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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

High and Low Linky!

I'm starting to really enjoy all the fabulous linky parties that are out there in the teacher blogging world.  Such fun ways to share and reflect on classroom happenings.  I'm going to jump on the linky train for Katie at Teacher to the Core's High and Low linky

 
 
I'm going to start this off with my positive foot forward.  Let's look at my high for the month of January.  This month is a whirlwind of assessments in my district.  It literally felt like I wasn't teaching for days on end because there was some sort of assessment that needed to be finished and scored.  Well after all of that, my crazy high stress levels from assessing, and the little owls anxiety, we made it through and all of them made progress in one way or another.  I can know breathe a little easier and we can get back into the "fun" learning that needs to happen before the next waves of assessments come up. 
 
I feel like I also need to share a blogging high as well.  (Going to bend the rules a bit here.  Shhhhh!  Don't tell.)  I started this little blog in November and wasn't sure where I wanted to go with it or where it would take me.  I have posted here and there but it wasn't until my winter break did I really grab ahold and go for it.  I have loved experiencing the joy of typing what is happening in my classroom, sharing things that are working for my little owls, and getting wonderful comments from all of you.  It is a great feeling to know that others enjoyed reading what you took time to type and are even wanting to use those ideas that you shared. 
 
Here is where I veer off the tracks and head down a path of darkness.  My low actually just happened yesterday.  Now I have had my fair share of bad days this month but for some odd reason yesterday just put me in a whole other place.  I came home just questioning everything.  I wasn't sure I was an effective teacher anymore.  We have been working skills to "death" if you will and I still have a good handful that are not grabbing onto them.  I know that little owls learn at different rates and that their light bulbs will eventually burn bright but I had hit that point where I didn't know what else to do.  I have taught some of these skills since September!!!  However, even after I tossed and turned all night, I woke up this morning and stepped back into my classroom because no matter how much I feel like they are not getting things, I can't just give up on them.  I will continue to push forward and they are just going to need to rise to the occassion.
 
Thanks for reading!  Head over to Teacher to the Core's blog and look at what others are saying. 
 
~Erin
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9 comments:

  1. I hate when I feel like that. Like no matter what I do it just doesn't sink in with some of the students. I am having the very problem with my little sweeties.

    Mrs. Pauley's Kindergarten

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  2. Thanks for stopping by my blog!! And I feel your pain on some just not getting it. We just have to keep chugging along and hope that ONE DAY it will click!!! You are planting the seed, don't forget. :)
    Jessica
    ideas by jivey

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  3. Don't worry, I had a lot of highs and shared them too! I have been a proctor for mid-year benchmark online tests. I have not seen my groups on a regular basis for two weeks, and it is killing me! Next week will be back to normal!

    I understand about "those" times when you just don't feel like you are getting through. Don't worry! They will get there before you know it!

    Andrea
    Reading Toward the Stars

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  4. I was the same with you...I started the blog awhile ago but didn't really start "blogging" until Christmas break. It's been a lot of fun and it was one of my highs as well. Thanks for commenting and being a good bloggy friend!
    Elizabeth
    Kickin’ it in Kindergarten

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  5. Hey Erin,
    It feels so great when they make progress but as teachers, we fixate on the ones who don't. I've had several of those moments this year where I come home and question everything, but just like you said, I went right back to it the next day and those feelings passed. I try to concentrate on the positive (but it's hard). They'll get it. They just do it on their time (which can seem like it takes forever!!!)

    :O)
    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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    Replies
    1. This is so very true. So hard to look at the positive when you have a ton of mandates and requirements to get the kiddos to meet. :( It would be nice if teaching would take a few steps back sometimes and let kiddos be kiddos even just for a day here and there.

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  6. Erin, you are rocking your little owls. We all feel like we are not super effective at one time or another. I think its good. We need to re-assess. But not to just work harder, but sometimes to work smarter. I have cut things out of my program during time of doubt and been glad I found something better. You are doing fab!!!!

    Thank you for linking up little lady!
    Katie Knight
    Teacher to the Core Blog

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the kind words! Means a lot and is much appreciated.

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  7. I feel your pain. I sometimes wonder, "What am I doing wrong?" They will get it... they just need time!

    Love your blog!
    Christy
    Crayons and Whimsy

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