Loving Love & Logic

While it took about two months, I'm happy to report that I've finished Love and Logic.  I've {previously shared} that I read the parent edition last summer, but it didn't quite meet my needs as a teacher.  This book is often back ordered, but persistence and patience paid off.  Amazon delivered the book a few months ago and I've been slowly making my way through the pages.

Most of the book isn't filled with earth shattering revelations, but rather small tweaks to my classroom management and instruction.  As a teacher, I've found that one of my biggest challenges is falling into power struggles with students (particularly strong willed, more difficult ones).  I'd often find myself frustrated and wanting to have the last word in arguments.  This cycle wasn't leaving me very happy as an educator.

So, I sought out solutions.  A colleague recommended this book and not wanting to admit defeat with my teaching career, I took her advice, swallowed my pride and read the book (the parent edition) last summer.  This year, I've tried some of the strategies (such as choices and consequences with empathy).  It's making a difference.

There are still days when I'm frustrated by my students' choices.  One of the most difficult things about teaching (that no one tells you) is that I don't get to leave my job at school.  Often times, I'll be up tossing and turning, trying to figure out how to deal with a particular student.

One of my students this year has really gotten under my skin.  He's not defiant, he's not argumentative, he doesn't shout out.  He just simply doesn't do anything.  He is not meeting his reading goals, he's not doing his homework, he's not participating in class, he's not doing much of anything.  He simply sits all day.  Parent contact doesn't help the situation.  He's a smart young man and capable of being successful, he's just choosing not to apply himself or try, which is beyond frustrating as a teacher.  Writing him up doesn't work. I don't want him to sit out of recess to read, because then he'll associate reading with punishment (which is not what I want).  I've tried asking him how he'll solve his problem, but he simply shrugs apathetically.  My usual strategies aren't working.

Luckily, Love and Logic had an idea that I'll be trying in the classroom.  One of my favorite aspects of this book is the real world scenarios and different suggested lines for discussion.  My students have been a little antsy lately (spring fever hit early), so they're going to have a bonus surprise indoor fun break...if they've met their weekly goals and completed all their work.  

However, this student (and several others) probably won't be joining.  Instead, I'll phrase it that they're fortunate to have some bonus time to catch up on their goals and are welcome to join us once they've met their requirements.  It's not recess that's being taken away, but rather a very real consequence to their actions (or rather, inaction).   When the complaining starts (as it will), I'll respond with empathy. I'll state that it's a bummer and ask how they intend to solve their situation. I'll state that they're welcome to join us once they've completed the expectations.

Will they be frustrated? Yes.  Will they get to uncomfortably experience the natural consequences of their actions? Yes.  Will it be a discussion? Nope.  I will let them choose to continue to be off task, but also choose the consequence (not participating in our fun activities).  I'm okay with them living with their consequences because I'm no longer owning their behavior choices.  

Fingers crossed this strategy will be a game changer for my more apathetic students. I don't resort to yelling, consequences (being written up) aren't working, so instead I'll focus on acknowledging the positive choices that others are making.

Marching Onward!

Out of no where, March appeared.  It's gearing up to be a busy month.  It's the fifth and I've already crammed a lot in.

First, we conquered {Reading Week}.  5 spirit days, 2 assemblies, 1 guest reader, 1 field trip, 3 lunches outside, and lots of reading time.  As a school, we also hosted a book drive to collect books for Spread the Word Nevada, a nonprofit.  We collected almost 2,500 gently used books in a week.  (100 of them are from my class!)

We also received our first box of new books from our {Donors Choose} project.  We made thank you cards for our donors and dived into reading.  Look how cute they are!

Second, fifth grade was in charge of First Friday treats.  Each grade level has an assigned month and we bring in treats for the rest of the teachers.  

I went to Costco for several dozen pastries, but picked up fruit and juice as well.  We put down butcher paper (it makes for easy clean up) and I raided Sunshine's closet for some decor.  (One of the perks of being co-chair is that I can borrow decorations whenever I need as long as I bring them back in a timely manner!)

I bought a little too much food (I went to Costco hungry), but still came out pretty close to our budget.  We split the cost between the five fifth grade teachers, so it was only $12 each.  Considering all the teachers (plus some substitutes) had happy tummies, I call this a win.  We're also off the hook for 11 months.

Third, I'm sick of this being my weekend:

So I made a change. I've stopped working from home and on the weekends. Yes, I'll continue to work on materials for Teachers Pay Teachers (because it doesn't feel like work). But unless it's a special occasion (report card comments), this work stays at work.  

