This past week, we were having dinner at my dear friend's house (who is due one day before me) when she shared that she had already found child care for next April! What? Panic. Anxiety. "Why am I so slow?" I thought to myself.
So yesterday, my husband and I called at least 10 different in-home day care providers in our area to see if we could find care for our little T this coming April. No luck. Most providers are booked in the infant department. By law, each provider is only allowed to care for 2 infants (age 1 month to 2 years) at a time. You can imagine that there are many more moms and dads in Roseville looking for infant care than 30 providers can support. One provider also told us that even if we did find someone who had an opening, they were unlikely to hold it for that many months. "I always tell people, call me when the baby's born" she advised. Yikes! That's cutting it kind of close, No?
So, right now we are just in limbo. I might call more places tonight, but I'm not sure if it's just wasting my time or not. Maybe we do need to wait until January. Many people end up taking their child to a day care center. We are not opposed to that, but it costs nearly twice as much as in-home day care. At that point, I'm not sure it's worth my salary.
So, these are some of the things we are mulling over. Since when did being an adult become so intense and responsibility-laden? I know that many of my friends have decided to stay home with their little ones; I am open to this too at least until little T is 8 months or so, and I need to do my student teaching. But I'm also a little worried that I might go batty staying home everyday.
Moms out there, what did you do for day care? Would you recommend staying home with your little one? At what point did you find child care?
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Monday, August 03, 2015
Growing Pains: 1 Bedroom vs 2 Bedroom
This past week has been an absolute whirlwind. I have had two interviews, been rejected by one school and offered a position by another all in the span of 4 days. On top of that, Rob and I have decided that it may be best to move into a 2 bedroom apartment. Currently we live in a spacious one bedroom apartment (880 square feet). It's really quite lovely.
However, in just six short months, we will have little T joining us here. Like I mentioned in my last post; little T does not need his / her own bedroom especially the first few months. However, I'm selfishly hoping that my parents will be able to come stay with us for a week or so. Rob's parents will also hopefully come stay with us, and my dear sister has also mentioned that she'd like to come stay over. And all of this is going to be pretty uncomfortable in our 1 bedroom.
In addition, we are not sure how long it will take us to finish paying off student loans and then start saving up for a downpayment for a house. It could take less time (especially if we stay put and save on rent). But it could also rush us if we aren't quite ready by the time we are over occupancy limits in our one bedroom (when little T turns one year old.) At that point, we will need to move into a 2 bedroom and sign another year lease which we may be hesitant to do if we are almost ready to purchase a home.
So, you see the conundrum. Make the move now and save the hassle of worrying about it later or stay put and worry about it later when life may no doubt be a little more chaotic. To all the moms out there, what do you think? What was your experience sharing a room with your little one, and at what point, did you need your own space?
However, in just six short months, we will have little T joining us here. Like I mentioned in my last post; little T does not need his / her own bedroom especially the first few months. However, I'm selfishly hoping that my parents will be able to come stay with us for a week or so. Rob's parents will also hopefully come stay with us, and my dear sister has also mentioned that she'd like to come stay over. And all of this is going to be pretty uncomfortable in our 1 bedroom.
In addition, we are not sure how long it will take us to finish paying off student loans and then start saving up for a downpayment for a house. It could take less time (especially if we stay put and save on rent). But it could also rush us if we aren't quite ready by the time we are over occupancy limits in our one bedroom (when little T turns one year old.) At that point, we will need to move into a 2 bedroom and sign another year lease which we may be hesitant to do if we are almost ready to purchase a home.
So, you see the conundrum. Make the move now and save the hassle of worrying about it later or stay put and worry about it later when life may no doubt be a little more chaotic. To all the moms out there, what do you think? What was your experience sharing a room with your little one, and at what point, did you need your own space?
