This week has been one of those weeks where you feel like you've lived three days in one. Each day so far (and it's only Wednesday let me remind you) has had about two to three days worth of stuff in it. Days have been long and there's little to no time to breathe. Not only am I a teacher this week I am a apart of a Caregroup (aka small group), I am a coach for infantile girls volleyball (that's middle school girls) and this week happens to be the week of the art festival. I am bombarded with things to do. I'm exhausted and I've noticed myself running on a very short patience meter. Some of the little things get to me, and the students have felt it. Today however was a blessing.
Today was one of those days where I see all three of the 7th grade classes in one day. For experienced teachers that might seem normal, but for me, even though I Love them very much, having all three classes in one day is a challenging day. That's 60-some 11-12 year olds all asking questions packed into 8 hours!! Well... back to today... my first 7th grade class acted like such sweethearts. They all came in with smiles (first thing in the morning), I received several high-fives and compliments. It helps that I was able to get a full 8 hours of rest last night, but they knew I was in a good mood and somehow all decided to be in a good mood as well. We worked on the papier-mâché project, cleaned up and have very interesting conversations throughout the class. I didn't even have to say much to them today, they knew exactly what they were expected to do and got straight to it. One 9th grade class down, an 8th grade class, and then on to my second 7th grade class of the day. This class, although a little more on the wild side (probable becauset I had them just before lunch), had the same attitude. They knew the expectations, got to work on the papier-mâché and cleaned up beautifully (this is a very messy process, so clean up can sometimes be a struggle). I was very proud of them. Lunch was next and then onto my last class... my third 7th grade class of the day. By now the coffee has worn off and I'm running on energy from lunch. Well this class just put the topping on the cake. I told them that we needed to really work hard to get the paper-mache done this class and off they went. They separated into their groups, got the materials out and went to work. As each group began to finish they put their work up and cleaned up without me having to watch over them!! And get this.... they ALL sat back in their seats and quietly talked with one another!! :) By the end of the class, tables were spotless and EVERYONE was in their seats talking... quietly! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
To say the least, they impressed me so much. I let them know, and I'm planning on baking something extra special for them for next week. Oh my word, 7th graders clean and sitting!! An art teacher's dream (or any teacher for that matter)!
Have I mentioned ... I Love my job. Even through the difficult times, there are many more smiles that overshadow the frustrations. Today, the 7th graders were the biggest blessing to me.
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