Annoyed

[Newbie]

I am sure I just have spring fever, but I am really tired of being at school every day. Our spring break isn't until April, and I need to get away from my students! They drive me nuts with endless stories that have nothing to do with the lesson, the administration annoys me, and I am tired of planning away to just hear complaints from students. I realize that part of it is my fault for letting things happen in my classroom (whining, complaining, etc.), but I just don't want to be around anyone anymore. I come home and just want to sit in silence because I feel like I have students vying for my attention all day long. For example, today they were working on a project, and even though I have told them a jillion times to sit down and raise their hand if they have a question, a few of them insist on walking up to me and calling my name. How do you keep them from doing that? How do you keep your students from getting on your nerves during this last stretch of the school year? I might snap!

 

[Miss C]

I feel your pain!

Our spring break isn't until like April 10th-ish. I get annoyed being there too, and I have definitely noticed that the kids are much needier than usual. And the other day, for the first time, the whole class was complaining that I didn't give them enough time to study for something (it was really simple - 21 pronouns. All afternoon and evening and some time the next morning to study.) I felt very frustrated. However, I know to chalk a lot of it up to spring fever. I don't know of any other career where a professional is required to interact almost constantly with the same group of people for 7-8 hours a day and still keep their sanity. That's why we feel the need for breaks so keenly. Anyway, here are some things that I'm doing to preserve morale (both for myself and my 6th grade munchkins)
(1) Several class periods outside every week. We are blessed with a very tranquil campus with lots of free space (big field, trees, etc.), so we often go outside for history, science, Bible, or reading. At least a few times a week.
(2) Lunch outside every chance we get
(3) Try to maximize use of time to allow more time for free play at the end of the day. They're in 6th grade, but they still love recess, if only for the chance to socialize.
(4) A few weeks ago, I promised them a walk to a local park (it's about a 15-minute walk) and time to play from 1:00-2:30 if they had the whole week's work done by Friday at 1:00. I've NEVER seen them work so diligently.
(5) Get with some colleagues and find a way to do something fun for a day. We recently had dress-up day for the teachers. Some came in formals (great way to use those old bridesmaid dresses), or just Sunday church clothes. We didn't tell the principal or the kids that we were going to do it. We just did it.
(6) Go all out for holidays. St. Pat's is coming up. Do something funky. Copy off all work for the day on green paper, have the kids bring green snacks, etc.
They're as ill with school as we are, as hard as that is to believe, and making their lives more interesting in turn makes yours easier. Hope this helps!
(PS~ These things certainly haven't solved all my problems to be sure, but they are certainly bright spots in otherwise relentlessly long weeks!)
Blessings!

 

[fun_friend]

Mrs. C...

Your campus seems heavenly. Our campus is not nearly so inviting to outdoor activity as yours seems to be. No way I could walk my kids off campus. I like a lot of your stategies to make the days more pleasant for the kids and you.

I find the kids enjoy reading and writing poetry. Today we read Shel Silverstein's "Whatif." Then the kids composed 5 couplets modeled after the poem. They really enjoyed this activity!

 

[Roger]

When the stress builds up...

I wa lucky to teach in an area with a very nice, resonable, b&b near by. Whenever stress got too much we would spend a weekend at this b&b. Nothing like being pampered and getting back to nature to ease your stress. I found out that if Im not stressed, my students tend not to have as much stress either.

 

[LP]

I was in the same situation.

About a week ago, I was feeling the same way that you are. I finally realized that I was pushing myself and my students too much. Maybe you could spend a week letting them do very easy activities. My kindergarteners have done a lot of coloring and "making words" types of activities this week. I do not feel that I am being lazy, just human. I figured that I was not doing any of us any favors by pushing them too hard. They are probably over it too. Just call it your "unwind" week. Easier activities, extra recess, maybe even a movie. One week is not going to hurt them and it will give you time to want to teach again. When I am refreshed, I do my best work. I am not saying throw academics completely out the window, just slow down some for a while.

 

[teacher4]

Some Advice

If they are not following directions during the projects then just shut it down and give them quiet handouts. I also think you should heed the advice of the above suggestions about doing something relaxing on the weekend. You are human and you are just tired. We all get that way sometimes and need a break. Take a mental day.

 

[Miss C]

fun friend

We are very blessed with our campus. I wish every teacher could have a similar situation. Letting them study outside sometimes really does help.

 

[Tounces]

Miss C

Neat ideas. Thanks for the green paper idea. That one is easy enough.

 

[Mom4a_and_c]

Break????????

What is a spring break/?? (HA HA HA). I wish we had a break. We get Friday and Monday off for Easter. That's it.

Marie from PA

 

[Newbie]

Well, today I tried to change things up a bit. During reading we sat on the floor together and read a book. The next couple of weeks have to be intense, but after that I guess I'll take a relaxing day or so to unwind a bit. Movies are limited, but I can definitely use some worksheets.

 

[Gloria]

I think

that the boat is getting full because every teacher I know is dying for April12 when Our spring break/Easter break starts........ Together, with a little complaining......we'll all make it........... Just think 1 quarter to summer vacation as someone reminded me today.........


Together, we'll make it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fun_friend]

mhanabek...

Our spring break is in April. Our last day of school is May 19. I think spring break comes too late in the year. Since we've waited that long, I'd prefer a long weekend like you described (maybe a teacher's workday thrown in) and a quicker end to the year.

I could use a FALL break. We started school the first week in August, took off Labor day and worked worked worked until November when we got some time off (and lots of it). My butt was sure dragging then!