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners: the new Rock Star look
The Kindergarten students have been at it again, saying adoreable things all month long. This week, however, was actually pretty tiring though due to the newly fallen snow and the additional time it takes the students to get ready whenever we go outside(cue 20 minutes of zipping up coats, tugging on mittens, and wrapping scarves tight around little noses.) It has tried my patience a bit; I get upset when the little ones just use the time as social hour and chat happily by their cubbies without actually doing anything to get ready. However, deep breaths and random, made-up songs help me stay calm(er).
But all frustration aside, this week has also had its gem moments. The other day, we were sitting on the floor in small groups and one student who was standing up (at an angle looking down at my head) said, "Teacher, why do you have white in your hair."
Another student chimed in, "Are you trying to be a rock star?"
"How did you know?" I asked as I looked at her with big, surprised eyes. "I'll let you all look at the colors in my hair once we finish sharing our stories." (I think it's time to touch up those roots.)
During breakfast time, one student came up to me and said "Angie called me Nasty."
I went over to Angie with stern eyes and said, "Angie-- is that true?"
Angie looked at me with a concerned face and said, "No, I said 'You're so cute.'"
Quick thinking Angie. However, I knew that Angie had likely said these words, so I did talk to her more about using nice, kind words.
This week, a few students had to get some extra practice walking in line outside. I had a group of four students and we walked past a teacher from our school.
"I like Ms. Bender" said one student after we had passed her.
Another student chirped in, "I like Ms. Johnson.
The third student responded, "I like ice cream."
At lunch time, we eat with the students at their tables and supervise them. By this time, I have just finished the intense activities of helping them get all their winter things on, and herded them in their line order to lunch. I have also made sure that everyone at our table has a chair, silverware, and milk. By the time I finally sit down in my own chair to begin eating, I am exhausted and extremely hungry. I inhale my food quickly. However, the students are quite chatty and want to discuss what they are eating and wether or not they like it. One particular boy (who may just be my favorite) needs a lot of affirmation. He also really likes saying my name. But sometimes, I just ignore him so I can eat my food. The other day at the table, I heard a sing-songy voice say, "Mrs. Tebandeke, you're not listening."
I looked up at him, shook myself out of the funk, and said "Oh, oh sorry. I'm listening now Abdullahi."
"This corn dog is really good."
"Oh, I'm glad you like it."
But all frustration aside, this week has also had its gem moments. The other day, we were sitting on the floor in small groups and one student who was standing up (at an angle looking down at my head) said, "Teacher, why do you have white in your hair."
Another student chimed in, "Are you trying to be a rock star?"
"How did you know?" I asked as I looked at her with big, surprised eyes. "I'll let you all look at the colors in my hair once we finish sharing our stories." (I think it's time to touch up those roots.)
During breakfast time, one student came up to me and said "Angie called me Nasty."
I went over to Angie with stern eyes and said, "Angie-- is that true?"
Angie looked at me with a concerned face and said, "No, I said 'You're so cute.'"
Quick thinking Angie. However, I knew that Angie had likely said these words, so I did talk to her more about using nice, kind words.
This week, a few students had to get some extra practice walking in line outside. I had a group of four students and we walked past a teacher from our school.
"I like Ms. Bender" said one student after we had passed her.
Another student chirped in, "I like Ms. Johnson.
The third student responded, "I like ice cream."
At lunch time, we eat with the students at their tables and supervise them. By this time, I have just finished the intense activities of helping them get all their winter things on, and herded them in their line order to lunch. I have also made sure that everyone at our table has a chair, silverware, and milk. By the time I finally sit down in my own chair to begin eating, I am exhausted and extremely hungry. I inhale my food quickly. However, the students are quite chatty and want to discuss what they are eating and wether or not they like it. One particular boy (who may just be my favorite) needs a lot of affirmation. He also really likes saying my name. But sometimes, I just ignore him so I can eat my food. The other day at the table, I heard a sing-songy voice say, "Mrs. Tebandeke, you're not listening."
I looked up at him, shook myself out of the funk, and said "Oh, oh sorry. I'm listening now Abdullahi."
"This corn dog is really good."
"Oh, I'm glad you like it."
