36 and 1...Getting There?

Numbers are not always my thing, but these numbers tell tales:  already, into Quarter 2 of Year 36.  What a whirlwind!  I do confess:  I like cool breezes, but whirlwinds!?  Time slow down!

This is that in-between time:  when all papers are graded and time to reflect lingers, waiting for me to take that reflection time.  Shall we?

Observation 1:

As this is year 36 and as I ever advance towards retirement, I am consciously cleaning and purging.  Okay, so that is not progressing very fast, but with a piece of paper, each ink pen that no longer writes, units (and classes that I am discarding), I walk to that trash can with a determined purpose.  Yes, a liberating walk..  I like it.

Observation 2: 

Seguing from the previous observation, I am beginning that process to leave better notes and even better organized units, for possibly (maybe?) the next teacher will want some of what I have?  Not sure about that, for I do believe that each teacher has his/her own passions and ways to accomplish goals.  None of us are alike (thank goodness!).

Observation 3:

I am singing more.  Reasons for this?  I am enjoying my classes...the best group of students I have yet had in this school as far as attitudes, attention, and respect go; therefore, I have reason to sing, and sing I do!  Until this week.  But...next week will arrive, I will recover, and I will continue to sing.  You see...sing is My One Word for 2026.  Interesting how this One Word becomes such a factor, a presence every year.  I didn't start off singing...then, I was.  I really should have expected more challenges to my singing, one of which is that I have had a touch of the crud for over a week...yes, time for this nuisance to clear out!

Observation 4:

Never be surprised by people.  Just wow.  Yes, I was surprised much this week.  Twice.  Just wow.

Observation 5:  

Just when you think you know it all, you have quit learning.  There is always going to be more learning needed.  

Observation 6:

Distance yourself from know-it-alls.  Build a wall if you need to do so.  The wall does not have to be that tall, but sometimes distance is needed.  If nothing else, this gives you time to heal.

Observation 7: 

On Wednesday, I learned two more things about Google Forms.  Matters not your degrees nor your certifications nor years taught, you always need to be learning. Always.

Observation 8:

I do like the order in which I taught the units within this quarter.  But!

1. Need to begin The Crucible one week earlier next year.  
2. Need to revert to a previous plan:  Read Acts 1-2, Listen to Act 3, Watch Act 4.  
3. Kids REALLY love reading aloud, but fluency can be such a timing issue!
4. Must find more time to include more grammar.  Must.  Conventions have always been our lowest score at this school, which has never been the case in any of my other schools.  I can't seem to motivate the others to work ever harder here, as that should be an easy score to raise...but maybe not if you have never taught this the way conventions should be taught?  Hummm...maybe this is the answer?  They really do not know how to teach them...to the way they will be assessed?  OR maybe conventions are not our teachers' strengths...they like the reading and even writing more?  Need to think about this some more...
5. I moved a Teach-the-Oral-Com notes to quarter 1...and it was better this way...just need to revamp that unit a bit more.  Always modifying and adjusting!
6. Need to write more Quick Writes and paragraphs.  Just cannot get it all in!
7. I talk too much.  Yes, I do.  I have stories about everything!  AND!  Kids love stories...as they do not have to work during stories.  REALLY need to work on not chatting so much during Quarter 2!
8. Homecoming was quite the success!  I love Homecoming and had thought I might hand it over to the next organizer...but I do believe I need this for at least one more year.  Plus, I need to make a checklist for the next person, and that did not happen this year.  Starting it now:  choose a theme...actually, started it during Homecoming when the art teacher wanted to talk a possible theme.  Whew!  I did pause and chat...and then dove right back into the one we were literally living out!  How about this theme:  fairy tales?!  ChatGPT came up with some great possibilities for Spirit Days!  Really do hope this one flies with the others who help make this decision!
9. Quarter 2: The timing for this one scares me.  Week 1 had two days...can't even count those. Five weeks to Thanksgiving...and then off a week.  Two weeks and then semester exams.  That adds up to a seven-week quarter of teaching.  Just wow.

So, yes, Year 36 and Quarter 1...we have been there, done that.  Now history.  Just wow.

Onward!