I am feeling a little down today. Down may not be the correct word, maybe melancholy or introspective. I want to finish strong and hope my learners will perform better than last year. I want to be a good teacher. I want to motivate them to learn and enjoy learning, but I feel like I spend most of my time corralling the learners or settling them down. It can be exhausting.
The reality is that I am mostly managing my classes better and they are getting to task quicker, but every day there seems to be an exception. Today it was the last period where I had to invigilate a 9th grade Afrikaans class.
Every time a teacher is absent, they assign that teacher’s classes to other teachers with open periods. Sometimes the teacher will leave work for the class and sometimes not. The learners always think it is a “play” period even if they have an assignment. Often, you do not know the learners and you may never have them for a class again, so it is hard to invest much effort into the period.
The last period of the day is often difficult anyway, but today’s class fell off the rails and I did not try to get it back. I guess that is what frustrates me, that I didn’t even try. I was mentally done for the day too. Usually I would at least play hangman or a simple game to keep them engaged, but not today.
Please pray for me to be a better teacher. “Mama said there’d be days like this” and tomorrow is another day… (song by the Shirelles)
All for now with all my love,
Ellen
following the cow path 
my container and hydroponic garden 
closer version
Where's GranEllen? 
Oh Ellen
Don’t be too hard on yourself! It’s difficult if the kids don’t reciprocate. You can only do so much and today want your day to stand on your head and do the dog and pony show. Tomorrow is another day…
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Sending love and hugs. Tomorrow is another day, another chance to feel better about everything. I’m sure your kids are blessed by you.
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Sometimes, you just have to let it go…😊. You are doing a great job and one down period will not impede their progress. Hang in there- they are lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer!
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I had days like yours when I was teaching. There’s not much you can do with another person’s class. You don’t know the students nor do you know what the teacher is doing with the content. And sometimes you feel as if you can’t do much with your own classes. If nothing else, you can be an example of a learner. I am sure that you are making a positive impression on your students. Love, Charlotte
On Mon, Feb 3, 2020 at 2:10 PM Where’s GranEllen? wrote:
> granellen posted: ” I am feeling a little down today. Down may not be the > correct word, maybe melancholy or introspective. I want to finish strong > and hope my learners will perform better than last year. I want to be a > good teacher. I want to motivate them to learn and enj” >
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Teaching is hard, no way around that. I agree with everyone else, cut yourself a break. You are an awesome teacher and I know your usual class loves you. Maybe next time you should bring in some head phones or earbuds, plug them into you phone, and dance up there at the desk. The class would at least laugh. You got this.
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I’m sorry you had a rough day . Let it go . Don’t be hard on yourself . I’m sure you are doing an amazing job . They are lucky to have you as a teacher . You are one of the most kind, patient, and gracious people I know . There will be days like this, and it is not a reflection of you or your abilities. Give yourself a break and do something good for yourself ! We just received a list called “ 101 ways to Cope with Stress”. I’ll send it to you . 🤗😊
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Do not beat yourself up Ellen! Sometimes you cannot swim against the tide and keep your head above water. Today was a day to drift and go with the flow.
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There behavior does not make you bad
Kids will be kids.
Teachers will be teachers
Keep on keeping on!
5 to go
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