Kontan.

Somehow this week ended up out of control.   I had lesson plans for the week.  Enough work to feel like we were back but not so much that we were overwhelmed.  Several intro and review activities, a powerpoint, lecture, and discussion.  My exams weren’t graded, but I was ready for the week and had Monday and Tuesday free to grade.  And then…

there was a wrench thrown in my plans.  My AP syllabus did not get approved by the AP board and I had to rework it.  I have made it to the 1920s in that process, but am having to keep up with everything else too.  My plans were great, but students needed more information concerning women in American history so I had to adapt an assignment and then I realized their knowledge of abolition was weak so I incorporated a discussion into the week.  Using images and questions they group up, review their image, and decide how the class will discuss it.  Thoughts, views, interpretation, historical reality.  It was really something to see and worked out very well.  Unfortunately, the students are also a little needy sometimes.  Hey, they are interested so I need to take advantage of the instructional opportunity. 

Just part of it, but a little overwhelmed I am.  This morning I had to sit on the panel for a students practice interview for a major scholarship.  It is a very cool thing that our school does for students, but it is usually required at the most inopportune times.  Then I was cornered by asst admin for a students grade.  The parent was wanting to know.  We are about a week from grades being due and report cards going out…you can’t wait a few days?  I understand the frustration, but come on!  Parents choose the busiest times to start questioning how their child is doing.  I know it isn’t true, but it seems like they don’t care until the end of term when are frantically trying to get it all together!

Yes, I am fully aware that I had two weeks off where I could have graded papers.  Instead I took time off.  I played with my kids. I went to the park.  I picked up trash.  I spent time with my husband and I did what I liked to do.  Very aware of that.  The teacher part of me really regrets it, but the most important part of me…you know, the part that fills all of the OTHER roles of my life…doesn’t feel bad about it at all.  I’m just cursing the darn wrench that got thrown in my week.

OK, the soap box is free now…you may step up.

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