- I can't-for the life of me, remember where I put my old camera. It normally resides at school, but I brought it home when I went on leave.
- I am only working 3 days a week and I feel like I am in a time crunch with teaching. I am not even sure I have time to take silly little pics.
- I live 32 miles from my school, so at the end of the day...I want to zoom home to see Mr. Cooper.
- Also, I constantly see pics that link to a blog, but then I see the same pic on another blog. I live in fear of not giving the right people credit.
Here are some tidbits about life right now, some school related....some not. I am UBER stressed lately. I have had some serious issues.
First, our landscaping company is suing us. That's right, actually taking us to court. It turns out the bill that we paid back in May never actually made it to their company. They never told us and our check was cashed. Now months have gone by and we found out the check was stolen. Blahblahblah...we are in the middle of ick. Stressful, ick. I am not handling it well. I am sure everything is going to be fine, but it is sidetracking me from everything.
The husband's job is looking rocky. I feel terrible for him. I feel terrified for us and our sweet little man. Nuff about that.
The Common Core has me quite worried over the state of Kindergarten. Common Core is here, I accept that, it just leaves me wondering if people realize that they are still babies and they still need time to adjust to a classroom, time to explore, time to play. I know, I will calm down...just a bit stressed.
Add to it, our school doesn't have half day or full day, we are in an extended day limbo. I believe the Common Core really requires full day, but I guess half day teachers are saying at least you have a little more time. I know. I'm just worried about the implications of some pretty hefty expectations.
I am trying so hard to keep everything together with a smile. I think I am doing a decent time staying upbeat. It's all the ick that constantly plays in my head.
I am trying to be a better blog reader. I will be completely honest, I haven't been great about reading blogs since the summer. I am trying to keep up with the bazillion of blogs that I love and just keep finding more! I am trying very hard to comment and show the love because I respect all of the work and dedication I see out in blogland. There are truly amazing teachers out there. We are blessed to live in a time that we have the opportunity to see the greatness in classrooms all over the country! I am inspired by so many.
I am working on the May Poetry journals...I swear. I've been AWFUL every year once May comes around. I'm on it. I am also working on a frog unit....we'll just have to see how that works out. So, today, I don't have anything for you....just the ramblings of this tired girl and I am really not looking for sympathy or anything like that...I just needed to blog :0)
Bless your heart! I hope you have a peaceful and restful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for peace and less stress for you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about all the "ICK" that is going on:( You will get through it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the CommonCore Standards. The kindergarten teachers in my district met to "map" out the new standards-deciding which nine weeks to focus on each standard- and we had hardly any the first nine weeks. Our curriculum director questioned us and we all said we are teaching so many school behaviors, social skills and allowing them to explore the classroom and that until they are comfortable and trusting we cannot begin to teach the standards! Other people just do not understand!
Good Luck with everything!
Hi Shannon! I just wanted to say hi and send you some love and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers (for some stress relief and resolution to your "ick"). YOU are amazing! I love your blog and all of the wonderful resources you share! Thank you! I'm sorry you're dealing with all this stress right now and I hope it gets better for you soon! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! Oh my goodness - you are always welcome to unload your burdens on your blog. Writing is such an outlet fro stress. I will be praying for you and your family to have peace during this stressful time. Snuggle your little one and hug your hubby tight. Get some good rest and know that it won't always be like this. :)
ReplyDeleteErica
Sprinkles to Kindergarten
I feel you. Stress is taking over us all I think. I'm a excited for the CCSS, and I'm ready to see just how it will work. But, like you - I'm fearful for our play, exploration and "fun!" BUT.... it will all work out, and our little babies will get it and do awesome! Good luck with your landscaping debacle. That stinks! :( Remember, summer is just about a month away!!!! Have a super weekend Shannon!
ReplyDeleteKaty
Ramblings are good...they can clear your head. Here is a question from an old teacher, but new to Kindergarten....and of course new to common core. Do you think that a student must have every standard mastered to move on to first grade? And how far in depth must they understand the skill before it is mastered? We have been having lots of discussions about this in our PLC meetings.
ReplyDeleteTerri
Wow! That's a lot on one plate! Sorry you are having to deal with such stress. Being in Texas-we opted out of the Common Core, so I don't know much about how those standards are being applied. But I read a really good blog post the other day about how to justify keeping "play" in the mix: www. lookatmyhappyrainbow.com/common-sense/. I don't know if that will help you feel better or not.
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
I currently teach half day kindergarten at a Title 1 school and I can totally sympathize with your feelings toward the common core. Many of our students don't come to school ready to learn and have little support at home. Our school had adopted an approach that focuses on teaching the most essential skills. We love one of the techniques from the book Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov. It is called "shortest path" He writes "eschew the complex if something less clever, less cutting-edge, less artfully constructed will yield a better result. The criterion is mastery of the objective and what gets you there best and fastest." By analyzing our lesson plans and implementing this strategy we have been able to help our students learn and still squeak time in for some time for play and exploration. Good luck with all your challenges.
