Save the Drama for Your Mama!

Phew...the week's over. This week was like a test of my love for my students and dedication to my job. I don't know if it was the change in weather, or the unintentional 4 day weekend we were all surprised with last week, but this week it was like all my students got together and decided they were going to be defiant and crabby at the same time. It didn't help that I haven't been sleeping terribly well, because my allergies have been off the charts, due to the bipolar MN weather. So, maybe it was a combination of factors that made this week more difficult than normal. Not cool. However, this afternoon, a few of the teachers and paras got together for a miniature b*#ch fest after school, and after that, I think we all felt better! I'm so glad I have such great co-workers. Sometimes, when things are rough in the classroom, the only people who understand, are those you work with. So, all of you who I work with...thank you for making me laugh, when my only options are to laugh or cry!

So, what made this week so challenging? Hmmm, where should I start. Well, on Monday, the kids were just crazy, because they were all on sugar-highs from Easter. I was totally prepared for that, and it wasn't too terrible. The rest of the week, I figured things would settle down. I was wrong. From the student who whined through an entire class (and subsequently asked if he could stay in my room all day), to the student who climbed across the table to show a friend a picture (while I was teaching), it just seemed like one of those weeks when respect was totally lacking. I also had girls coming to school with caked-on make-up and booty shorts, who were upset when told they had to change. There were arguments between friends, arguments between kids who AREN'T friends... Basically, there was a lot of drama.  I'm not one for drama. I HATE drama. So, I've picked up the phrase, "Save the drama for your mama," and I think I used it more this week than I ever have before.

Now, with that said, there were some high points this week. Humorous moments, to say the least. Like this morning, when a sub showed up, to fill in for my co-teacher. Her first impression was pretty good. She was friendly, and bubbly. My students tend to do well with teachers like that. But the more she talked, I found myself thinking, "Is she high?" Honestly, I just think she wasn't all there. When I was teaching a reading lesson, I asked the students about the climax of the story. She proceeded to answer the question, without giving the students an opportunity....And she was WRONG! That made for an awkward explanation of what the climax of the story is... Ha! Anyway, the kids were totally amused by her for about 10 minutes, and then you could see them mentally check out. One student actually got irritated with her, and went to work in another room. It's like that kid read my mind! Another high point came when a difficult, defiant student had a genuine discussion with me about how his actions impact other people's reactions to him. He started off angry at me, but after discussion, demonstrated that he understood my point of view, and actually apologized for his behavior. He said, "This is the best talk I've had in a long time." It was a pretty good way to end to a very long week!

Now, I'm heading into a long, but wonderful weekend. My dads got married back in November, and this weekend is the reception. That means family is in town, and there will be a lot of activities the next couple of days. It'll be great, but busy, so I'm preparing myself for all of the festivities! I'll post Sunday, when it's all over! Have a great weekend!