You know it's bad when... The thought that came to me before cafeteria duty as I contemplated the need for a glass of wine- at 11am. By that point I had ridden a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions teaching in the measly three hours that I had at that point. Add to the fact I kept thinking it was Wednesday my day was made very, very long.-
Let me back up. My workday started off great. Reading aptitude tests were administered to the students from my small group that I work with every day as they're quite far behind. They ALL made major improvements! Even the child with mild mental retardation was excelling above and beyond. I was thrilled. In fact, I jumped up and down a couple of times and I'm not supposed to do that with this silly gas bubble that's hanging out in my eye. Oops. But, at the same time how could I not? It was a major milestone for these kids and I was thrilled to be a part of that.
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After that class I headed to the room where I help out with the emotionally disturbed kiddo. Mind you I love this kid and Leo and him share a special bond. He's come leaps and bounds since when we first met, but, he still struggles as to be expected. Today he was in a separate classroom taking a benchmark test with another teacher. I was redirected to that room and I sat there for the latter half of his test. Mind you, he hates, HATES tests but I thought that he was doing well despite the fact he was having some struggles.
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Well, I was kinda right. He did well in the room with the test, but, once he left that room we couldn't get him back into his normal classroom. I walked around and around the school with him, had to at one point keep him from running away from me. Picture it: I'm in heels, Leo's leash him my left, and the kiddo's arm in my right hand trying desperately to keep him from running, not to grip him too hard (don't wanna risk injury), keep Leo nearby, and try not to fall. It was poetry in motion folks I'm here to tell ya.
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So after forty-five minutes of working to keep him calm and settle (mind you this is nowhere near his worst) I went to lunch duty. Working to keep calm while keeping a child calm takes immense focus and physical energy. I wanted a nap. Sometimes I wish I was Leo. Oh to curl up on the floor and nap wherever and whenever. Wouldn't that be nice?
So after forty-five minutes of working to keep him calm and settle (mind you this is nowhere near his worst) I went to lunch duty. Working to keep calm while keeping a child calm takes immense focus and physical energy. I wanted a nap. Sometimes I wish I was Leo. Oh to curl up on the floor and nap wherever and whenever. Wouldn't that be nice?
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Today was just another day in the life of one who teaches. Ups and downs are a natural part of it, but, sometimes I'm surprised with how draining it all can be especially when you have to keep going forth and molding more young minds who may or may not cause you other difficulties. But, hey, at least I get to come home, get in comfy clothes, and pour a nice glass of wine to wind down. Being an adult does indeed have its perks.
6 comments:
Ohhhh I'm there with ya, hun. There's a winery in Arkansas called Chateau Aux Arc that makes a wine called Altage with a European grape. It's WONderful. Adam bought me a case. 'Nuff said. You do wonderful things with these kids, and that sort of patience is enviable! You rock!
Ohhhh what is this grape and case you speak of? I must try some! ;-)
That said, thank you. I admire you so much and I don't think I could do what you do! Keep at it Hun you're doing great things.
I've always been amazed by those people who are successful teachers. Your patience is wonderful and I'm sure the kids appreciate you, even if it's hard.
I guess that makes the nice glass of wine in the evening even more special.
I don't remember what kind of grape it is. There's a story that goes with it, though. Apparently one of the other Arkansas vineyards smuggled a very specific type of grape into the USA because of its amazing quality and taste. They planted it, cultivated it, forgot about it, and sold the land with that grape on it to the owner of Chateau Aux Arc when she was getting started. They realized their mistake later and tried to buy it back from her, but she only laughed at them (can't blame her)! So she uses it to make Altage. I personally liked last year's blend better, but it's still good this year. I'm having a few people over next Friday if you wanna come by. I think we'll open a bottle or two!
Sarah- I am definitely intrigued! I will have to try this soon. I'm always up for trying a new wine!
Dedene- Thank you so much!! It is difficult some days, heck some weeks! I'd like to think I'm making a difference, even if it's just a bit. It's easy most days to leave work at work, but, there are some days I can't help but be burdened by it. But, I talk about it and try to regain that balance. I like to think I'm doing pretty well with it all things considered. As I always say, though, it's a work in progress!
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