I used to think the most painful thing I've ever experienced was reading 9th grade remedial autobiographical incident essays. Tonight I have been proven wrong. I just spent an hour and a half watching my four year old write his name on 21 valentines for tomorrow's party in pre-school. The essays are starting to look good to me. I have nothing but respect for those of you out there who work with 4-5 years olds in groups of at least 20 (even 3 at a time scares me). You are saints. I could never do it. Give me teenagers any day!
But there is nothing like the excitement of the little boy or girl when they write the first letter in their name for the very first time...running around hollering 'LOOK! I WROTE MY LETTER 'K'(OR WHATEVER) ...
We think you are a saint for dealing with teenageers! I used to recommend having the child write 4-5 names each night when I sent home the class list. Of course, when the party is the next day it's too late for that advice!
I didn't know about the party until I got home Tuesday, but I should have bought the valentines earlier. Our house has been a hot bed of flu victims. My four year old and I are the only two who have managed to escape its wrath. We're saying a little prayer that it remains that way.
LOL! We just did the valentines! All my little girl had to do was write her name since she's just learning, but even that works on your nerves when you're up to the sixth or seventh one and she's getting tired of it!
Tell me about it... he is in slow motion all the time, then he complains that everything takes too long and he has things to do. Little does he know that if he would quit getting up and showing everyone the way the big A is written on the card followed by the big belly on the little d... and so on, he would be done. You should see the boy eat dinner. We have to set an alarm. He gets one hour from when everyone else finishes. We are starting to shorten that time frame. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased as anything that he is excited about school and the new things he can do... but it's the celebration of every little thing followed shortly by the frustration of not being finished followed by the same celebration that wears on me. I still celebrate, but I've got my limits. I guess that's why I teach teenagers. They don't celebrate EVERYTHING... there are celebrations ie. "Oh that's iambic pentameter... now I get it." or "Yes! I'm passing English," but that's the extent.
All of you who teach the tiny children have my utmost respect and admiration. I have taught grades six through college, never the tiny ones unless you count Bible school or things my own children were involved with. I know I could never deal with all the intrusions, labels, and special treatments that you all seem to mete out or deal with, with so much professional aplomb. My own kids never got much attention in elementary school; the teachers were so busy with the bad or slow kids it seemed like the fast or smart ones never got a share of the pie. My kids spent the greater part of their elementary years out in the hall, tutoring the dumb kids. Whenever I would suggest some attention for the handful of extra-smart kids, I was met with horror that I would even THINK of something so elitist. Ah well. The fact is, I myself would have no clue how to deal with a roomful of tiny children. Give me my twelve-to-ninety-year-olds any day. And, did anyone happen to notice that there seem to be some feuds going on in this forum that do not involve me in any way? See, I'm not the ONLY one!!!!!!
feuds? I guess I don't know what you mean. I didn't think I wrote anything that should be taken as disrespectful... if I did, I apologize
As a prechool teacher and child care center director, I have to say...give me my 6 week olds to five year olds any day of the week! I have always jokingly said that there is a special place in heaven for those who teach middle school and high school...now, I am no longer joking! Part of the reason why I enjoy the little ones is because there are a lot of young parents or first time parents that are looking for rescue...advice/tips/insight, etc. Parent education should be a part of any quality child care center, and even any quality classroom...parents of young children, I have found, are more likely to listen to other people's advice (prehaps because they are fairly new to parenting?) God bless those of you who teach older children and even adults...I know I couldn't do it, no matter how much money I would make! Bethany P.S. Jane...been there with the fued thing...we all have strong opinions about what is best for the ages we teach...that's what makes us good teachers...stand up for what you believe! Be respectful, but if you disagree, these forums are supposted be to for us to share opinions, advice, etc.
I didn't mean to offend anybody with that "feud" statement; I was trying to be funny. It seems like usually I'm right in the middle, or at the beginning, of some of the 'feuds' here. I was just saying that I haven't been involved in any controversies lately. I guess I've shot that one down already though, huh.
I'm happy for any advice. I think what Bethany says about educating parents is right on target. It also goes for older kids. I've been working with teenagers for longer than most of my kid's parents have been dealing with them. There are certain traits that follow with the territory that many parents haven't encountered. I'd like to think I can help both the kids and the parents deal with this tranisitional time with a little more understanding and patience on both sides. Jane I didn't mean to jump on you or anyone else. I'm one of those people who likes to say her peace, but doesn't want to offend (which sometimes can't go hand in hand). I know it's hard to "read" other people online. Which would be why I misunderstood your humor. I enjoy knowing why people chose to teach the things they teach. As an English teacher, math teachers are an enigma to me. I like to know what I missed that somebody else finds enjoyable. As for offensive, I didn't take any. Nor do I when presented with another person's opinion or idea. I thought I had stepped on someone's toes. It is pretty hard to offend me. Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and different ideals. I like to read through the Early education strands because I have a four year old who, to me, is like an alien from the planet weird. I'll probably know better what to do when he hits the ripe old age of 11, but now I feel clueless. There are feuds everywhere that's what makes life exciting! To be caught in the middle is the most exciting place to be. Roll with it and make the most of it. talking it through is a lot healthier than what happened to Romeo and the fair Juliet. Wow, this unit needs to be over a bit more quickly.
Yea, I have seen a lot feuding going on lately, too and I like it cuz' I'm not in it either, Jane. I really had to laugh when I read your post this time...what ever made you think it wouldn't cause an uproar this time around?! I was thinking the same thing you were and I just figured, "Oh what the heck."
college- wow! that's another step I don't think I could take. I had 8 for two years, the past 8 years I've had 9, 10, and 12. My favorite is 9
I absolutely adored 6, 7, and 8. I miss them a lot. But college level is fantastic. I have remedial classes, so the work is not really that much different from middle school curriculum, grammar/spelling-wise. And it's really nice to be able to TEACH, and not worry about discipline, committees, parents, etc. But oh my, I did love my beautiful middle school kids. . . . . I still keep my old website up for them, in fact. And sometimes, they come to visit me! I love that. I LOVE that.
Thank you to you middle school teachers. I don't know how you do it! I live with an almost 13 year old daughter, the moods, the requests (cell phones, double pierced years), the homework (she's studying in 7th grade science what I vaguely remember from my Sophomore Biology class!) The dishonesty, only at times & only about somethings. The forgetfulness. Have I left anything out. Through it all I still love her, even though she's already planning on driving! I'll work with my kinders any time before I teach upper elementary or above!!
Middle school age is my absolute favorite. Yes, even over my college students now. Every day was an adventure. I loved them.
kpa1b2- at least the piercings are only her ears. I've had kids a lot more pierced come through my doors. The good news is that if they are bad I just give them a hint that I may tug it out if they are not careful. Most of their parents would probably be thrilled As for forgetfull it's a phase. She will start to remember again when she is 30 or so. Don't worry
Oh my dears. Hair and tatoos and emotions and piercings? Except for the tatoos, these are not forever. Pick your battles more carefully. So many things are more important than these.
