Tired Teacher Friday Edition
Beginning a new school year is hard on students but also their teachers. Part of it is finding a rhythm for getting all the “extra” work completed. As noted last week I had to move to a much smaller room. In addition to being the size of a large closet it also has air conditioning issues, i.e. there is hardly any. My principal has walked into my room a few times and asked if it was always this overly warm - I replied yes. It is especially hot when you get 24 little bodies in the room. I bought a fan but it really does not help all that much. We have been in an extreme heat warning all week which has also not helped. The central office does not seem to think it is a problem, but then they never set foot in actual classrooms if they can help it.
My week began with arriving late to school on Monday because my car battery died. We scrambled to get me to work while my DH went off to buy an ew battery. Not how you want to begin a work week.
My students are getting better at being students. They are starting to remember the routines. This week we had to take a district mandated computer assessment. Yes, you read that right I have to put 5 year olds on a computer to take an assessment test. The first day was just a disaster since they cannot independently log onto a computer and really have no idea how to use a laptop. They are all pretty good with iphones and tablets but not much else. They have to complete both a reading and math assessment. The first day I had one in tears and honestly I felt like joining in. After reviewing the results I was told all of my students tested at the beginning kindergarten level. I refrained from responding what a surprise considering they are beginning kindergartners. I think that restraint deserves a gold star.
Fridays I usually do a craft with my kiddos. Kindergarten is very academic in the USA. There is little time to do “non-academic” tasks that do not push the needle on their academic growth. I think they need time to cut, color and glue construction paper among other fun kid centered activities. I have been teaching long enough that if questioned can justify almost any activity as academic with education lingo. It is the thing the kids love the most. We always hang up our masterpieces in the classroom for a few weeks so we can admire them. I am always amazed that even though we do the craft together step by step and i provide a model I still have some interesting work. That is what makes kindergarten fun!