I'm reclaiming my nights and weekends.  If I'm at work from 7-5 each day, that's enough. That's 3 hours unpaid work every day.  It's still not enough time to get everything accomplished, which is beyond frustrating (but also the life of a teacher).  Nights and weekends are for things that fuel my soul: couple time, pet time, friend time, family time, and/or nap time.  A week in, it's going fairly well.

Fourth, I'm making slow and steady progress through Love and Logic.  My goal of a book a month isn't quite on track, but January's book was nearly 500 pages (and this one is 300), and I'm taking copious amounts of notes, so it's okay.  

Up next? A book for Battle of the Books, then perhaps another teacher book.  I've had a few recommended during trainings, so my  Amazon cart keeps getting new additions.  (I'm saving receipts because it's tax deductable.)

This month also brings an in home party for Lularoe and Lipstains (co-hosted with our school's librarian), a quasi-bachelorette party, traveling to Anaheim for a conference, a GATE training, and preparing for two showers at work in April (a wedding shower and a baby shower).  We also have the SBAC (standardized testing) starting soon, and with that means a pep assembly...and assembling 200 green troll headbands.

We'll also be having our new cabinets dropped off.  We had custom built ins assembled, but I'll be staining them myself (so not only will they match the other cabinets I stained, we'll save a little in the process).  Our next home improvement project is replacing the flooring in the bathroom and doing the backyard.  We hope to have both completed by December.

Sneaking into September

 (Image from love this pic)

I blinked and it's September.

Not the beginning of September mind you, the middle.  With the school year starting late (August 29th), this time of year feels more frantic than normal.  Granted, wedding planning and adjusting to a new role at work doesn't help.
 
Reading... Teaching with Love and Logic by Fay and Funk.

I've read the parenting version because that's what our school counselor had on hand (it was a {summer read}).  This gem is frequently back ordered...and for good reason.  It's just a lot of practical, common sense advice for avoiding power struggles with students (a trap I fall into often).  I've had a few rough years and have to be reflective on that.  Perhaps part of my teaching style was a catalyst for their behaviors, so it's time to try something new.

This year I'm giving them more choices (but I'm okay with all the choices that are given), having less hall way conversations, and trying to ensure a more calm classroom environment.  It's going fairly well.

Playing... catch up on blogging!  There's lots to share in terms of wedding updates and the first two weeks of school.  My phone is currently uploading pictures to dropbox and I'm planning out posts.

Watching... Once Upon a Time because season 5 is now on Netflix!  Granted, this is how we watch Netflix...

...so sometimes I have to watch episodes a few times to get the whole picture.  Crookshanks is laying on me while Waffles has claimed her portion of the bed. 

Trying... to be motivated to tidy the house or plan out meals for the week.  However, B's not home (he's off golfing), so I feel like I should relax too.

Cooking... not a whole lot these days. But that's nothing new.  We'll set up our meals when he's home and make decisions together.

Eating... well, trying to eat healthy.  The first two weeks of the school year are fueled by caffeine and chocolate out of sheer necessity (it's LONG hours), but now it's time to get back into a routine.  As a helpful tip to fellow teachers, always keep an extra frozen meal in the freezer or can of soup in your desk just in case.  One of my colleagues had a super hectic morning (she's got twin teenagers who just got their drivers licenses) and forgot her lunch.  I didn't want her to starve or worse, eat school lunch, so I was able to help her out.

Drinking... water, water, water. The more liquid I consume, the more sinus drainage I have.  Considering I'm still in recovery from my sinus surgery, this is a good

Calling... my momma but she's out living life (possibly at yoga).




Texting... friends. One had a super rough week, but we love her and sent her flowers to brighten her day:

Pinning... nothing? I haven't had a chance to do my nails in weeks, much less get on Pinterest.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed (as I am at the start of the school year), seeing pinterest perfect, color coded classrooms doesn't help!

Tweeting... again, nothing? I think I uploaded a picture to instagram a few days ago?

Going... to finalize our wedding flowers later today! Small baby steps in the right direction.

Loving... this school year. I have the most kids I've ever started with (thirty five, ya'll. Thirty freaking five) but honestly, 34 of them are stellar.  The one who is being difficult has been for years, but I've made positive parent contact and keep purposefully seeking out opportunities to praise the kiddo for on task and appropriate choices.  He's just a tad spoiled, doesn't seem to have expectations at home, and gets very angry with me when I ask him to do things in class (and not just draw).  We'll get there.  In the mean time, I've got thirty four other munchkins who are thrilled about fifth grade and having some great discussions so far!

