One week done working from home and I have thoughts. First, there are two squirrels that hang out in the tree right outside the window where I have my makeshift office space set up. They are there every morning, chasing each other and chattering. It's a dying or dead tree with a large hole on … Continue reading Teacher at Home: Wobbling
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December 12: not giving up
Everything in me wants to give up on things right now. Maybe it's the string of cloudy, gloomy days, or maybe it's the short days, or maybe it's that resources are tight while needs are high, but I'm way off my game. I'm forgetting things more than usual, I'm hyperfocused on things that aren't helpful … Continue reading December 12: not giving up
December 11: brain overload
My brain has been rushing a lot lately - like, my thoughts are flying through my mind at such a fast speed that I can't really keep up with them. They are pretty random lately, too. More random than normal. For example, if I've done anything awkward or embarrassing or "wrong" to any of you, … Continue reading December 11: brain overload
December 4: daily writing
Today I talked with my writing classes about the importance of daily writing - I shared the research, explained the reasoning, that sort of thing. I think I was better able to sell it because I've seen the benefits first hand by writing here everyday. I can sort my thoughts and feelings, I can figure … Continue reading December 4: daily writing
November 21: Better
If you would have told me on Monday that I would leave school on Wednesday feeling *good* about things, I would have laughed in your face. But here we are. Teaching can give me metaphorical whiplash: one day can be terrible and I leave feeling like I'm the worst teacher in the world, the next … Continue reading November 21: Better
November 16: reading essays
I graded an entire class set of essays tonight after work. Here's the thing about reading personal essays: you learn a lot about the lives of hundreds of young people - how they view things, how they process, what bothers them and what they care about tremendously. I've read thousands of stories from kids at … Continue reading November 16: reading essays
November 11: another weekend over
Sad. Sunday night blues are kicking my butt. I don't want to go to sleep because I don't want to get up tomorrow. I just want another day to relax. This is the first fall I've been able to enjoy my weekends in 15 years. Coaching debate took over half of every weekend, which left … Continue reading November 11: another weekend over
November 5: darkness
When I left school today, it was dark. Not dim, not dusk. Dark. I used to love fall back because I love to sleep, but now, I'm annoyed with the entire concept of time in general and I just want to hibernate. Instead I'm going to take vitamin D pills whenever I remember them and … Continue reading November 5: darkness
November 1: conferences
I have far more conferences this year since I'm working at two schools, and I have a few proposals and points for consideration: The word "lazy" is now banned. There is probably some reason a 12 year old doesn't get their work done, but calling a kid lazy doesn't help anything and probably just makes … Continue reading November 1: conferences
October 29: grateful
I was feeling guilty yesterday about my lack of time and focus for grading essays. Tonight, my friend Lanka texted me and asked if I wanted to go out grading. I had a long day, I'm tired, but I said yes. I love grading dates because it holds me accountable and I still get to … Continue reading October 29: grateful
Adventures in Distraction 