#justshannon

[shannonmonaeallday-blog]

Attempting to not let sinus issues bother me but #sinusinfection #justshannon #darkerthanblack #shannonmonae #suchaweirdgirl #earrings #tiredasf #headache (at Palm Springs, California)

[lifetime-wanderlust]

I plan to do a lot of reading this weekend. Been an exhausting week and I just want to curl up and get lost in a good book. First up: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

[lifetime-wanderlust]

Found pajama sets for school. They are from the "expensive" store in town. With a coupon and the sales, I got both for $20 instead of the $126 they originally cost. I splurged on myself, which doesn't happen much. Merry Christmas to me???

[lifetime-wanderlust]

[lifetime-wanderlust]

Today we had some professional development with the special education teachers.  The one that comes in to my classroom two a week gave me positive feedback....several times...four. Yes, I counted. 

In front of the whole program. ALL the teachers. 

It was weird.  But nice. 

Sometimes I feel like I’m making no progress with my morning students, but I am. She’s noticed it. I’m noticing it. At the beginning of the year, it was like playing “wack a mole” when we tried to come to the carpet. We still “play” sometimes, but we can get through calendar and a book [most days]. They are playing with each other instead of independently. They will sit and attend to an academic-ish task during small group. 

They’re 3. They’re not going to kindergarten next year.  My goal this year is more social-emotional than academic.  Taking turns.  Using language to get what you want/need. 11 out of 15 have VERY limited verbal skills...5 of them were silent the first month of school, unable to produce any sound.

This year has been a challenge.  I have cried.  I have wanted to quit.  I have wanted to shake a few parents because at 3, the children’s behavior has mostly been molded by parents. I have so many parents who don’t want to parent. 

I have gone to school ...looking for a daily fresh start. 

I have tweaked my schedule...my lessons...my expectations...to meet the needs of these students. 

As frustrating as they may be, this wild group of 3 year olds are “my kids” and I can’t wait to see the progress we have by the end of the year. 

[lifetime-wanderlust]

That Dang Evaluation

So this evaluation. Ugh. It was done the SECOND week of school. I had literally had my students for 6 days. SIX DAYS! I have toddlers really...most less than 3 years old. All but one less than 4. They are brand new to school. BRAND NEW to life. [a little perspective - the movie Frozen is older than some of my students]. With this said...little kids...sixth day of school...yes, we had some chaos and issues. They’re not used to structured play. They’re not used to sitting. They’re not used to constantly being with 14 other kids. They’re not used to listening to a teacher...walking in the hall...basically they’re not used to school.

I had 12 things to fix. 12. I know I’m not perfect. I know there’s room for improvement. The things they said to “fix” [like not having paint out, no scissors for them to use] are things I plan on introducing. I am NOT just giving kiddos scissors and letting them use them without talking about RULES first! The evaluation was just annoyingly stressful and I’m glad it’s over...for now.

[lifetime-wanderlust]

Job Updates

School 1 [potentially Headstart with two half day classes] : Calling my references and doing a background check. I know for a fact they’ve called at least one of the four people that I had listed. That’s a good sign. I’m supposed to hear back from them by the end of the week. 

School 2 [one I was an assistant at last year] : Interviewed yesterday and have to wait two weeks for a second interview. There would be a third interview after that.  [potential] School 3 [same position I’m applying for at School 2]: Taking applications until August 12. Timeline kinda stinks since school starts soon-ish. Will apply, depending on news from School 1. 

[lifetime-wanderlust]

I’m tired of job hunting.  Tired of interviews.  Tired of not knowing.