ReplyDeleteYou poor thing! You have a lot going on. I'm sending hugs your way. Chin up ~ this will pass!
ReplyDeleteRandi @ Teach It With Class
My TPT Store
My Facebook Page
I so agree with you on Common Core! I'm pretty stressed about that myself, and we're full day. They ARE babies! I don't know why the powers that be can't wrap their minds around that fact.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your husband's situation and the landscapers. Those are huge issues.
I love that you trust all of us out there in blog land to share so much about yourself. I appreciate your sharing about your realities. Those of us who love to read blogs and pinterest for ideas to improve our practice are kindred spirits even though we have never met. Who we are as teachers can't be separated from our personal lives, so thank you for being so open and honest about it all. I am a Canadian full day k teacher and I share your concerns regarding the common core! The pressure it creates comes through in every blog I read. These people that impose curriculum expectations such as the common core... I wonder if they have ever been in a kindergarten classroom??? Your students are lucky to have you and every educator who follows your blog is regularly inspired and impressed in equal measure. All the best,
ReplyDeleteErika
Is there a way to send hugs your way? Just look into your sweet lil' boys eyes and see how everything gets better in an instant.
ReplyDelete☼Libby
Dual Kinder Teacher
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all....take a deep breath! I think there are many of us out there that are worried about many of the same things but not willing to admit it.
Also, I can remember feeling VERY overwhelmed right after having my first child. I believe it is because we are teachers who ALWAYS want to do the best for your students but we also want to be THE BEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD. It takes a little while to find the balance between the two but we all eventually find it. I know you will too. Just give it time.
I too think that these some of these common core standards are let's just say "reaching for the stars." They are forgetting that many of these kiddos are just five and developmentally they may not be ready for all of this. As educators we just have to remember that WE KNOW BETTER. We WILL find ways to help our students learn and the ways that we find that will work will be DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE for our kindergarten students. That is what is so wonderful about blogland. There are so many of us out there that are already finding the solutions to these unrealistic expectations.
Lastly, don't worry about not having time to read and comment to others in blogland. I know that EVERYONE OF US understands that you just had a baby and he should be THE CENTER OF YOUR ATTENTION right now. The blogs are not going away. They will always be there when you find a moment here or there (and that will eventually happen).
For now, keep your head up and know that all of these feelings are normal and it will get better.
Happy Blogging!
Ann
First, here's a hug---{{{}}} (I'm hoping that means 'hug'!) You have a lot of stuff on your plate.
ReplyDeleteI teach in a private school; Common Core isn't even part of our discussions. But, I want to familiarize myself with the standards! My summer reading list includes a bit of sleuthing in this area.
Thanks for sharing your poetry ideas. I have used your creations this year and they have made a difference!
Have a great weekend! ReadWriteSing
WOW....ya know the saying that GOD does not give us anything we cannot handle...sometimes I really dislike this saying because how strong can one person be...right!?! Thank you for sharing this post...a lot of feel the same way you do...and it makes us stop and think...that we are not alone. We just have to trust that we were put in this position for a reason and make the best of it. I honestly do not understand how a 1/2 kindergarten teacher is going to push the common core standards. I have a hard time fitting it all in in an all day program. When is enough...enough...they are still only 5 years old in kindergarten! Okay...enough ranting from me! Again...thanks for your post! Amber ~ Kindergarten Rocks Blog
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your stress about they are only 5 and are we asking too much. Though my state is not doing Common Core we are still hearing lots about what we should be doing. I am trying to find a balance between teaching reading and writing skills while still having fun and making kindergarten exciting. My kids can read and write so it isn't that I am not doing it - just my way. I do lots of projects and special things but I am being told I should be doing more reading groups! Kindergarten teachers are worried about the way we are headed but no one seems to be listening to us!
ReplyDeleteSending you {{{HUGS}}}!
ReplyDeleteI WILL all work out~you have such a great outlook and good WILL come~Maya Angelou says "Be a rainbow in someone's cloud". I can tell that you are that rainbow in the clouds of many - mine for one.
Breathe, relax, enjoy a cup of warm java, and the best thing you can do is snuggle with your Cooper.
(corny, I know. I'll blame it on the PMS that's at it's peak today)
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you sweet friend. I think this time of year is always hectic....and that with all of the other stuff that goes on everyday, makes us feel very burdened.
I am in one of the states that did not adopt the Common Core because we already have something like it. We too have high expectations that seem to forget that we are teaching kiddos who need to laugh, have fun, sing, explore, paint, and so much more. The curriculum cops are paying my school a visit again...this is while we are in the midst of assessing. =(
You are an awesome teacher who is touching the hearts of so many others...both big and small.
Have you heard Laura Story's song blessings? I listen to it when I am struggling. Come check out the poem I shared last night. It is a reminder of God's promise. =)
Blessings and hugs,
Heather
Heather's Heart
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWe all get tired at times and I am glad you blogged about what is happening in your life. After all, you give so much to your students and to the fellow teachers who love your freebies and follow your blog. It makes me feel like you consider your fellow teacher followers your friends.
