The Chronicles of Room 19

My 4th graders keep teaching me as I teach them. It's amazing to see how we can connect that way.

This week there were many small battles that needed to fought over issues in the classroom. Some big, some not to serious. And to decide which ones are important and which ones need attention over instruction time is hard. I observed one student using a word out of context, laughing, making fun of, and to him and the way he was raised its probably fine in his home to do that. But in a world that is changing, there needed to be something said. And of course I walked by just as it was being said, and when they should have been doing independent reading. I didn't think I was bothered by it, until later and that's when I realized how much words can affect people. Which brings me to the next issue I chose to fight.

We had an emotional morning, and one student got worked up over nothing. In the end everything was fine, and recess had come so she was going to be able to let those emotions be forgotten and run around. (That is the best thing about THREE recesses at this school.) After recess I was observing the table she was sitting at, and noticed some unusual behavior. Math continued on, and walking around I saw a new post it note on her desk. That note worried me. And I decided I needed to talk to her after Math. She brushed it off, and ran to lunch so I handed it to my CT. I think it was the best choice in the moment, but now there are so many things I could have done. Reminding students who they are, and of these 3 statements could have changed reactions from everyone. So remember, You are Kind. You are Smart. You are Important. 

In South Africa news, we have 49 days! 7 Weeks from Saturday! It seems unbelievable. Now becomes the time when things need to get done, packing, school work, packing the apt and all the jazz. Its' going to be a busy 7 weeks, and if it was anything like this last week I doubt I'll remember much of what happened.