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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Currently December

It's that time again...yup, time to link up with Farley for her Currently Link up.



So here goes:

Listening: My wife and I are trying to clear off our DVR from over Thanksgiving break (we were out of town), which means catching up on Ellen Show episodes.  I love Ellen...like, I would be one of those people who would cry just from meeting Ellen.  She might be my idol.

Loving: I'm super sad it's over already, but I love that we had a 5 day weekend.  It was just what I needed to rest and recharge before the crazy that is December.

Thinking: I had to change my schedule...again.  I'm so tired of all of this mess.  I wish people would pick something else to complain about other than my schedule.  Sheesh.

Wanting: My wanting kind of ties in to my thinking.  I would just like uninterrupted access inside certain peoples' brains.  I want to know why they think the way they think, why they feel the way they feel. (Do you know what movie that quote is from?  Haha)  For real though, I do want to know that.

Needing: It's past 10:00 here...which means I need to go to bed.  :-/

Giving: So...some advice that I think we, as teachers, need to hear every once in a while.  Elementary teachers teach math, reading, writing, science, social studies, penmanship, citizenship, manners, technology, and lots of other things.  That's a lot for anyone to keep track of.  We also have to remember, though, that we do not have to know everything about everything.  Pick one thing, and get really good at that one thing.  Then add another.  While you're waiting, ask for help.

I know the 3rd grade math standards like nobody's business.  I can tell you what our limits are and what we can and cannot be tested on.  And now, I have to learn 4th and 5th grade standards as well.  I know who in my school to ask for help.  I am slowly learning 4th grade standards, and once I have those, I will get 5th grade's as well.  But I am not going to burn myself out by trying to become the master at everything.  Not only do my students deserve better, but I deserve better.

Sometimes I think teachers have a constant need to be the best at everything.  We all need to remember that it's okay to not be the best at something.  It's okay to ask for help.  Isn't that what we tell our kids all the time?



Thanks for sticking out this long post.  Hope you all have a wonderful December!

5 comments:

  1. love your advice…
    I think December can be one of the most stressful months as a teacher because there is always SOOOO much to do and not enough time to do it… I love your advice and will take that to heart when I get stressed
    thanks so much for linking up

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  2. I'm seriously obsessed with Ellen, too. She's seriously hysterical! One of my fav celebrities ever.

    I love your advice! It is totally ok to be the best at one thing. I think that elementary teachers specifically are plagued by this. Middle school teachers usually departmentalize and teach only one or two subjects, but in elementary we are expected to teach it all. It's a tough thing to do! I'm a new follower, I found you through Farley's Currently.

    Mandy
    Caffeine and Lesson Plans

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  3. ELLEN IS MY GIRL! Seriously. I have Ellen underwear and socks in my cart for my fiance for Christmas. She just makes my day! I'd love to meet her! Also, your advice is superb! My first job was a middle school reading intervention teacher and man do I miss certain parts of it, because there is SO much responsibility for elementary teachers. It's no wonder so many get burned out.

    Have a wonderful holiday season!
    Thriving in 3rd
    L. Paull Designs for All

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  4. Oh I love Ellen! I always seem to miss it though due to meetings and things....but when I can catch her I love it! I love your advice! It couldn't be more accurate! I am going to take your advice because I am totally guilty of being the one with all the answers. I found your blog through the currently link-up! I hope you got to bed and I hope your December (and new schedule) go smoothly!


    Megan

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  5. Love the advice! I changed jobs about 18 months ago. I went from a regular third grade class to STEM lab for third, fourth, and fifth. Well, I know what to expect from third graders, but the learning about the older kids has been interesting.

    Also an Ellen lover!
    Have a great week!
    Carol
    Teachers Are Terrific!

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