When we get this close to the end, it is easier for me to lay it all out so that I can see it clearly. I am not really to the point of counting days yet, but I do know that I have a very limited number of days left in which to accomplish as much as I possibly can for these kids in this year.
It won't all get done. I've taught long enough to know that, for me, the fact of the matter is that I will run out of time before I run out of things to talk about and teach. So many choices have to be made over the course of the school year... there are lots and lots and lots of great options for making the subjects that I teach come alive and take on meaning for my students -- but there isn't enough time for everything. I have to decide; and when I get to the end, like this, I know that I simply have to let it go. Teach as much as I can, without making all of us crazy, and let the rest of it remain for the next teacher to pick up.
I am tired. TIRED. Down to my bones. Down to my soul. I will make it to the end, but I will be glad for the break. I am ready to rest. They are ready, too. We will get through these last weeks together, studying rocks and light and sound and geometry... And then we will hug and wave, and take our leave of one another.
The end is coming.
swan
I'm at the same place - 14 1/2 days left for us. I'm ready for a break. Were it just the children and me I could continue. Adults at school make my life difficult. Is retirement in your near future? Is it something you look forward to or dread?
ReplyDeletePK
PK -- I have at least 7 more years to work, and that is fine. As tired as I am by this time of the year, there is always the excitement of the new school year in the fall (at least so far). As long as that is the case, and I can still do the work, I will teach. So... there will be more beginnings and endings in my future. Many more.
ReplyDeleteswan
PK: "Adults at school make my life difficult."
ReplyDeleteHere ideology pervades the teachers. In their majority they are die-hard communists, they just can't stand anybody who doesn't share their views and they're quick to detect "adversaries". They reject and despise the poor souls who think differently (as is my case).
I wonder if it's the same over there.
ordalie -- I can't speak for everywhere "over here." In my little school, we have a variety of diverging opinions on a range of topics (not the least of which is politics), but we generally like and respect one another as people and professionals. I know who is and is not likely to be politically "like me," but it really doesn't change my day to day interactions very much.
Deleteswan
I was always so jealous of your early finish - even more so this year. We have 8 weeks to go - EIGHT WEEKS !! And for me there is a bitter sweetness looking at the end of this year
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your lessons on rocks (that sounds like fun!!) and light and sound - fun too - geometry not so much (grinning) but then you know me and math !!
Any news on what you will be teaching next year??
morningstar --
DeleteI do a lot of my geometry lessons using a tool called a MIRA. You could Google it. It is a small reflector that allows students to make a variety of geometric discoveries while they are drawing reflected objects (points, lines, circles, etc.). It is fun and interesting and engaging -- and at this point in the year, it keeps them thinking and learning when we would all much rather be done. :-) You would like it!!!
I think next year I'll be teaching the exact same subjects -- although adjusting my math work to a new text that aligns to the new Common Core Standards.
swan