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners: the new F word
This year's class of Kindergarteners likes to give lots of hugs and specializes in spontaneous chanting and singing. It seems that on cue, the entire line will start singing "This Land is Your Land, this land is mine land" except they don't quite have the words down so it sounds something like, "This hand is your hand."
They are also incredibly sweet. They constantly give us notes that say, "I love you" or whisper in our ears, "you are the best teacher ever." One girl loves to give compliments. She will often compliment three different things that I am wearing all in one breath.
Today in class, our water was turned off in the entire building so instead of washing hands before lunch, we used hand sanitizer. One girl rubbed in the sanitizer, held her hands up to smell them and said, "This smells like . . like Love."
Yesterday, while coming in from the playground. One boy told me, "Abdullah said the "F" word."
"What is the "F" word Abdullah," I asked the other boy.
"Facebook," he replied.
One of the cutest boys in our class often needs help zipping up his jacket. The other day as I was zipping up his jacket, I said to him with a semi-serious face: "Why am I doing your job for you? I don't like doing other people's jobs."
He smiled, then laughed, then got very serious.
"Mrs. Tebandeke, don't be so silly. It hurts my heart when I laugh."
At the playground a few weeks ago, the little Urkel student from Kindergarten last year came over and said, "Look at this rock I found. I think it is from 1982, the same year as my Grandfather's birth."
They are also incredibly sweet. They constantly give us notes that say, "I love you" or whisper in our ears, "you are the best teacher ever." One girl loves to give compliments. She will often compliment three different things that I am wearing all in one breath.
Today in class, our water was turned off in the entire building so instead of washing hands before lunch, we used hand sanitizer. One girl rubbed in the sanitizer, held her hands up to smell them and said, "This smells like . . like Love."
Yesterday, while coming in from the playground. One boy told me, "Abdullah said the "F" word."
"What is the "F" word Abdullah," I asked the other boy.
"Facebook," he replied.
One of the cutest boys in our class often needs help zipping up his jacket. The other day as I was zipping up his jacket, I said to him with a semi-serious face: "Why am I doing your job for you? I don't like doing other people's jobs."
He smiled, then laughed, then got very serious.
"Mrs. Tebandeke, don't be so silly. It hurts my heart when I laugh."
At the playground a few weeks ago, the little Urkel student from Kindergarten last year came over and said, "Look at this rock I found. I think it is from 1982, the same year as my Grandfather's birth."
"I was born in 1982" I responded to the student.
"I mean his death. Yes, this rock is from 1982, the same year as my Grandfather's death. But there is only one way to know for sure. I will hit this rock against this cement, and if the rock does not break apart, I will know it's from 1982."
(Student starts striking the rock vigorously against the cement.)
"Yep, just as I thought. 1982."
There is seldom a day, when my heart is not lightened after working with this group of Kindergarten students. They are so genuine, so well-behaved, so eager to learn. I truly feel blessed, and I need to keep being thankful for these blessings.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Play-doh and Pasta salad
On Friday's during the summer, I have been watching my friend's kiddos. They are 3 and 5 years old. Most of the time, we have a lot of fun together; we play at the park, we go to the zoo, and we go swimming. This particular Friday was not one of our "fun" times together. From early in the morning, the kids were whining and fighting with each other. I was also a bit sleep deprived which made the entire situation feel much more dramatic.
I had taken the kids to MacDonald's for breakfast with the intent of playing on the play structure following the meal. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the play area before the kiddos were whining, stealing napkins, and generally being a bit naughty. "Sorry, we don't get to play unless we can follow the rules" I informed them, and we piled in the car and headed home.
"I want napkins" repeated the 5 year old incessantly on the drive home. I ignored him; he eventually quit. Later that morning, we headed out to the park. A perfectly fun activity, right? Not when you're so tired you run into one of the playground structures as the 3 year old managed to do. So, the park time only lasted for about 15 minutes. Deep breaths. Exhausted. Tired and cranky kiddos. "Maybe we can have kids in 20 years" I mentioned to Rob in passing.
