It's been almost 2 months since I checked in here. That's how long it's been since I had a few minutes to sit down and actually think and write!
Things in the home are off and on good and bad. It's hard blending families. My dh and I often disagree on parenting issues. And, as usual, I am feeling overworked and underappreciated. I worked this summer at a part time job, 35 hours a week, and two weeks ago, I returned to teaching full time. Yet, the family still treats me as if I am at their beck and call.
I guess I do complain too much. It's hard to find something to be excited about when there are disagreements in the home, but I'm going to try.
I have done some cool activities with my 6th grade language arts students already. We've done color-coding activities, watched a TV interview to set up our own scenarios, looked at pix on the Internet to help us understand what we were reading about, classroom games, cooperative groups, and even a scavenger hunt, all related to grammar, writing, reading, and spelling, so they are actually seeing why they have to learn it! It's taking an awful lot of work and preparation on my part, but I love it when the kids think my class is fun! Especially since I know they're learning at the same time. I think students need to keep having fun learning instead of being bored in class every single day. If we can keep their enthusiasm up for learning, their futures will be brighter and so will ours!
I will admit I am having to remind myself daily that they are still sixth graders, so I need to cut them more slack than I would an 8th grader. Intermediate school (junior high) is such a huge change from what they did in 5th grade. There are major adjustments going on in all their lives. And with the twins in 5th grade this year, I'm trying to be the kind of teacher I would want my kids to have.
As for my soap operas, I have hardly seen them in two weeks. I tape them sometimes, but I don't have time to watch! Plus, my son is in football and I'm coaching my daughter's cheerleader squad. We have church, of course, and there is a Bible Institute class I'd like to start next week on Wednesdays. We still have to find time for piano and girl scouts, drama festivals, choir shows, not to mention the senior activities of my eldest step-daughter - who, by the way, is at the age where we know nothing and she knows everything. And I'll tell you one more thing where she's concerned... I hate MYSPACE! Enough said.
So, there are good things in my life right now, but we're going through a rough patch or a growing pain, if you will. Please pray for me and my family. Toodles!
Not checking in for two months? Girl! If I don't check in at least once a week, I'm doing a disservice to my soul. Blogging is so theraputic for me. Sometimes, it's what gets me through those difficult times.
ReplyDeleteYou sound busy...almost too busy. Where's your "me" time? I hate to say it but when it comes to the household, women are ALWAYS right! We prepare our children for the day ahead. We clean up at night before going to bed. We know when the toothpaste is running low and need to purchase more. We do the grocery shopping, most of the cooking, and 98% of the cleaning (I left the 2% for those that technically have "chores".). We run interference for everyone else. The list goes on. Bottom line, we NEED our ME TIME!! So, girl, you better be taking some and you had better not be feeling guilty about it!
Your Sixth grade class sounds like so much fun. I've actually enjoyed my first two teacher days, so much so that I'm more relaxed about starting school than I have ever been. It could be the influence of the new Principal. She's VERY relaxed. Kind of rubs off on me, I think. I've also heard she's a teachers Principal and not a parents Principal. So far, I've seen evidence of that too. It's about time I worked for someone who appreciates me!
Well, I've taken up enough of your time this AM. BTW, I miss you too. Take care and yes, prayers are lifted for you...always. :-)