September 22, 2009

I think I got lucky today. So many of the other staff members seemed to be having a really rough day. My day was definitely not so bad. It was definitely busy though. My prep was taken up with going through permission slips and logging them/checking them with the rosters for the after school program. This followed by full day in which I was also to be preparing for the Open House that afternoon/evening. The only realy sour moment of the day was my class right before lunch. Despite a couple moments of togetherness it was very out of hand. I was a couple times worried seriously about student safety and I'm uncomfortable feeling helpless like that. Again, watching things fall apart. It was really tough for me.
I was reassured slightly by a very satisfactory lunch email from the prior day's mini observation by my principal. Lunch was also another UFT meeting. It was just our rep this time who is wonderful so I enjoyed it. I was still overwhelmed and slightly confused. I need to finish reading our contract, but overall it was helpful. SO important to read . I wish I'd done it this summer or earlier!

The afternoon today was also pretty smooth and again I feel lucky compared to how some teachers seemed to feel today. The only afternoon hiccup was when the student who I've written about many times now, made his way into the room. He was followed by the other student who often has similar outbursts, the Para, Social Worker, and Principal. I watched/tried to help for 15 minutes as they attempted to ask, beg, and physically restrain/carry the student out of the room. I so wish there was another way. The behavior plan involved stickers and rewards. I wonder why it's not working. I mean I get that it's a temporary fix to a situation that is often and easily out of control but I feel like there's a larger issue not being addressed and no one knows what that issue is yet. These two kids were all over the room before they were finally "controlled". This included throwing Orff Mallets, Pulling out recorders and running down the hall blowing as hard as possible. It was kind of scary. I need to remember to submit an anecdotal/incident report.

After that ordeal, extended day was lovely. I really enjoy getting to push in and help with language work. It reinforces my own Spanish and I get to interact and engage in a different lens and environment.

The open house was also very successful. It's amazing how kids act around their parents. Everyone is happy to be back all of a sudden. Lots of hugs for Mr. D. Let's go hangout in Mr. D's room and make music. SO interesting.

Looking back on these last few days as we move into the instruments, etc. I really want to engage in more dialogue in class. I know that these can't be too long, but I think we need to adjust to having them. We've been stopping to talk, but I'd like to change what we talk about to things more like I've been doing when referencing our notecards. I think that will be my project from now: making sure that I make myself stop and talk with everyone.