That afternoon, I was planning to take the kids to the swimming pool. However, I insisted that they both take naps or at least stay on their sofa's and be quiet for a bit. Neither things happened. So no swimming. "Mom," I texted, "Help. I have two tired and cranky kids and I still have about an hour left."
Mom, being the sage that she is texted back the brilliant idea to try making play-doh together. Play-doh! How perfect. So I googled a recipe that did not include the finer ingredients (cream of tartar), and the kids and I were off to our play-doh making adventure. About 10 minutes after we got started, my friend and her family came up to our apartment to say hi, and we all happily made play-doh creations together. "The kids are so well-behaved" said my friend. I nearly laughed out loud. Life is funny.
On the drive to drop the kids off at their grandma's house, they both fell asleep. During the drive, I was a bit anxious because I was going to join some college friends for a picnic right after I dropped the kids off. I looked a bit disheveled and had nothing prepared to contribute for the picnic. "Never-mind that" I coaxed myself. "Your presence is contribution enough."
The traffic on the drive was a bit heavy so both the kiddos got about half hour naps. At the same time, I was becoming even later for the picnic engagement I was supposed to attend. I pulled into my friend's mom's yard. Boy was I glad to hand over the reigns of responsibility to her. As she greeted me, she asked me if I wanted any pasta salad. Pasta salad!
"Wow--I would love some" I gleamed. "I have a picnic to attend and I have no idea what to bring." At that moment, I felt so blessed; God had heard my prayer and my anxiety even about something so small as what to bring to a picnic. Having God provide for me like that showed me that he really desired me to attend that picnic and was going to remove any barriers that might have prevented it.
Moreover, watching my friend's kids right now feels more like an act of obedience than anything else. I would love to have my Fridays free to sleep in late, catch up with friends and frolic in the Twin Cities. But because of my promise to my friend and my sense that there are deeper lessons to be learned in the frustration I sometimes feel with the kiddos, I have decided to stick with it. And maybe even the timely pasta salad was God's way of telling me he was pleased.
I had taken the kids to MacDonald's for breakfast with the intent of playing on the play structure following the meal. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the play area before the kiddos were whining, stealing napkins, and generally being a bit naughty. "Sorry, we don't get to play unless we can follow the rules" I informed them, and we piled in the car and headed home.
"I want napkins" repeated the 5 year old incessantly on the drive home. I ignored him; he eventually quit. Later that morning, we headed out to the park. A perfectly fun activity, right? Not when you're so tired you run into one of the playground structures as the 3 year old managed to do. So, the park time only lasted for about 15 minutes. Deep breaths. Exhausted. Tired and cranky kiddos. "Maybe we can have kids in 20 years" I mentioned to Rob in passing.
That afternoon, I was planning to take the kids to the swimming pool. However, I insisted that they both take naps or at least stay on their sofa's and be quiet for a bit. Neither things happened. So no swimming. "Mom," I texted, "Help. I have two tired and cranky kids and I still have about an hour left."
Mom, being the sage that she is texted back the brilliant idea to try making play-doh together. Play-doh! How perfect. So I googled a recipe that did not include the finer ingredients (cream of tartar), and the kids and I were off to our play-doh making adventure. About 10 minutes after we got started, my friend and her family came up to our apartment to say hi, and we all happily made play-doh creations together. "The kids are so well-behaved" said my friend. I nearly laughed out loud. Life is funny.
On the drive to drop the kids off at their grandma's house, they both fell asleep. During the drive, I was a bit anxious because I was going to join some college friends for a picnic right after I dropped the kids off. I looked a bit disheveled and had nothing prepared to contribute for the picnic. "Never-mind that" I coaxed myself. "Your presence is contribution enough."
The traffic on the drive was a bit heavy so both the kiddos got about half hour naps. At the same time, I was becoming even later for the picnic engagement I was supposed to attend. I pulled into my friend's mom's yard. Boy was I glad to hand over the reigns of responsibility to her. As she greeted me, she asked me if I wanted any pasta salad. Pasta salad!
