thank a teacher...they will appreciate it :)

 

13 Things Your Child’s Teacher Won’t Tell You

1.  My rule for hormonal middle-schoolers:      Keep your hands where I can see them.   O middle school middle school...this is one of the hardest times in the life of your child...it always will be...they are changing, they're bodies are changing, emotions changing, friends changing....everything is different in middle school and the kids need you....each and every day...not just now and then....ALL THE TIME!! 2.  My first year of teaching, a fifth-grader actually threw a chair at me. I saw him recently, and he told me he just graduated from college. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.  This didn't happen to me, but I did have a seventh grader that tried to attack me...so pretty close...I will also tell you this...I had no clue what I was going into that first day of school my first year.  All I knew, I had a class of 18 children that I wanted to make a difference in their lives.  And to be honest, the taught me as much as I taught them.  They made me the educator I am today, and they helped me to understand what I wanted to do...teach...not just reading, writing, and arithmatic.  I wanted to teach them what it was like to be a person...and human being...and a good person at that...and that is what I have strived to do. 3.You do your job, I'll do mine. I have parents who are CEOs of their own companies come in and tell me how to run my classroom. I would never think to go to their office and tell them how to do their jobs.   First of all let me ask this, are you willing to work 18 hours per day...provide for at least 20 children (and this is before class sizes started jumping way higher)...and make sure they get everything that someone else isn't giving them?  I didn't think so...Don't tell me how to run my classroom...I am doing it for them...not for me, not for a profit...just for them...to allow them to feel safe, loved, and to learn something. 4.We don’t arrive at school 10 minutes before your child does. And we don’t leave the minute they get back on the bus. Many of us put in extra hours before and after school.  See the first sentence of number three....I spend so much time working on things for my kids...I can't go to Wal-Mart without seeing something and saying...that would go great with this lesson or standard...You may read your relaxing book at night before you go to bed...guess what I'm reading...yep...how to better educate your child and to make sure that I am doing the absolute best job that I can. 5.We are not the enemy. Parents and teachers really are on the same side.  Simple question...Do you want your child to succeed?  Yes?  Okay then, same thing I want....that is what I strive to do everyday...we have to work together...remember the saying. "it takes a village to raise a child?"  Guess what...IT WAS RIGHT!!  There is no way one parent (or two for that matter) single handedly raise a child...everyone that comes in contact with that child has a hand in raising it...so think about that the next time you are screaming curse words out at the people in the McDonald's line because they won't go faster.... 6.The truth is simple: Your kid will lie to get out of trouble.  I hate to agree with this one...but its true...Please don't ever say what your child wouldn't do...You may know them yes, but think about it...do you really know each and every thing that goes through the brain of your child?  Didn't think so...you have no clue what they may do...and none of us like to get in trouble and all of us avoid it at all costs 7.  Encourage your child to keep reading That’s key to success in the classroom at any age.  Hello....this one should be a no brainer if you can't read...you won't make it in this world (or well let me rephrase that) it will be almost impossible to make it in this world...you can...but your life will be one that is full of hardship even more so than if you didn't finish high school or go to college... 8.It's their homework, not yours. We can tell the difference between a parent helping their child with homework and doing it for them (especially when they’re clueless in class the next day).   I know that you want to help them...that is what all of us want....but guess what...I assigned that homework to help...not hurt...for most teachers, homework is an extension of what is going on in the classroom...that way if they didn't get it during homework, I can reteach it :)....to make sure your child understands...and the same goes for projects...I can tell when a parent has done the project vs when a parent has helped with a project...remember...teachers weren't born yesterday :) 9.Teaching is a calling. There’s not a teacher alive who will say she went into this for the money.  I'm going to put this simply...if you are a teacher for the money...have you lost your mind?  You can't do this job for the money...more comes out than it comes in but more on that in a later statement :) 10.  Check their homework. Just because your child says he did his homework doesn’t mean it’s true. You must check. Every night.   Again look back at that one that says one simple truth...kids will lie at some point in their lives...just double check behind them...it won't kill you I promise...Like I said, the homework is most of the time, an extension...:) 11.  We get jaded too. Teaching is not as joyful as it once was for many of us. Disrespectful students and belligerent parents take a toll on us.  I will tell you this one...It's not just the parents or students that jade us...I promise you on that one.  