"Sandwich Weeks"

 

Hey There! 

I'm over here living the dream during these next few "sandwich weeks."  For those who do not work in education, these are the 3 chaotic weeks that are "sandwiched" in between Thanksgiving and Christmas in which you spend most of your time answering questions about Santa, making glittery crafts and also trying to cram in assessments, lessons and everything else that could possibly be thrown your way.

Oh yea, and most kids are staying up a little later, busy with holiday festivities and probably are eating waaaaayyyyy more sugar than usual.  Don't forget Halloween was right before this too!  

I absolutely love the holidays as a teacher and as a parent. However, they can definitely feel like a whirlwind with a huge let down at the end of them. I often feel like I "ran out of time" with my students and there was so much more I wanted to do.  

Today started out incredibly busy. I was like a firefighter putting out fires left and right. I had to remove a splinter, give an ice pack, rekindle a friendship and google why our class lizards had something stuck on their nose, all BEFORE I even took attendance.  This year has been really rough (more on that later) but I decided today to give everyone extra grace because I really needed it myself.  Instead of getting frustrated, I gave extra hugs.  Instead of asking 500 times to. whisper, I just took them somewhere where they could be loud. Instead of redirecting them constantly to their work, I sat and chit chatted. I was present, I didn't focus on academics today but rather relationship building.  

The thing is, as a teacher you are like a celebrity to these kids. I don't take that lightly at all. Kids love their teachers (well, most of the time) and they are so happy to have some special time with us when they can. They love it when I bust out a dance move, share a silly story or just sit and color with them. It's important that teachers take a moment to just be "human" with their students once in a while.  

There is so much pressure to get through the curriculum, increase productivity and maintain rigor throughout the year.  It's so very important that we also take a breath and remember that these are just little children. They are finding their way in this world.  They don't have the words to always share how they feel or articulate what they want. Sometimes you'll learn the most when you are the quietest.  When you take the pressure off and just have fun is when you'll find most kids will open up.  Often without even being probed.  My point is, it's ok to slow down. It's ok to skip a lesson because your class needs something else right now.  Sometimes what they really need is "you."  

Kids can't and won't learn if they don't feel safe both physically and emotionally. I often tell new teachers that the most important thing to focus on is community in your classroom.  Go back to it over and over again.  Don't stop until it's dialed in and then do it again.  I review and revise my expectations after every longer break.  When you are attentive to your class you'll notice when they need something else. Don't be afraid to just stop and fill their buckets with what they need. I know it's hard to give up precious lesson time.  I know that the pressure to "perform" is hanging right over your shoulder. I also know that it pays off.  

I'm curious to hear what other teachers do  in their classes.  How do you ensure your students mental health is being cared for?  Do you have any tips for new teachers?

Happy "sandwich weeks!"

Love,

McKenzie