"Wow--I would love some" I gleamed. "I have a picnic to attend and I have no idea what to bring." At that moment, I felt so blessed; God had heard my prayer and my anxiety even about something so small as what to bring to a picnic. Having God provide for me like that showed me that he really desired me to attend that picnic and was going to remove any barriers that might have prevented it.
Moreover, watching my friend's kids right now feels more like an act of obedience than anything else. I would love to have my Fridays free to sleep in late, catch up with friends and frolic in the Twin Cities. But because of my promise to my friend and my sense that there are deeper lessons to be learned in the frustration I sometimes feel with the kiddos, I have decided to stick with it. And maybe even the timely pasta salad was God's way of telling me he was pleased.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners #4
Student while looking at my ring: Are you married two times?
Me: Oh, you mean because there are two rings together?
Student: Yeah.
Me: No, I received the first ring when my husband asked me to marry him and the second ring when we got married.
Student: Your hands are cool, but why are they so small?
Me: Well, that's how I was born. It's called a trait. My mother and grandmother both have shorter fingers like this too.
Student: Whoa, cool.
Student: Did you know, I was born to run because my dad was a runner.
Another student: Yeah, me too. When I was born, I was running really fast.
All the below comments are from a student I lovingly refer to as "little Urkel" from the show Family Matters. This kindergartener is incredibly smart and remembers lots of random facts. He also has pretty thick glasses which adds to his persona.
"Did you know that kangaroos lick themselves when they get too hot?"
(While picking a spiderman sticker:) "I'm going to pick this one, because I love doing yoga; sometimes stretching just feels good."
"Did you know which shark has the strongest jaws of the ocean? It's the coral reef shark. It's jaws are so strong that if a sea turtle gets its flipper or tail in it's jaws, well, see you later turtle."
Me: Oh, you mean because there are two rings together?
Student: Yeah.
Me: No, I received the first ring when my husband asked me to marry him and the second ring when we got married.
Student: Your hands are cool, but why are they so small?
Me: Well, that's how I was born. It's called a trait. My mother and grandmother both have shorter fingers like this too.
Student: Whoa, cool.
Student: Did you know, I was born to run because my dad was a runner.
Another student: Yeah, me too. When I was born, I was running really fast.
Student: Why are you not wearing a hijab?
Me: Because I am not Muslim so I do not need to wear a hijab?
Student: Oh, are you American?
Me: Yes, but so are you. It has nothing to do with being an American.
All the below comments are from a student I lovingly refer to as "little Urkel" from the show Family Matters. This kindergartener is incredibly smart and remembers lots of random facts. He also has pretty thick glasses which adds to his persona.
"Did you know that kangaroos lick themselves when they get too hot?"
(While picking a spiderman sticker:) "I'm going to pick this one, because I love doing yoga; sometimes stretching just feels good."
"Did you know which shark has the strongest jaws of the ocean? It's the coral reef shark. It's jaws are so strong that if a sea turtle gets its flipper or tail in it's jaws, well, see you later turtle."
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners #3
Student: Teacher, I'm hungry.
Me: Sorry, I don't have any food with me.
Student: Well, candy will work too.
Me: Sorry, I don't have that either.
Student (holding his broccoli:) Teacher, I got a tree.
Student: Do you live with your mom?
Me: No, I don't. My mom lives in another state.
Student: Can I live with you?
Me: No, sorry.
Student (on the 100th day of kindergarten): This is the best day ever.
Student: Teacher, I don't want any breakfast. I ate at home already.
Me: What did you eat?
Student: A sandwich.
Me: What kind of sandwich?
Student: A pickle sandwich.
Student: My brother got something stuck in his throat once.
Me: Did your mom help him to get it out?
Student: No, it's still stuck there.
Me: Really? Your brother in second grade?
Student: Yes, that's why he talks like this. . (student tilts chin down.)
