Trudging through the Decemeber rut
The last weeks have been getting tougher with some of the students. Some of them have decided they don't like the subject I teach and don't like me. I am getting tired of students misbehaving and then when caught, object profusely. To compound matters, my energies for creativity in the lessons is seriously depleated.
This week Tuesday we had a parent-tutor night. It's like parent-teacher, except that I meet the parents of the students in my tutor group ( like a "homeroom"). For some of the students, I only see them at the begining and the end of the day. I don't actually teach them. For 5 minutes I quicky refer to a sheet in front of me informing me what their targets are and whether they are on track or not. Then talk about any behaviour issues. The parents who came were those of students who are generally doing well, so I had some good news to share with them and they were very supportive. Despite this, I felt very drained after the meetings. I had classes all day Wednesday and Friday and next to full schedule on Thursday. I have been desperate for the weekend for four days already.
We have 2.5 weeks to go until Christmas holidays. I hope I can catch another wind to complete this autumn term. I am looking forwards to Christmas holidays as plans start to fall into place.
Last weekend was interesting even though I did not do anything touristy. We had a quiz night at school on Saturday night, which my team won (thank-you very much). A series of 10 mini quizzes on various categories, 10 questions each. In the category of "Colchester" my team would have received more points if they would have listened to me - the tourist who has actually visited many of the places mentioned in the quiz. Oh well. We still won my over 10 points.
On Sunday, I got a phone call from some friends back home, getting ready to watch the Grey Cup. It was really good to hear from them and be reminded that I am not forgotten. It really boosted my spirits, though I understand that I missed a really good game.
I have also enjoyed getting e-mails from people back home either on their own initiative or spurned to comment on the blog. As the days go by here, I don't always get to catch up with the events back home. Thanks to my supporters!
Kevin
This week Tuesday we had a parent-tutor night. It's like parent-teacher, except that I meet the parents of the students in my tutor group ( like a "homeroom"). For some of the students, I only see them at the begining and the end of the day. I don't actually teach them. For 5 minutes I quicky refer to a sheet in front of me informing me what their targets are and whether they are on track or not. Then talk about any behaviour issues. The parents who came were those of students who are generally doing well, so I had some good news to share with them and they were very supportive. Despite this, I felt very drained after the meetings. I had classes all day Wednesday and Friday and next to full schedule on Thursday. I have been desperate for the weekend for four days already.
We have 2.5 weeks to go until Christmas holidays. I hope I can catch another wind to complete this autumn term. I am looking forwards to Christmas holidays as plans start to fall into place.
Last weekend was interesting even though I did not do anything touristy. We had a quiz night at school on Saturday night, which my team won (thank-you very much). A series of 10 mini quizzes on various categories, 10 questions each. In the category of "Colchester" my team would have received more points if they would have listened to me - the tourist who has actually visited many of the places mentioned in the quiz. Oh well. We still won my over 10 points.
On Sunday, I got a phone call from some friends back home, getting ready to watch the Grey Cup. It was really good to hear from them and be reminded that I am not forgotten. It really boosted my spirits, though I understand that I missed a really good game.
I have also enjoyed getting e-mails from people back home either on their own initiative or spurned to comment on the blog. As the days go by here, I don't always get to catch up with the events back home. Thanks to my supporters!
Kevin
posted by K. Stoesz at 11:25
3 Comments:
Hey Kevin!
Just some words of encouragement from a fellow first year teacher. I can completely relate to your heading - December rut. I'm feeling it to. It's kind of like... ok, its december. Student teachers is over.... have I taught these kids anything???!!! Ah, and the behaviour issues certainly have not abated. I think of this kind of silly line graph I got in my new teacher MTS package that showed a new teacher's "mood" over the course of the year. It starts with "anticipation" in the beinning, goes up a big, then drops drastically down-ward towards "disillusionment" in December! I have to laugh at this - I don't know if that is really encouragement, but at least it tells us that we are not alone in what we feel! Remember - teenagers see it as their "job" to dislike their teachers - I'm sure you will be remembered as that cool, quirky, long-haired science guy! I've heard many people say that your first year teaching is the hardest thing you will ever do - and the fact that you are doing it away from home! You should congratulate yourself on that - you are working hard, you care, and you're obviously brave!
Take care,
That obnoxious red-head that shows up at your family gatherings
(Jolene)
Bill said_ I want to encourage you also, I know who really want to make an positive impression on your students besides teaching them. About that "obnoxious red-head that shows up at your family gatherings", I sure wonder who that might be, I do have an idea.
2 and a half weeks to go and then a good break to recharge your batteries and change the scenery. Take care
Hey Kevin,
Greg and I just finished reading through your whole blog - very interesting! As fellow oversea teachers, we know it can be tough, especially those first few years. I did it with my parents here in HK however, so I had it so much easier than you do as you must be missing home and family a lot. I also teach younger students who may be handful, but who are very eager to learn, motivated and well behaved. So I give you alot of credit! Don't give up and keep looking forward to those amazing travel opportunities. As an International School teacher, the world is your oyster and you have many wonderful experiences to look forward too, I'm sure. When you care about something and give alot of yourself to it, it can be challenging and frustrating at times, but that doesn't mean you should change or compromise who you are and what you stand for. Keep plugging away - it will only get easier and more fulfilling!
Take care, Merry Christmas and God Bless!
(By the way, do you have travel plans for your winter break?)
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