I feel like this was a very eventful week. I took my first field trip, started Math club, AND received a hug from the "MVP of bad behavior."
We started the week just like any other week. Monday morning, Social Studies lesson and activity. It felt like the week would be pretty nonchalant. However, I no idea that things wouldn't be as smooth sailing as I thought. In the middle of the day I had received a text message that said my younger sister had been taken to the hospital because she was experiencing heart pain. For a 13-year-old girl, this is very uncommon. I didn't get to see the text until I was halfway to my senior seminar class. What does this have to do with teaching? Well, I believe it has to do a lot. It teaches how to put personal matters aside for the sake of teaching and it also reminds us as teachers that our students have stuff going on at their homes also. Every day I came in, I had to leave my baggage outside the school; I couldn't be sad or unenthusiastic for something that happened at home and I also needed to remember to extend an arm of grace for my students.
On Wednesday we went to see "The Magic Flute," an opera. It was so amazing! Personally, it was my first opera, ever! The twist to this story was that my cooperating teacher wasn't able to go; so, I was in charge! For most, this would be a scary experience. However, with all my years of summer camp counseling I had it under control. I think the biggest compliment went unsaid by my cooperating teacher. The fact that she felt confident enough to leave me in charge was such a confidence booster! :)
Wednesday was also the same day that I received my hug. I was doing my usual polite conversations with my students and the "MVP" comes up and gives me a hug and says, "Miss Sanchez, you are the best teacher I've met." I almost cried. This is the same student who has temper tantrums and cusses out people, the same one who bullies others and who is infamously known around the school. In a circumstance like this, I have nothing to say but, "Thanks, Jesus." Honestly, it is the ability He gives me to see the beauty within the brokenness. It is His love that overflows from me to others. What a great experience! (And it has significantly changed his behavior in the classroom.)
I am also having a better handle on my classroom management. I've had them redo things like lining up or walking down the hall when it wasn't quiet enough. I know that it's time consuming but it is something that is has to be done to show them that as older students of the school they need to be the example of the school. I have adapted the phrase, "Show me your Bulldog best!" (Since the Bulldog is our mascot and the school has a lot of school pride!)
I have noticed my teacher leaving the classroom a lot more. I'm getting so much more experience to having my own classroom! I can't believe I'm so close to what I want to do for the rest of my life! :)
Wow! You had to learn a hard lesson about leaving personal issues outside of class. I'm sure that was very difficult!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is a huge compliment that your teacher left you in charge for the field trip. I'm a bit jealous as I have never been to an opera!
You are making a big difference at your school. A hug by the MVP is bonus!!
I'm sure that these days of being fully in charge with your teacher out of the room will be challenging and fulfilling.
I have a question for you. How does your faith impact what you do in the classroom? Give that some thought. Maybe you can put that in this week's post.
Thanks,
Have a great one!
Dr. Meyer
What a good reflection! Often times we are "actors" in the classroom. Your sister, daughter, husband, mother, etc is sick, upset, or just changing and we leave it outside the classroom, or as I say, "at Jesus feet." and focus on the children in front of me. This was a good lesson for you to learn. You can almost have a duel personality: one inside the classroom and one outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe opera experience was great. I go to one opera a year just because I love it. Now, my question to you is, "who paid for it and the bus and any other expense?" What happened to the student who could not afford this experience. What preparations had to be made? How also did this tie into the standards? All of which you have to deal with when planning a field trip.
At first your "MVP of bad behavior" comment made me laugh. You have a way with words and keep that humor. Then as I read on, I started to tear up. Yes, you are reflecting the love of Christ as you work with the broken parts of children. "As you do it to the least of these, you do it onto me." Now there may be set-backs in this child, but look for little miracles all around. Not only in him but in you and the rest of the classroom.
God bless you
Mrs. Greene,
Delete1. Yes, I agree that we are all actors! Thankfully, she is doing a lot better!
2. The district passed a "law" that schools are not allowed to ask students for any money. So, the students had to fundraise. They sold World's Famous Chocolates to make it possible for everyone to go.
3. Thank you for your frequent comments of encouragement! :)
Many blessings!
Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed with what you are describing as your classroom. I am sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she is ok. I think that you are really reaching these kids. When the "MVP of bad behavior" has meaningful words to say and seals with a hug I believe that is a positive reinforcement of your work. Keep up the good work and I'm praying for you! :)
Courtney
Courtney,
DeleteThanks so much for your encouragement! I really appreciate it! :)