Let's be honest with ourselves today. The countless hours, endless report card comments, cruddy curriculum changes, technology problems, lack of parent support, and other troublesome issues that swarm school campuses can really get you down from time to time. Most of us knew this going into the profession, but such issues can begin to wear on you. I caught myself here just a few weeks ago. In my opinion, these are the times in our profession that we need to hold on to what we LOVE about school and teaching. It always seems to put a smile back on my face and it helps me change my attitude.
Let me back up and front-load this one for you a bit. I was alwas a HUGE fan of Pollyanna growing up. After the first time sitting through this flick, I began playing the Glad Game on a daily basis. I know it's dippy, but finding the "good" when things seem to not be going so well always makes me feel better.
With this said, I played the Glad Game just last week and it helped. Here are my 3 favorite things about my home away from home . . . those things that keep me coming back for more when the going gets tough.
ONE - Those "Oh, I Get It" Moments
One of my all time favorite things about teaching is watching those "wheels turn." There is nothing like the moment when it "clicks" for a babe. The pride in their eyes and the smile on their face is worth every tough moment in the trenches.
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| This was the moment I heard tons of those exclamations about subtraction. "Oh, this is EASY!" #musictomyears |
TWO - My Bestie
Everyone has someone that they lean on while they are on campus. I am lucky enough to get to share a classroom with the person who helps hold me up on a regular basis. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she puts up with my insanity and is one of my dearest friends in this world. When things get messy, she always puts a smile back on my face. Court . . . you are one in a million and I am so THANKFUL to have you in my life.
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| Doin' what she does best . . . teaching our babes! |
Three - The Giggles
My final favorite thing is rather simple, but it undoes me every single time. A child's giggle keeps me coming back for more. If I can teach a concept in a way that not only makes the standard stick, but also produces a grin from ear to ear, I have earned my pay for the day. It's those contagious giggles that always warm my heart and eventually melt any and all worries away.
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| We are always causing trouble in Room 13. Kiddo giggles are the BEST thing ever! |
Alright, that's it from little old me today. It's your turn now. You can jump in on the Home Away From Home angle or you can roll with another H theme. NO matter which route you choose, we would love to have you jump in on the action and link up below. Thanks so much for stopping in to visit us -- we are thankful for YOU. I'll see you next month.
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| Snag a blank copy to add your own H Topic to . . . HERE :) |
I am thankful for my home away from home too! The best moments for me are when we come together as a kind of family and support one another. That's when it is all worth it!
ReplyDelete-Lisa
Mrs. Spangler in the Middle
Isn't that the truth . . . I SO agree with you on this. We have a great staff as well. They help make the world go round. Thanks for taking the time to pop in to see us! Merry Turkey to you.
DeleteLove it! Totally agree with all you said BUT I do wish that my best bud worked with me in my room :) You are very lucky!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth. I know . . . SOOOOO lucky. It's a one year job share deal, but I LOVE getting to work directly with my bestie for one round.
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