One of the things I love about being a teacher (and believe me, I do NOT love everything!) is the idea of starting over every year. Of course a lot of what we do the year before affects us in our reputation and relationships with coworkers, children in the school and parents. However, we get a new group of kids every year and we get to do it all over again, change things that didn't work or won't work with a new group, and repeat our favorite things. My focus this year is to make kindergarten fun again. I am sure the kids think it has been fun all along, but really it has become so academically based it's really sad. I am reading this book called "The Trouble with Boys" by Peg Tyre. It is basically talking about how our sit still and do academics attitude in early elementary school is really hurting boys success in school. I have always made an effort to keep my kids active and engaged, but this year I am going to make even more of an effort than usual.
My goal for this year for myself is to CALM DOWN. When I was younger I think I was a relatively calm person but ever since I began teaching, I am the least calm person and it takes a toll on my whole body. Already, school has not begun and I've been waking up SO early (this is my version of not falling asleep at night, I just happen to be backwards) and my neck started hurting today for no reason at all (clearly stress related). Exercise is really the only thing so far that I have found that REALLY helps me tame the stress so I have to make sure to keep it up even when I am busy. My biggest problem is the fact that sometimes I don't even know I am stressing until I feel it in my body somehow. What do you guys do to calm down? Any stress relieving tips?
Stay tuned for tomorrow's 1st day post :)
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That's such a cool thing about being a teacher - the feeling of starting new every year! I never thought about that.
ReplyDeleteI get hungry when I'm stressed so I eat which is not good at all. Right now, I run or read.
Last week I was so "stressed" about something (I'm not sure what, just life I guess) that I did not fall asleep until 4 am one night, and 1 am the next night. I didn't even feel tired on the days after, nor was I hungry. It was so strange, the stress reaction is serious.
ReplyDeleteTo relax I lay down and read a good book, or workout, or do some pilates. I can't wait to get a nice bath tub, because I could do that too!
I totally get what you mean about not knowing your stressed til your body physically tells you. And good luck with your 21st first day of school tomorrow! Calming down sounds like a great goal for a lot of people and I think it is one you'll be able to work on and reap benefits from pretty quickly.
ReplyDeleteI like to leave the classroom early enough to do something fun after school, before dinner and home stuff. I try to plan two or three cheap or free things to do each week right after school; pedicure, running(definitely), coffee with a friend, massage. It keeps work important but not everything!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and good luck on your 21st "first" day!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your 21st day!
ReplyDeleteI lay on the couch and watch cheesy 80s movies to relax :)
Here's to a great year for you! My sister started teaching over ten years ago and went to the high school graduation of her first class recently. . . way to feel old!!! :)
ReplyDeletei am terrible at de-stressing... i get worked up wayyy too easily. hope you are able to find some easy, quality methods though.
ReplyDeletei've heard a *little* about how different schools are becoming, but i'm sure not nearly as much as you since you are in education. just how (this is a rough interpretation) playtime is being decreased because it's "not important". hello, recess and pe were my favorite 'classes'. drop out rates are going to soar if they make it all so strictly about academics. you still learn through activity (manners, how to get along with others, how to win/lose with grace) just like you learn through the arts and sciences. anyway, i'm far from the education field so i'll step off this box now :)
God Bless you. I could never teach. I love kids, but I just can't even fathom the amount of patience it takes! Esp w/ Kindergarteners!! Wowza. I am impressed.
ReplyDeleteI am not very good at calming myself down either. Exercise seems to be the best outlet for me. Or reading also helps. I take a bus so it is really nice to have those 40 minutes to read, listen to my iPod, and kind of decompress from the day's events.
Ah have a great day, girl!
ReplyDeleteHey.. just found your blog through Lisa and was reading through your old posts.. I am doing a long-term sub job in developmental kindergarten starting next week and I'd love to hear any idas of making it fun and including boys.. I will have to check out that book.. :)
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