I love my job and everything about it...but like it says...some of these things take a toll on us...Think about your job...if you've been doing it for 20 years...are you as perfect as you were that first year? or are you slightly jaded because of it?? interesting to think about :)   12. Talk to your kids. Parents give their kids the pricey gadgets and labels, but what kids really crave is for you to talk to them. Kids want to know you are interested in their lives. Please please please talk to your kids...there are limits on what I can do in the classroom.  They need to know about drugs and how to stay away from them.  The same with alcohol and sex.  I mean come on...I can't do it all...Even though I try...I know I can't. 13.We spend money out of our own pockets. Teachers often buy things our students need, such as school supplies and even shoes. I will say this...a lot of times, I plan my paycheck around what my kids need...I can go without but I refuse to let them go without...if there is something they need, I try my hardest to make sure they get it...one way or another...I have spent more money on my kids than I have on most of my family's Christmas presents over the past few years.  Yes, my kids are that important. 14.  Supportive, involved parents are crucial. But some are “helicopter parents”—they hover too much.  Yes, parental support is key.  If i do something at school and then you tell your student it doesn't matter...well all of that learning...just went right out the window...it doesn't matter to them..but at the same time, some parents "hover" they are scared to let the bird leave the nest...guess what...they are going to leave at somepoint.  You can't protect them forever... 15.Having the summer off is great, but... Many of us have to take on extra jobs—teaching summer school, tutoring—to make ends meet. Summer's off...what is that?  I have never...ever...had a summer off...not since I started teaching...I spend my summer either getting ready for the next year, attending workshops to better help me as a teacher, or working extra jobs to help pay for what I know my kids will need the following year...so this thing that teachers work 8-3 for only 9 months of the year...forget that...it doesn't happen... 16.Academics aren't everything. Success is not achieved by just making kids memorize flash cards and prepping them for an Ivy League school. Sensible parents know there is a college for every kid and responsibility and good citizenship are what really drive success. Children need to know about LIFE!!! Talk to them, let them know what is going on in the world.  If it is an election year, take them to the polls with you and let them see you being a strong citizen....you are the biggest role model they have...they look up to you (regardless of how many times they say they hate you...It's not true...they don't)...Talk with them...educate them...we are all teachers in some way shape or form... 17. Nobody says “the dog ate my homework” anymore. But we hear a lot of “I left it on the kitchen table.” And then Mom will send in a note to back up the story. First, look at #16, then think about this one, then read #18...it'll all come together... 18.Don't ask us to do your dirty work. We wish parents would make their kids own up to their actions instead of pressuring us to bend the rules. Rules are there for a reason...they are there to help your student...if you make them think that the rules will change for them, well guess what...when they are in the real world...a rude awakening is going to happen...Make your child accountable for their actions...all of my kids in my room...know...without a doubt...I am going to hold them accountable for each and everything they do.  Whether it be a good or bad test grade, to beating up someone else at school...It was their choice...help them to make good ones... 19.We know you mean well, but... Please stop doing everything for your child and allow them to make mistakes. How else will they learn? Kids are not motivated to succeed because they feel their parents will bail them out every time.  And hear again...for the next 50 years are you going to be around to "fix it all?"  Kids are going to enter the real world at some point, they have to know how to do things on their own...no matter waht...Mistakes are a gift...some moreso than others...but you always always always learn from them...  20.There are days when I just want to quit. But then that one smile from that one kid changes it all.  That one smile, that one light bulb...it makes everything everything everything worth it...no matter what...Just seeing their faces come back into my room each and every makes me not want to give up...I am not going to lie...at one point...I considered resigning my teaching position at a former school not even half way through the year because of many differnent things...but what stopped me was...my kids need me...and i need them...like I said, they teach me sometimes more than I teach them...They are my world.... In reflecting and thinking about this article...I have realized every single person in this world is a teacher...no matter waht you do...you teach a child something...whether you teach them that its okay to be a bad person...or whether you teach them to help others...that is all up to you...me...I'm proud to be a teacher...and I will never...ever....ever....turn my back on a child...They are the future...They are what gets me out of bed every single day...Kids are amazing...just take a minute and listen to one...then you will see what I am talking about :) 