Me: Sorry, I don't have any food with me.
Student: Well, candy will work too.
Me: Sorry, I don't have that either.
Student (holding his broccoli:) Teacher, I got a tree.
Student: Do you live with your mom?
Me: No, I don't. My mom lives in another state.
Student: Can I live with you?
Me: No, sorry.
Student (on the 100th day of kindergarten): This is the best day ever.
Student: Teacher, I don't want any breakfast. I ate at home already.
Me: What did you eat?
Student: A sandwich.
Me: What kind of sandwich?
Student: A pickle sandwich.
Student: My brother got something stuck in his throat once.
Me: Did your mom help him to get it out?
Student: No, it's still stuck there.
Me: Really? Your brother in second grade?
Student: Yes, that's why he talks like this. . (student tilts chin down.)
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners #2
Student: My mom has a lot of children.
Me: How many?
Student: She has 40 children.
Student: Teacher, your boots look like safari boots.
Me: Oh, they do?
Same Student 10 minutes later: Teacher, you look like a farmer today.
Me: Oh yeah, I guess I do.
Student: Teacher, I see your butt.
(For the record, it was not my butt; it was my back--that pesky gap of skin between one's pants and undershirt when one bends down to tie a shoe. Note to self--tuck in all under shirts in the future.)
Student: Clowns aren't real.
Me: Oh, they're not?
Student: Well, only the evil clowns aren't real, but the good clowns they are real. Is that true?
Me: Yes, I think that is true.
Student: Yeah I think so too.
Student while walking in the snow: It's Christmas cheese.
Me: How many?
Student: She has 40 children.
Student: Teacher, your boots look like safari boots.
Me: Oh, they do?
Same Student 10 minutes later: Teacher, you look like a farmer today.
Me: Oh yeah, I guess I do.
Student: Teacher, I see your butt.
(For the record, it was not my butt; it was my back--that pesky gap of skin between one's pants and undershirt when one bends down to tie a shoe. Note to self--tuck in all under shirts in the future.)
Student: Clowns aren't real.
Me: Oh, they're not?
Student: Well, only the evil clowns aren't real, but the good clowns they are real. Is that true?
Me: Yes, I think that is true.
Student: Yeah I think so too.
Student while walking in the snow: It's Christmas cheese.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Conversations with Kindergarteners
The last two days of school, the teacher that I work alongside was sick. The school tried to find a substitute teacher for her but was only able to find her one for the second day. Thankfully, the ESL teacher helped me out the first day staying with me the entire day and helping me navigate the waters. Still, it was a slight increase in stress levels knowing that we were pretty much responsible for the learning / survival of 21 little kindergarteners. But all in all, I believe that God really gave me peace and even joy in the midst of new situations that I didn't always know how to handle.
Here are some of the conversations I have had with kindergarteners in the last few days:
Boy: Teacher, he said the "F" word.
Me: What word did he say?
Boy: Shut up.
Boy: I'm going to poop in this bag.
Me: We don't say the word "poop" in school. That is a bathroom word used only in the bathroom.
Two days later the same boy: I'm going to poop on this castle.
Me: I have to move your name down now for saying "poop." Remember, those words are only for the bathroom.
Girl while eating chips at lunch: What are chips?
Me: Chips are a kind of junk food. Junk food means food that is not healthy for you.
Girl: I'm not going to eat my chips anymore.
Me: You have already finished the bag.
Girl: I know--but I'm not going to eat anymore.
Girl: Do you have babies.
Me: No--I don't have babies.
Girl: Why not? Is it because you're skinny?
Me: No--that has nothing to do with it.
Girl: But you're an adult?
Me: Yes, but just because someone is an adult, does not mean they have babies.
Boy after being told to have a time-out: I'm mad at you.
Me: I know--it's no fun to have a time-out, but you still need to do have one.
Boy: No--I'm not going to do it (as he walks over and sits in the time-out chair.)
Boy while eating lunch randomly looks up and says: Ah-wooo!