Hating... how my nose still isn't better. I know surgery and healing is a process, but still. I'm on a decongestant to help with the drainage.

Discovering... that my sinuses and nose now work as they should! I did a nasal spray (as I do, multiple times a day) and it drained down my throat.  That has never happened before.  My nose plumbing is working correctly (even if it's still healing).  Hooray for science and medical advancements!

Thinking... about a bubble bath, a pedicure (at home of course, we're saving for a wedding), or a nap.  Or quite frankly, all of the above.

Feeling... like walking the pup, but it's simply too hot outside.

Hoping (for)... healing and peace.  A coworker had major surgery yesterday, a friend is dealing with medical issues, and others are fighting depression.  It's hard. I sometimes struggle to find the words to say, so I simply reaffirm that they're not alone and it's okay if they don't want to be social.  Depression is draining, healing is hard, and sometimes it's okay to not be okay.  I just hope they know I love them and am rooting for them.

Listening (to)... Crooksie trying to make her way into the pantry.  Our two cats are on a new diet and one is not enjoying it.  I found a hole in the food bag and realized that she'd snuck into the pantry and was supplementing her diet with extras.  No more of that!  So she's now giving quite the sassy attitude because the pantry is closed and that's where their food is kept.  The struggle is real.

Celebrating... the weekend!  Our wedding invites are mailed, our cake tasting is set up, we've received our first RSVP for the wedding, and there's lots of exciting things happening.  We're thrilled about our wedding, but also thrilled for the big events in our friends' lives.  This month brings a five year old's birthday party and another couple's baby shower.  Another friend is putting the finishing touches on her new (first) home and others are almost done unpacking from their move. 

Smelling... hahahaha nothing.  Thanks nose.

Thanking... the gals that came over last night for a make your own bath products party! (Bathologie, all natural and organic stuff!)

Considering... how to proceed with my nail situation.  Gel polish? Jamberry wraps?  Decisions decisions.

Starting... to plan a baby shower in my head... (not for me, no one jump to conclusions!)

Finishing... this blog post!

What are YOU up to currently?

Something New

The past three years I've been blessed with the opportunity to grow as an educator...in the form of very difficult students and a lot of escalating classroom drama.

So this summer meant a nice break from teaching in the form of complete disconnect. 

I didn't sub.  I worked on long range plans for about two hours a week, but only with a friend.  I read a few books but they were ones I wanted to read.  I spent a lot of time thinking about who I want to be (and a lot of time with Netflix).

As a result, I'm headed into August feeling excited about a new year.  (Exhausted, but excited.)

One of my new things for the classroom this year?

Less colors. 

While bright colors are welcoming and create a warm environment, I think they had an adverse effect on some of my students and only heightened their dramatic personalities.  

This year, I'm going with calming grays and blues.  I'm strongly leaning towards a nautical theme, so I see hints of red and white dispersed throughout the room. 

I'm headed into my classroom on Thursday (after a planning meeting with the other coaches) and am excited to get started.  I will also need to be very honest with myself because I'm still healing from surgery and will not get everything done in one day.

Something else that's new?

I'll be co-teaching with the GATE teacher.  I won't have any SPED students (except possibly speech) and instead of my students leaving for GATE (Gifted & Talented Education), they'll receive their extension services as a push-in model. 

I also just finished this:

I borrowed it from our counselor.  The teacher version has been on back order for what seems like forever, but Amazon tells me it will be shipped out soon.  Some of the stuff wasn't super applicable to the classroom, but there were some good ideas for shifting my instruction.

The biggest take away was choice.  Giving students the opportunity to choose between two options (both of which I'd be okay with) and allowing them to feel control over their classroom and life.  

The second big take away was to get away from the savior complex in which I'd want to solve all of their conflicts.  In doing so, I deprive them of the opportunity to grow and practice creative problem solving.  I'm hoping by setting the norm that I won't be interfering with their small problems will eliminate me hearing about most of their small problems. This doesn't mean I won't listen, this doesn't mean I won't care, it just means I won't fix their lives for them.  Larger problems, like those involving administration or CPS will definitely be addressed quickly and respectfully.  But I don't want to have anymore hallway conversations about the theft of pencils.  It was draining and I don't want another frustrating year like last year (hopefully).

I also saw this book floating around the message boards of my PLN (Professional Learning Network):

So I tossed it into my Amazon cart.  From the reviews, it seems to be just what I need!