Lead Week Wrap-Up
Much of Friday feels like a blur to me now (which is why I should post within 24 hours of when things happen... woops!) except for the last hour of the day. One of my 3rd grade boys came up to me after lunch and said that he had something to tell me. I asked him what it was, and he said, "Me and (girl student) did something bad at recess." Oh boy. After asking questions to find out more information, it turns out that he and another student engaged in some inappropriate behavior at a recess. He was unable to tell me when it had happened, but I spoke with the another student and she confirmed that it had taken place. Both students were incredibly remorseful and I spent an entire recess (that I was on duty for) sitting with them at a picnic table talking about the incident. Both students were in tears and scared for what their parents and the principal would say. We had a meaningful talk about what is appropriate and what isn't, how to say "no", and what our private parts are. In the end, I filled out office referrals for each student and I made a phone call home to each of them. I never imagined that I would deal with good touch/bad touch/inappropriateness during a lead week! At this point, I feel like I won't be surprised by much my first year of teaching, but you never know!
Overall, my lead week was great. I enjoy being the go-to person for my students and having the ability to make decisions on the fly. I soon realized that teachers make about 129843 decisions a day! It felt pretty powerful to be in charge of 17 kids for an entire week. It was tough at times, but mostly just really great. Feeling pretty confident in my career choice these days!
Time with the Two's
Today was a crazy day at the daycare. I have two little fellas that don't ever use words to solve problems- ever. Fists fly, kids get tackled, furniture gets climbed, and Miss Brittany sends a lot of kids away from play to take a break. I really wish that I had the benefit of spending time with a mentor teacher who has spent a significant amount of time teaching 2-3 year olds. While I have spend a crazy amount of time with this age group, the family members I typically play with have a pretty comfortable life and are growing up the same way I was raised. We talk the same, play the same, and interact with peers in the same way. When you have 7-13 kids at that age from different backgrounds, teaching becomes really, really challenging. Only a few kids in my class have the verbal skills to communicate their wants and needs. The rest of them just cry or hit or tackle to communicate.
Today, one of my little guys was throwing toys at the mirror by our sink. I said, "Excuse me J, let's build with the blocks instead of throwing them. I don't want the mirror to break!" and then I went over to take the blocks away from him because he wasn't stopping. He clawed and punched at my legs as soon as I took the toys away. My initial thought was to have him take a seat at the table (this is the custom at the daycare- it's the primary "discipline" plan) but then I realized that he was two and making him sit out probably wouldn't resonate the way I'd like it to. I picked him up and initial he kept his legs bent and started climbing up my chest. I started saying "Shhh" and rubbing his back to get him to relax. The best word I can think of describe what he did next was "melt" into my arms. His whole body went from tensed up to limp in a matter of seconds. He laid his head on my shoulder and started rubbing my other shoulder. The little man went from all riled up to cuddly in less than five seconds. I can't help but wonder what it's like for him at home because he seems to crave loving touch. I wish I knew the answer to help these kids play together without being cruel and hurting each other. This teacher came home with a heavy heart tonight because I desperately want my two hours there each day to be meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and full of love. I just wish I knew how to get there!
-Miss T
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