News at Home: Back to School Kinder Teacher Tired
Y’all I’m tired. Exhausted. I’m back to school Kinder Teacher Tired. I miss my fully trained kids! Overall I had a good week, but this group is going to be work. I don’t THINK I’m going to have any really BAD behaviors (knocking on some serious wood here), but we have a startling lack of common sense this year. They just don’t get IT.
I could go on and on about our adventures this week, but here’s some highlights:
- I have a student who has not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES left the restroom with his pants down. Anatomy 101 kids! LOL
- Glue did not go well. Despite explicit instruction and demonstration, glue got pretty much everywhere. And we were using glue sticks!
- We’d spend 3-5 minutes getting the line just right and then turn a corner just to have kids wandering the full expanse of the hallway again. *pounds head on wall*
- In previous years, when kids tried to get my attention by shouting my name, following me around tapping me on the arm, and other means BESIDES raising their hand and I ignored them, they would quickly get the point, go sit down and raise their hand. Not this year. I had a girl follow me around saying “Mrs. Carmona!” for a solid 5 minutes.
Like I said there was plenty more – we can’t sit at the carpet right, we can’t sit at our tables right, we can’t color, we talk WAY TOO MUCH, and yeah… it was work. We’re going to be a while before we’re ready to learn anything except how to be in school. Next week we have to go to the computer lab… where most of them will probably encounter mice for the first time. *pounds head on desk*
I had only one BAD moment this week and it was entirely not my fault and ended very well. Thank god! At dismissal we all have duties, and mine was not with my class. So I had to leave 2 kinder teachers to watch the dismissal of 4 kinder classes. In October that will be fine. In August – when our 5 year-olds look like they’re walking around with their head cut off – it’s a lot to manage. Anyway, I’m off doing my duty and I hear over the radio, “Does anyone have eyes on Carmona’s [student name]?” It makes me nervous, but I’m sure he’s just not hearing his name being called. Then someone shows up and tells me I’m needed with my class because they can’t find my student. They want me to go talk to mom and I’m like, “uh, I don’t know where he went, I wasn’t THERE. When I left he was sitting in line!” To add to my freak out, this is the student in my class that has Leukemia (yes, I know, breaks my freaking heart). Y’all I was running around that school calling his name, as were a dozen other teachers. Thankfully, he had just heard his daycare called and got in line, even though he knew and the daycare knew he wasn’t going there this week.
So he was safe, and mom was unbelievably down to earth about the whole thing – she never got angry and when I emailed her letting her know that I had made arrangements to have someone cover my duty because I was going to be with my class here on out (which I TOLD my principal, didn’t ask) she replied that she appreciated me taking it so seriously and at least we knew he’d have no trouble riding the daycare bus. LOL! She has a sense of humor about it! Wow! Major relief y’all.
Anyway I’m so tired from this week and spent Saturday doing absolutely nothing. Watched 2 Harry Potter movies, read a little, NEVER got dressed. Great day. π
Blog News
Gah, I have let myself slip behind! I mean, I still have most of September written, but I’m no longer barreling ahead like I was. Hoping to get back on track this week!
#FitReaders Update
This week I started eating a few more mushy foods. I’ve been very gradually adding things in, as I don’t want to upset my system and not know what the cause was. So far, I’ve done canned chicken with avocado, canned chicken with applesauce, ground turkey with avocado, ground turkey with applesauce, ground turkey with laughing cow cheese, and poached egg.
I only had one miss-step – I either didn’t chew well enough (I’m supposed to chew like 25-30 times for each nickel size bite) or took my bites too close together- because all of a sudden I felt “clogged” I guess, for lack of a better word. It wasn’t in my stomach, but higher. I kept trying to burp and finally a burp kind of lead to a foamy vomit – sorry gross I know – and then I felt great. And I’ve felt fine since, so I just have to be really diligent on the chewing/spacing out bites.
I still am not back to an exercise routine – haven’t been cleared yet. But work is LIKE exercise. I’ve been pretty sore – but not from surgery, just from being on my feet so non-stop. I’m hoping I’ll adjust soon. As far as surgery pain, it’s just been that same area, and only if I bend too far, which I’m doing pretty good avoiding.
I have my 4 weeks out (I can’t believe it’s already 4 weeks!) appointment on Tuesday, so hopefully everything will be good there. I’m down 26 pounds, which averages out to about 1 pound a day, so I can’t complain. It kinda sucked not being able to have wine the first week of school though!
