I promised myself when I started this blog that I wouldn't write about the negative.
But then that means that I probably wouldn't write today.
I don't feel like writing because I'm feeling, um, not-so-positive.
As Ruth previously encouraged, I'll write what is on my mind right now -- perhaps that will clear some space to see the light:
April is one of those in between months that breeds stress in a school.
As a teacher, I have one foot in this school year and one foot that is already stepping into next school year.
Right now, I am counting the days I still have with my students to press on and close the gap.
Right now, I am wondering if I really did all that I could to help prepare them for next year.
Right now, I am disappointed that they may not reach certain "benchmarks" or "growth targets."
Right now, I am curious if they really love books or are just pleasing me - pretending to be readers.
Right now, I am hoping they will read, read, read this summer for themselves and the enjoyment.
Right now, I am thinking about next year and worrying about the students.
Right now, I am wanting to create connections with the right classroom teacher.
Right now, I am preparing to pack up my room and move to a cozier learning space.
Right now, I am questioning our current interventions, RtI, CBMs, and Common Core.
Right now, I am frightened by the research that states there is no reading series that meets the needs, yet we move forward with an adoption, which also means material distribution and professional development.
This is what is taking over my brain today.
Questions, thoughts, reflections, wonderings, doubts.
And it's raining. Again.
But -- that rain will bring green grass, beautiful yellow daffodils, brightly colored tulips, big green leaves . . .
Ah, there is the light.
Sometimes by writing down the negative, we find that there is positive in our lives. It's hard to remain positive all the time and those negatives seem to weigh heavily on us, dragging us down, down. But then there is one little thing or person that lifts that weight off of us. I'm glad that you could see the positive in all the rain you've been getting. Spring is approaching and flowers will be blooming and the sun will come out to a new day. I pray tomorrow will be a better day all around. Love ya M
ReplyDeleteI totally understand where you're at right now - been there myself. :)
ReplyDeleteRight now there are a lot of teachers who have the same thoughts and concerns. Your voice may help them work through the current issues that seem like roadblocks.
ReplyDeleteI am exactly where you are, right now, too. April does this...even as it brings poems, Spring, and warm days.
ReplyDeleteI love how you waded through all the blahs and came out on the light side! Bring on the flowers!
ReplyDeleteYou may think you were being negative but look at your words and sentiments - so much hope there!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the right now is hard. We are all ready for daffodils and tulips, as well as some positive reinforcement that we have reached students this year. I'll bet that you have many students who will be reaching for books over the summer! All of your reflection leads to learning!
ReplyDeleteSometimes the right now is hard. We are all ready for daffodils and tulips, as well as some positive reinforcement that we have reached students this year. I'll bet that you have many students who will be reaching for books over the summer! All of your reflection leads to learning!
ReplyDeleteI hope that by listing all the things swirling in your mind, it helped, Michelle. We've had snow again, yesterday & today some-arrgh! But you're right, the moisture will be good! Glad you ended there!
ReplyDeleteI agree that right now is hard! I hope the beauty of Spring brings hope and happiness back to your situation soon...feeling your pain!
ReplyDeleteSummer will follow spring. This gives me hope. It's impossible to get rid of the gloomy thought days, but it is possible to write them through to feel little lighter.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI didn't see your post as negative at all. Instead I heard the questions in your words. It seems to me you are wondering if you have done all you can do for your readers (and I'm quite sure you have). I think we all wonder whether we've done enough --- whether we've helped students to find (or maintain) the joy of reading. I think we need to worry more about the people that aren't asking these questions.
I enjoyed the way you structured your thoughts: "right now."
Cathy