Just know that you have the support of a whole lot of internet friends. Everything will work out. It always does. You will be in my prayers.
A note on common core. We already have so many standards in California that we have to meet for Kinders. I am a full day Kinder Teacher. I still find the time to let the kiddos laugh, sing, play, etc. You just have to get creative to work everything in.
Blessings to you,
Debbie
Hi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteWe are not fully implementing Common Core Standards until Fall 2013, but we have started looking at them and it is hard to see students mastering all of those skills!!
I'm sorry to hear about all the stresses you are facing. I'm sure it is all hard to deal with especially at the same time. I will think happy positive thoughts for you!
Kari :)
I hope your stress gets better soon. I do think the CCS are better in a full day class. There are just so many requirements and even more if the children you teach have no school experience, held a pencil, cut, etc.
ReplyDeleteSending you lots of HUGS! I know you are stressed about Common Core (we all are!). But we WILL all get through it & I think listening to each other "ramble" are one of the ways! :) You are awesome. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts while your husband is waiting to see about his job. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting view towards the common core... i wrote my entire Master's thesis upon this very same concern that our K kids NEED to learn through play- that's what Kindergarten was founded upon!! Then, I wrote about how we need to combine the core standards through play....which i am currently struggling with too. Keep your head up girl, you have so many blessings in your life, and you are a blessing to all those (at least me!) of all your awesome ideas that you give FOR FREE on your blog. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain!!! I've been a K teacher for 28 years and I am so stressed by the Common Core. I love the advice to listen to Laura Story 's " Blessings" It helps me find balance. I hope that all the ick doesn't take away the joy of you sweet son. Allow his smile to be your rainbow.
ReplyDeleteHang in there - it will pass!
jennifer
Sewell nj
((((hugs))) Shannon, I am sorry you are going through all this. Hang in there hon! I will be thinking of you :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
Oh my lord! I'm so sorry to hear about all of this. Financial struggles are the worst! So did you just loose the money from that check or will the bank pay it back to ya'll since it was stolen and should have been insured. I hope everything works out!
ReplyDeleteYou have contributed many wonderful things to share, Shannon. Don't you dare feel upset about the blogging world. Family concerns are a priority. Will be thinking of you with love.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry! You are only getting stronger and can handle ANYTHING after this passes. You should put up a donation link on your blog, for teachers like me who have benefited from your hard work. I know that we'd all contribute for all of the generosity you've spread! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this! I hope and pray things work out for you, It sounds like your plate is VERY full, as mine has been this year as well...I do not know your particular struggles, but I know my own and how hard it is to balance it all! :-(
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I love your ideas and your willingness to share printables and lesson ideas. I have returned to teaching after being a stay at home mom for 9 years. Your blog has helped me tremendously in planning lessons for my Kinders. so...Thank you!!
God Bless, Autumn (teacher in NC)
Thank you for blogging - hoping it helped!
ReplyDeleteWe're just adopting Common Core and I completely understand your concerns. Take good care!
Your comments about common core I think are so valid. Sometimes I feel like we are in a race to nowhere and our youngest learners are getting caught up in this. Common Core looks very demanding and I am hoping the kinder bloggers will support each other on this journey to protect these little people and make school a place they still want to come to. I do not want to teach them first grade curriculum at five.
ReplyDeleteFran@kindergartencrayons
Hang in there! I have little ones who I miss awfully while I am at work but it was roughest when they were babies. It gets a little easier when they can tell you about their day. The Common Core worries me too. I feel like an old biddy when I say that I don't want to change...but I don't. Our kids work so hard...I would love it if we were able to consider what is developmentally appropriate for their age rather than just doing what is pushed down on us from the testing gods. At least in Kdg. I get to have more say about HOW I teach since there is no say in WHAT I teach.
ReplyDeleteHope all is at least a little less overwhelming than it was and that the law suit stress gets settled quickly! No such hope for kindergarten and the Common Core as this seems to be next hoop to jump through but know you will continue to be a great teacher and advocate for your kiddos. I too am suffering from a pinterest addiction, hope you don't mind I just posted your blog to my Kindergarten Blog board and would love to follow your pins now that I hear you are on pinterest :).
ReplyDeleteHi, This is the first time I ever commented on a blog. I want to let you know how helpful you have been to me. Thank you for all the stuff you so willingly share. I have been able to use so many of the things in my classroom and my students love them. You inspire me to be a better teacher...Thanks I really appreciate all your efforts!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
My district adopted common core for Kindergarten this school year. I felt the way you are feeling now in the fall, but I don't feel that way anymore. I have worked harder than ever and so have my students. I'm in love with their progress and the common core sure had me doing things way differently than I ever had before at different times in the year than I ever had before, but the outcome is out of this world:)
ReplyDelete