Last Week on the Blog
- [28 Aug] These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly ★★★★
- [28 Aug] Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry ★★★★
- [28 Aug] Fall of Night by Jonathan Maberry
- [28 Aug] Don't Tempt Me by Lori Foster ★★★★½
- [30 Aug] #bingewatchersclub ~ Stuck in Bed, no problem, thank god for Netflix
- [1 Sep] Monthly Book Report ~ Just a quick update!
- [2 Sep] Berls’s TBR List | September 2017 Choices
- [2 Sep] My To-Be Read List September Vote ~ Shelf Books
- [3 Sep] Sunday Post with Berls | Back to School Kinder Teacher Tired
Coming Next Week From Me
Saturday
Sunday Post with Berls
Monday
Just a Few DNFs I THOUGHT I’d love
Tuesday
#TTT – Books I struggled with but finished
Wednesday
#BBB – Accessibility on your Blog
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!
I just finished…
nothing…
Reading Now…
I’m still listening to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Love!) and then I’m reading Written in Red still. So good!
Up Next…
No idea!
Wow that was a tough week but sorry it made me laugh. I can’t imagine having to teach these young kids. I hope the school year gets better. Congrats on the weight loss ! I hope you have a better week!
Thanks Kathy! Yeah, it is funny – once it’s not in the midst of happening! π I’m sure it will get better, every year starts rough (though differently rough). Hopefully this week is much better! Have a great week Kathy!
OMG! Those are some pretty hilarious mishaps… Do most of your kids go to preschool before entering Kinder? It seems like they haven’t if they struggle with some things like glue, coloring, and bathroom. But maybe I have just forgotten what it’s like to have 5 year olds? Well… glad you are doing okay (even without the wine!) and I hope you had a good Labor Day weekend!
Yeah this group is going to keep me on my toes, it seems. Some of them had prek, but most haven’t. School isnt mandatory until 1st grade in TX so we get quite a few kids with no school experience. I’ve had a great weekend, thanks! Have a great week!
Oh my goodness, what a first week. I’m guessing this isn’t too unusual? I mean, there’s probably an adjustment period at the beginning of every year while the kids learn what it means to be in school and what’s expected on them before the real work can begin? Some of it was kind of funny (the kid leaving the bathroom with his pants down LOL) but some not so much (the kid no one could find at pick-up time). No wonder you were exhausted after that week!
I had a DNF this past week, too, which is so rare for me. But I just wasn’t feeling it. When I realized I didn’t really care what happened… yeah, it was time to quit.
It’s not that unusual, no, especially with Kinder. Every group is their own surprise, I’m learning, but there’s always some chaos as they learn how to be in school. Most of it I definitely laugh at, once I’m out of the moment. The missing child was terrifying and I wanted to cry.
Too bad about the DNF – but I do know the feeling. A book that you’re bored with and just don’t care… Yeah, DNF! Better reading luck this week π
Your kinders sound like my sixthers last year. Although I have one who tried to cut off his thumb with scissors this week, and although he is African American, he is one of the “Mexican Mafia” crew that came from one school in our district that had absolutely NO discipline. They behave in the classroom, but in unstructured settings like the hall and cafeteria, they think they are some kind of badasses. Thankfully I only have the one, apparently. This class by far is eons ahead in terms of behavior. A direct representation of the lack of parenting in the homes. I had a horrible parent run-in myself this week, and while it ended fine for me, I was raked over the coals about it. It was very hurtful. I am glad your kid had a mom who understands. We had a similar incident when I was little – my brother’s kinder teacher was adamant that he went to daycare, even though me and all my older cousins all got dropped off at my grandma’s. We’re talking six kids and one goes to daycare? I went and got him from the stupid daycare line. When she stopped the daycare bus, the bus barn sent an employee to forcibly remove him from the bus. I stood up and told the man if he touched my brother, I would kick him in the balls, and all my cousins were standing up in th aisle behind me. The bus driver was totally new to the area, but she lived out near us, and after that she told the man to get off the bus. My brother would go home with the rest of us. Despite being terrified of this teacher, my mom made him go back to school – and the teacher targeted him. Nothing ever happened to her. NOTHING. My brother was so traumatized he did not return to school for almost six months. My 2nd grade teacher had moved down to kinder, so she and the counselor came to our house and asked him to come back to school and be in her class. It can be so scary for little kinders! I have lost steam on my blogging roll, too. And I don’t know where the time is going to come to do it, either. I hope you have a better week this coming week.
Wow! That’s crazy-your poor brother! Things like that can be so traumatic for little Kinders! I’m glad most your class is good in terms of behavior – that’s like the biggest hurdle these days. Sorry your parent incident didn’t go to well – I’ve been there. Parents are the part of this job I struggle with the most :/ good luck catching up in your blogging… We’ll find the time somewhere right? Have a great week!!
