Alright . . . I have to be honest. I LOVE MY JOB! And also, am finding that the beginning of the year is just as EXHAUSTING and challenging as the end of the year!!! Whew! I have a class size that is 12 fewer than I had last year- and it still seems to be about the same amount of (if not more) work. I was prepared for them coming in young. I was prepared for teaching them the routine of the school day. I was not prepared for the small group of boys who are dead set on challenging every level of my management skills. It's such a shame because until I can effectively manage those few, the rest of the class suffers. I've been coming home exhausted. And naturally, my voice went on the seventh day of school. Wouldn't that just be about right?! I'm a little congested today but yesterday and the day before wasn't at all. My throat doesn't even really hurt. It feels strained from trying to overcompensate for the lack of volume to my voice though.
I have discussed my frustrations and concerns with my aide and our Pre-School teacher who I totally respect! It's just interesting to hear how certain students had different behavior patterns in Pre-School than they seem to be showing so far in Kindergarten. The defiance is a huge obstacle. I'm amazed at the rude, totally disrespectful comments that are being made to me, my aide, and the rest of the class. I keep reminding myself that they are just babies coming in. Really most of them just turned five. I do have a handful of 6's too though. I think that my goal for tomorrow is to get through the day and have the kids leaving the room as happily as possible. The goal for next week is to focus more on arts and crafts- and individual evaluations. There is just no possible way for me to accomplish whole group learning on an outstanding level until I can learn what it takes to get these kids motivated and eager to learn.
Praying with all my heart that I am blessed with the ability to patiently guide these young minds to their fullest potential!
