Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wednesday Wisdom from a Young Owl

Okay so.... I don't know everything when it comes to teaching and being an advisor (not a huge surprise, right?!). BUT, I do think I try really hard to be there for my kids, make sure they are learning stuff and make my classes relevant to their life and future.

So it totally fries my tushy, when other teachers don't put in the time to really get to know their students. Blah, Blah, Blah, everyone is busy, or whatever the excuse of the day is. I feel like that is what kids want, parents want and administrators want. Shouldn't we know our students? Building a bond with a kid could be the most valuable you do all year as a teacher. Because those bonds, help you (the teacher), when you then need that kid to do an assignment or make an effort on a project. Some of the coolest kids I know and have in class are not star students. But I appreciate them for they are and give them props for what they do regardless of the score they did or didn't get on a quiz. Kids are individuals, it's important that we get to know them and treat them like individuals. Rather than another number?

If we take more time to get to know our students hobbies or interests can't we better engage them in class? Wouldn't our examples be more personal to them? If they feel invested, won't they make an effort? Typically yes... Always? Probably not... But some is always better than none.

Last year, I made an attempt to attend at least one home game of every sport (with the exception of cross country and track). It is amazing how much you can get a silent student to talk in class after attending one of their sports games/meets. Because they know you care enough about them to show up outside of school. Same goes for drama productions... And they're pretty fun on a Friday night! 

I just wish more teachers really WANTED to be part of that culture at schools. I know everyone is busy, has families or whatev but one or two outside school activities won't kill ya! 

But then again, attending too many might get ya suckered into being the Junior class advisor... Yeah that's me... What the hell did I agree to?! Guess we'll find out. 

 
"My Emblem" project... On the 2nd day of school I already knew what sports schedules to print. 

Football games are always fun! And I get to yell so that's good for my blood pressure... Can't wait for next week's 1st home game!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Back to School!

Today was my first day back to school!! Year 5 has begun!

I can officially say I am so excited to be back and with my kiddos. This summer went waaaaaay to quick but luckily I kinda dig my job so it's not a huge deal to be back. I could have used another day or two to prep my room and get things exactly how I wanted but oh well... It looks pretty good and I was able to change up quite a bit this summer so it's new and different (in a good way, I promise).

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend a staff retreat...
SAY WHAT?!?!

Yep! My high school admin take us hooligan teachers away for two days and we go through the year, have some professional development, reflect on last year and sit around and "chat" after dinner. We actually play some pretty intense games of Catch Phrase and Corn Hole. I remember last year how nice it was to meet everyone in a relaxed capacity before starting the school year. It was such a good way to get everything situated and feel like you could run to that kooky English teacher if you needed help in the first few days of school because of the time you spent at the retreat.

Something that always gets to me is the other teacher's summer stories (not just at this school). Teachers ramble about how they spent time here, and traveled there and blah blah blah... My favorite thing is when they ask what I did all summer. Ummmmm my response usually involves being at a fair. This summer it included three fairs in July and August. Some teachers are actually appalled that I didn't spend the summer tanning, traveling, surfing (we have a lot of surfers) or some other random summer activity. But instead.... wait for it.... I saw students!!!! Oh no! How could I?! What was I thinking?!

My summers are not quite as relaxing as others and I rarely travel to far away places but I like my low-key, fair-filled, hot as hell summers. They aren't too bad... This summer I got to spend a lot of time with my mom, which was really nice since she isn't working right now.

Summers are different for everyone...
I really like to read, sleep in, go to fairs and see friends (at least I try)...

Maybe someday I'll tan... But probably not because my pasty butt burns...
Maybe someday I'll travel... Well hopefully!
Maybe someday I'll surf... Hahaha maybe not!

For now... I'll be glad that I'm back in school, as the next two months are actually the most calm for my schedule.

Happy Back to School!!!!

Oh how I've missed high school kids!