Although my mother thinks it's blasphemous, to be honest, I hate party days. It doesn't matter what the holiday is, the students always respond the same way. They cannot contain themselves. If it was only excitement, I would enjoy the day. However, it's usually a mixture of excitement, frustration, and impatience. The kids are so excited about the 45 minute party at the end of the day, they don't want to do anything during the first 5 hours or so. They end up being pretty cranky and not much fun to be around.
Finally, a couple of years ago, I found a solution that made those days so much better for me and them. I created a special set of centers for just that day. Not the usual literacy or math centers, but "special" ones. I worked to make sure they were hands-on and engaging, and I had the students in them all day long!
It works like a charm! The kids get involved in the rotation of the centers, and they enjoy the activities. Then they forget that they really didn't want to do any work today. In fact, when it is time for the party, there are a few who want to finish their last center first!
Here's a Valentine's Day sample of centers that have worked for me:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Language-Centers-Valentine-Fun-1074083
Maybe you'll find it useful in your classroom too!
Krystal
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Finding that Work/Life Balance
I stayed home when my kids were babies. However, ever since I've returned to work, finding a balance has been difficult for me. I know this is not a new concept: the working mom struggling to do it all, but it is still very prevalent for me.
During the school year, my balance definitely tends to lean toward the work end. When I was in the classroom, I felt such a responsibility to my kids at school that my kids at home would often be neglected. I thought this was one trend that might change when I became an instructional coach. However, I find that I still feel that sense of responsibility, just with adults rather than children. At the end of the day I want the adults in the building to say that I've made a difference for them. As a result, it seems that I'm putting in more time than ever.
So, my New Year's resolution is to find a better work/life balance. These are the three steps that I have in mind:
1. Do school work after the kids have gone to bed.
2. Stop doing school work for long enough to have a conversation with my husband (he may be the one most neglected in this whole situation!)
3. Set aside a specific time to work on the weekends and only work during that time.
I know that there are millions of working moms who would have a ton of other advice for me. I'd love to hear it!!
Krystal
During the school year, my balance definitely tends to lean toward the work end. When I was in the classroom, I felt such a responsibility to my kids at school that my kids at home would often be neglected. I thought this was one trend that might change when I became an instructional coach. However, I find that I still feel that sense of responsibility, just with adults rather than children. At the end of the day I want the adults in the building to say that I've made a difference for them. As a result, it seems that I'm putting in more time than ever.
So, my New Year's resolution is to find a better work/life balance. These are the three steps that I have in mind:
1. Do school work after the kids have gone to bed.
2. Stop doing school work for long enough to have a conversation with my husband (he may be the one most neglected in this whole situation!)
3. Set aside a specific time to work on the weekends and only work during that time.
I know that there are millions of working moms who would have a ton of other advice for me. I'd love to hear it!!
Krystal
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