Me: Ibrahim--Why did you do that?
Boy: Teacher--I don't know.
Boy: Teacher--I'm moving to China.
Me: Wow--when are you moving to China.
Boy: Later.
Me: Are you moving this summer?
Boy: Yeah.
Me to Boys' dad: Your son told me he is moving to China.
Dad: No--he just likes China and wants to move there.
Here are some of the conversations I have had with kindergarteners in the last few days:
Boy: Teacher, he said the "F" word.
Me: What word did he say?
Boy: Shut up.
Boy: I'm going to poop in this bag.
Me: We don't say the word "poop" in school. That is a bathroom word used only in the bathroom.
Two days later the same boy: I'm going to poop on this castle.
Me: I have to move your name down now for saying "poop." Remember, those words are only for the bathroom.
Girl while eating chips at lunch: What are chips?
Me: Chips are a kind of junk food. Junk food means food that is not healthy for you.
Girl: I'm not going to eat my chips anymore.
Me: You have already finished the bag.
Girl: I know--but I'm not going to eat anymore.
Girl: Do you have babies.
Me: No--I don't have babies.
Girl: Why not? Is it because you're skinny?
Me: No--that has nothing to do with it.
Girl: But you're an adult?
Me: Yes, but just because someone is an adult, does not mean they have babies.
Boy after being told to have a time-out: I'm mad at you.
Me: I know--it's no fun to have a time-out, but you still need to do have one.
Boy: No--I'm not going to do it (as he walks over and sits in the time-out chair.)
Boy while eating lunch randomly looks up and says: Ah-wooo!
Me: Ibrahim--Why did you do that?
Boy: Teacher--I don't know.
Boy: Teacher--I'm moving to China.
Me: Wow--when are you moving to China.
Boy: Later.
Me: Are you moving this summer?
Boy: Yeah.
Me to Boys' dad: Your son told me he is moving to China.
Dad: No--he just likes China and wants to move there.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
More Calm Please!
Yesterday and today, the students at school have been extra squarely and frankly just loud. The other day in gym class, I was helping the students get their coats and boots on, and the strong-willed student (you can read more about him here) started chasing after one of the other students. He grabbed this student by the back of his coat which was hanging off this student's head. The whole thing went down in slow motion. The student fell down following the momentum of his head which was being pulled down by his hood. The defiant student started to tackle him.
I went into Wonder Woman / aggressive mom mode as I took big sweeping steps over to the attacker, picked him up by his armpits, looked at him with huge, pulsing eyes and said "No! that is not safe." The student could sense my furry and said to me very loudly and clearly, "You're not going to hit me."
"No, I'm not. I don't hit kids," I replied. "But you cannot pull people down by hoods of their coats. It is not safe. You could have hurt him."
That was probably too many words for the student to digest, but at the time, I didn't know what to say, and I wanted the student to feel how serious this situation was.
Later, this same student came up to me and said, "Your face looked, looked. . . red."
"Yes, I was very worried and upset because I thought someone was going to get hurt."
The student looked up at me and said, "You're a good teacher, right?"
"I hope so," I responded, not sure exactly what he meant but assuming it had something to do with the fact that I don't hit kids.
But recently, I have not felt like a very good teacher. I have gotten angry and lost my patience; my red face is a testament to that. I don't want to be a red-faced, tight-fisted teacher. I don't want to be that person who yells at students and gets annoyed when they simply do things that 5 and 6 year olds do.
I am looking for more tools to help me build my patience and my ability to relate to these younger students. I checked out a book called Calmer, Easier, Happier, Parenting. (No--I'm not expecting, but I liked those adjectives and figured the book could apply to teaching as well.
Some of the tips I have gotten so far include
1. Descriptive praise--using specific, true, and motivating words to praise your student.
2. Using "think-throughs to help children remember rules and expectations and take them seriously.
(Use leading questions to have the student / child tell you the expectation.)