Learning Never Ends....

I don't know what it was about this past week's episode of Glee.  I spent most of the episode either laughing, with goose bumps, or being close to tears.  Its funny, the show is cast with people who are closer to my age (which is 27), but they are really and truly going through struggles (within the show) that most high school kids deal with.  I was a music "nerd" throughout my high school career.  That made my life hard.  Very hard.  So I guess the kids stepping up and singing about this really hit a soft spot for me.  So many teenagers and kids are victims of bullying...well guess what...they are right...almost every person in this world in some way shape or form was a loser at one point in their lives.  So many kids are terrified of going to school, because of bullies.  If there is one thing I really can't stand in a school setting, is a bully...they infuritate me.  Maybe that is because I was bullied for so long.  Finally, at 27 years old, I am happy being me.  I love who I am and what I have become.  I am a successful teacher, and I am extremely driven purpose on this earth.  God gave me a gift of being a teacher and a caring person when it comes to my children, and yes I said my children...they are mine...I don't care who birthed them...when they are listed on that roster, they are my kids and that is the end of it.  I treat every child as if I was truly their parent.  I push, pull, fuss, praise, all of it.  Children are amazing things, and we as adults really need to learn to cherish them and protect them.  I have unfortunately found so so so many children, that won't excel, because they are bullied and they believe the crud that the bully has put into their head.  Well guess what, the bully has just as many if not more problems...so they even need the love and attention of a caring adult.  A lot of times, that can solve the problem.  If a child is a bully, it is usually a sign of something else going on at home.  Don't get me wrong, it may not be that, but many times it can be.  Children are definitley not the only ones that are bullies...ha ha I wish...Many teacher unfortunately are bullies, and don't even realize it.  They pick or make fun of a child who is struggling, which is so so so so wrong...I just can't say that enough.  I hope that someone who reads this can take a little heart in the song from Glee and maybe learn something...Because I did...as learning is a neverending process...I learn something new each and every day :) 

 

Loser Like Me by Glee Cast Lyrics

(Lea Michele/Rachel)

Yeah, you may think that I’m a zero
But, hey, everyone you wanna be
Probably started off like me
You may say that I’m a freakshow (I don’t care)
But, hey, give me just a little time
I bet you’re gonna change your mind
All of the dirt you’ve been throwin’ my way
It ain’t so hard to take, that’s right
‘Cause I know one day you’ll be screamin’ my name
And I’ll just look away, that’s right
Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don’t care
Keep it up, I’m tunin’ up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
(Cory Monteith/Finn)
Push me up against the locker
And hey, all I do is shake it off
I’ll get you back when I’m your boss
I’m not thinkin’ ’bout you haters
‘Cause hey, I could be a superstar
I’ll see you when you wash my car
All of the dirt you’ve been throwin’ my way
It ain’t so hard to take, that’s right
‘Cause I know one day you’ll be screamin’ my name
And I’ll just look away, that’s right
Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don’t care
Keep it up, I’m tunin’ up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me
Hey, you, over there
Keep the L up-up in the airHey, you, over there
Keep the L up, ’cause I don’t care
www.musicloversgroup.com
You can throw your sticks, and you can throw your stones
Like a rocket, just watch me go
Yeah, l-o-s-e-r
I can only be who I are
Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don’t care
Keep it up, I’m tunin’ up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don’t care
Keep it up, I’m tunin’ up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me (A loser like me)
A loser like me (A loser like me)
A loser like me
You can listen the song here, it is performed by New Directions, with Lea Michele and Cory Monteith, as Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson, on lead vocals.

Wow!!

This week has definitely been interesting.  I have learned so many new things in becoming a teacher, and new ways to better integrate techonology into my classroom.  Please let me just say that Wikis are amazing...and the way that they are available to allow my students to learn...I just can't even begin to imagine all of the possibilities.  Will Richardson has written an amazing book that explains so so so much that you can do with your students and technology.  You should really check out the link for it :)  A little information on the book.  I couldn't believe it when I started reading it, I actually found a textbook that I enjoyed reading...what in the world???  How could that have happened?  But alas, I have.  It is an amazing book and has already given me so much knowledge.  I have also learned that I am not a true blogger (or at least not yet).  I am working on that and I am hoping that I can change what I do with this blog slowly but surely.

Coming Back

So I started this blog back when I had to do it for my graduate school class...Well, I think I am going to start updating it at least weekly.  This could be a really good chance for me to share some important information about education and express my opinions.  Please be mindful though, if you are reading this, these are all of my own opinions, and do not represent the school I work for, the district, or my administrators.  I am very outspoke with how I feel about things.  Education and the well being of all children is my passion and it always will be.  God gave me the gift that he did to work with children and to teach them.  I plan on using that to my uptmost ability each and every day!