I need a break!

And happily it is coming this week. Friday is teacher work day, Monday and Tuesday is UEA. I am so excited. It has been a hard week. We had ribbon week and everyday there was something going on, and NOTHING got accomplished. So, I have to test like crazy this week so I have something to show parents as Parent Teacher conference comes up. I don't know what is going on though. I am struggling with getting my class to act as they are supposed to. Sometimes they think what they have to say is more important than what I have to say. I need to figure something out. I also have made a new seating chart, and it is kind of exciting. I think I might have gotten my students sitting by some one they haven't sat by yet. We will see what their response is on Monday when they are changing it.
I just need to figure out what is going on. I meet with my principal and mentor tomorrow. Not scary at all because they both LOVE me. So, I just have to go and get a quick boost. . . I really like the days I see my mentor. I really feel like I have someone on my side when that happens. I also have a class this week I am going to, I am excited for that. So, my week is kind of extra short. It will be nice. It is time to go to bed, I need to be ready for tomorrow.

Contract time? What is that?

Okay, here I sit, I was in at least 20 minutes before contract time began, and it is now 30 minutes after it ended. The other teachers in my grade were at a cummunity council meeting and I feel bad I want to leave. When I leave I will go home take at least two hours for myself, then I will go buy the fish tank I should have bought yesterday, go get baby food, and food coloring. Go home and read for Social Studies so I can explain about what we are learning. And go to bed to wake up and start all over again. I really do love my job. I just wish I had it in me to say, "No more, I'm done." And actually I do. I am leaving if anyone else has a problem with it, too bad for them. I need to go away for two hours and then work on school stuff. I am not gettign anything accomplished here.

Yelling. . . Voice Level

Sometimes I feel that all I do is talk on a yelling level. I know that it isn't good becuase the kids keep getting louder until they meet my level and it starts all over again. What is the definition of insainty? "Doing the samething over again expecting different results."
I enjoy my class and I am enjoying them even more now that I see them all day. But, I feel that some of the things I am doing aren't working. I walk past the other sixth grade classes and the classes are quietly working my class is working noisely. However, my class is actually having more fun than the other two classes. So, I guess it is a trade off. I would rather have my class enjoy school than dread it. But I want them to behave while they are here. I just need to keep working on it and see what happens.

Stress Level

Well, my stress level has kind of balanced. I thought this was going to be so hard. But in reality it is so much better for me and for the kids. I am not fighting with the other teachers about issues. I have more time. I've also spent a lot of time thinking about what I need to do to make things work the way I want them to work. Nothing has really changed. I can do this. I just need to keep my focus on the right thing, the kids.
Yesterday was kind of scary being up there and doing nothing but reading. . . I was bored the kids were bored, so today I tried to make it more learning on their own and not from the book. I hope the kids have enjoyed it. I also spent over $200 to get a classroom set of a book, so we can start reading it next week. Like I said it is going to be different than what the rest of the grade is doing. But, I am excited to see what happens in the next few weeks.
My class overall likes the change. I like the change. I am glad it was good for us.