3. Reflective listening--"Imagine what your child is feeling, and reflect that back to your child in words." (Noel Janis-Norton)
The next chapter is called "How to Stop Misbehavior in Its Tracks." I kind of feel like I need to just stay home today and read this chapter.
I went into Wonder Woman / aggressive mom mode as I took big sweeping steps over to the attacker, picked him up by his armpits, looked at him with huge, pulsing eyes and said "No! that is not safe." The student could sense my furry and said to me very loudly and clearly, "You're not going to hit me."
"No, I'm not. I don't hit kids," I replied. "But you cannot pull people down by hoods of their coats. It is not safe. You could have hurt him."
That was probably too many words for the student to digest, but at the time, I didn't know what to say, and I wanted the student to feel how serious this situation was.
Later, this same student came up to me and said, "Your face looked, looked. . . red."
"Yes, I was very worried and upset because I thought someone was going to get hurt."
The student looked up at me and said, "You're a good teacher, right?"
"I hope so," I responded, not sure exactly what he meant but assuming it had something to do with the fact that I don't hit kids.
But recently, I have not felt like a very good teacher. I have gotten angry and lost my patience; my red face is a testament to that. I don't want to be a red-faced, tight-fisted teacher. I don't want to be that person who yells at students and gets annoyed when they simply do things that 5 and 6 year olds do.
I am looking for more tools to help me build my patience and my ability to relate to these younger students. I checked out a book called Calmer, Easier, Happier, Parenting. (No--I'm not expecting, but I liked those adjectives and figured the book could apply to teaching as well.
Some of the tips I have gotten so far include
1. Descriptive praise--using specific, true, and motivating words to praise your student.
2. Using "think-throughs to help children remember rules and expectations and take them seriously.
(Use leading questions to have the student / child tell you the expectation.)
3. Reflective listening--"Imagine what your child is feeling, and reflect that back to your child in words." (Noel Janis-Norton)
The next chapter is called "How to Stop Misbehavior in Its Tracks." I kind of feel like I need to just stay home today and read this chapter.
Friday, January 31, 2014
A Strong-willed Child
"No, I'm not going to do it" he says as he takes off, running around the room and circling his arms into a propeller jump before landing in a kick-squat position on the floor.
This has become a daily scenario for me at work. There is one boy, bless his heart, who defies us everyday in what feels like a power struggle. I have tried to use an angry authoritative voice. I have threatened loss of privileges and losing a level on the behavior chart. I have ignored the behavior. I have removed the student from the room. It feels like nothing is working as the behavior continues day in and day out.
The other day, this student defied the teacher in the classroom. She said in a stern, deep voice with a face as solid as ice --"You do not tell me what to do. It does not work that way." Shortly after that, I tried to do the exact same thing and use similar words. It didn't work--he pulled his hand away and said "I'm not going to hold your hand."
It may seem like we are babying him to have him hold our hands. However, the other option is that he either runs out into the snow and needs to be chased back into line or he pushes and kicks other kids.
I not that his defiance is not personal, and when I start to get frustrated, I just walk away from him and take some deep breaths so I do not lose my cool. But seriously, I am open for some suggestions.
This has become a daily scenario for me at work. There is one boy, bless his heart, who defies us everyday in what feels like a power struggle. I have tried to use an angry authoritative voice. I have threatened loss of privileges and losing a level on the behavior chart. I have ignored the behavior. I have removed the student from the room. It feels like nothing is working as the behavior continues day in and day out.
The other day, this student defied the teacher in the classroom. She said in a stern, deep voice with a face as solid as ice --"You do not tell me what to do. It does not work that way." Shortly after that, I tried to do the exact same thing and use similar words. It didn't work--he pulled his hand away and said "I'm not going to hold your hand."
It may seem like we are babying him to have him hold our hands. However, the other option is that he either runs out into the snow and needs to be chased back into line or he pushes and kicks other kids.
I not that his defiance is not personal, and when I start to get frustrated, I just walk away from him and take some deep breaths so I do not lose my cool. But seriously, I am open for some suggestions.
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