I shouldn’t laugh at your trials with your students but it kind of cracked me up…lol. Mainly cause now and then I have to work with the 6-7 year olds in children’s church and your glue everywhere thing and the can’t quit talking, I was shaking my head…yep….lol. Hope this week is less stressful and that they are quick learners. π
Lol no it is funny, when I’m not in the midst of it. I can imagine you’ve experienced much of the same at church π fingers crossed they learned a bit last week and this week will be easier! Have a great week π
What a week you had! I feel for you, Berls. What a scare with that one child. I am glad the parent was so understanding. My daughter’s campus is going to a completely closed campus starting this week as a result of a school shooting in a neighboring town last year where two kids were killed. I have a feeling pick ups are going to be a bit challenging and chaotic until everyone gets the routine down. Parents won’t be allowed on campus at all before or after school–nor during–without a visitor’s pass, anyway. Parents will drop kids off at the outside gates . I think the biggest concern are the kindergartners, but there will be staff to make sure they get to the kindergarten area. For pick ups, the teachers have to take all the students to the front or back gate of the school (they have designated gate assignments) and will see that each kid is picked up there. Since my daughter attends the after school program on campus, she’ll be picked up by the after school program staff directly from her classroom which is nice. Some of the other schools in the district have been doing something like that for awhile, but it’s new to our school–so it’ll take some getting used to by many. The school has about 1100 students, so it’s not a small school. I think it’s sad it’s come to this. I wonder if they will cancel the costume parade on Halloween. Parents have always been allowed to come onto campus for that event.
It sounds like you are recovering well form your surgery! I hope school doesn’t set you back any.
I hope you have a much better week this week, Berls!
How scary! We became a more closed campus around January last year. Dismissal/arrival is entirely through 2 heavily manned doors. It definitely took some getting used to and Kinder was /is the challenge – they need a lot of hand holding now that they don’t have their very own dismissal. But it’s worth it to know the kids are safe. We’re still able to do a lot of things with parents though, as long as they are willing to sign in and get a visitors pass. So hopefully your school will be similar. Your school is bigger though, we have about 800 students – and that’s considered large!
Thanks! You have a great week as well!
I’m sorry you’re tired, but I know with patience and firmness you will teach these children not just how to behave in school but how to love school… because that’s the sort of teacher you are! Take care of yourself, and best of luck with your recovery. π
Thanks Lark! I think I would be just as tired if I weren’t recovering from surgery, so that’s a plus. I think we’ll have a good, fun year once they figure out the rules π have a great week!!
After the summer always gets those kids crazy the first few weeks. I can’t even tell you how often I will get a call the first week because of Ryan.
I hope this week goes a lot smoother for you!
With the kids back in school I can now get back to blogging so now worries at the moment we are both behind lol. I will officially be back next week. I have lots to add to the mix. Plus we need a chat day to go over the next few months! π
Have a great week! π ox
Lol I believe it! My kids haven’t had a summer break – this is their FIRST time in school, so they are SUPER crazy. It’s like a super power lol. Yes, maybe we can chat tomorrow? If you’re off? At least both of us a little behind on 1 blog isn’t as bad as 2 π {{Hugs}}
I think I would have died if I couldn’t have any wine last week, Berls! And I’m so happy I teach in high school π At least, they already know to raise their hands to talk, and get clothed before they leave the restroom π I’m sure you’ll have them trained soon, though π They will know that it won’t work to follow you around repeating your name, for example.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading. Miss you!! {{{HUGS}}}
Yeah, definitely could have used some wine! I hope you’re week went well! As much as they drive me crazy at this point of the year – I’m so glad I don’t teach high school… π fingers crossed they learn faster this week than they did last week. Miss you bunches! {{{HUGS}}}
Wow, you got your hands full! Left the bathroom with his pants down? Dang. Good luck w/ the computer lab next week lol. And good for you on taking a day just to chill. Those are the best days. π
Lol yeah, we had some adventures π yesterday felt great and I feel refreshed for this upcoming week. I don’t plan on doing much today either, though I do have to do a bit. Have a great week Greg!
You make me laugh! Isn’t the start of the school year such a chore after the smooth running class of end of year. Happens every time and always a relief when it all comes together again. Nice to have the Harry Potter audio to rest with.
Yes! It’s such a shock to the system to realize just how much you trained that last class! Fingers crossed my class will start to come together by the end of the month. Loving my HP π have a great week Kathryn!