The sea was rough that day, my friend

It was a rough day.  I felt like we had gotten the ball rolling by the end of last week, but we reverted to some old habits today.  Expectations were forgotten.  Work was seen as a nuisance.  I was being tested constantly.  There was a lot of learned helplessness in our class today.  That doesn't play well here.  We'll get it going again.  I'm relentless.  I won't give in.  I refuse to help those who don't help themselves.  I will not let them give up as soon as they face adversity.  Show me some effort and I'll show some in return. 

One of my jobs is to turn these children into independent thinkers.  It may be one of my tougher jobs, but I am committed.  Most of my talks early in the year revolve around this idea of them taking responsibility and being more independent.  It's in their best interest.  It's important.  All I ask from you is to give them a little responsibility at home.  I'm sure many of you do.  If not, just take a look at all of the things that you do for them in a given day, and see if there isn't anything that they could do for themselves instead.  Maybe they can clear the dinner table or help make their lunch for the next day.  Ask them to make their bed (never a favorite).  Insist that they order for themselves in a restaurant.  Small steps, that's all.  There is good and bad in getting older.  While on the one hand you can ride the Tilt-a-Whirl without an adult, on the other hand you may also have to empty the litter box.

The schedule was all jumbled due to testing today.  Math got cut short by twenty five minutes.  We took the NWEA reading test this afternoon which caused us to miss our literacy block entirely.  Kids love consistency, so I don't think our schedule did them any favors.  Most of the week is messed up as well.  Our NWEA math test, originally scheduled for today, is now tentatively scheduled for Thursday.  Wednesday is an early release day (1:00) which some kids react to like a werewolf to a full moon.  We'll see.  I'll remain consistent, and they'll get it sooner or later.

Please don't jump to any conclusions by reading the blog.  I make some generalities, but know that every child is different, and I try to treat them as such.  Please email me if you have any specific concerns or questions.  Another generality that I can make is that most parents that read the blog are doing a great job.  Parenting and teaching aren't exact sciences.  We do our best to do what is best for our children.  Thank you for your efforts.

And thank you for reading,

Mr. Shea