Bah!

This week has been what has become a very normal thing - hectic. Each and every day seems to get no better than the previous one. I'm not as frustrated as I got before my emotional "nervous" breakdown a few weeks ago. Although I am feeling much better about myself as a teacher and my capabilities as such, I am still finding myself a bit frustrated with how much we have to do in so little time. I would LOVE to have another hour every day. I know that sounds strange, and I would be laughed out of the school if I said that out loud!m But yes, I want another hour every day so that I can teach these kids what they need to learn.

We're nearly getting in the basics - reading, 'ritin' and 'rithmetic. Notice I said 'nearly'? Yep. At times I feel like I'm falling behind again, but I've really decided to take one day at a time. I am doing what I can, and we, as a class, are doing the best that we are able. We are moving along in our daily work, and the kids actually seem to be progressing. Yay! It's the other stuff that I am starting to feel guilty about.

Science. Good golly! We've been doing some experiments, and we are taking the test on the scientific method this Thursday. The kids aren't ready, but I've put this test off once already. In order to get the kids ready, we will be taking time during the next few days to review...a lot. I want the kids to do well. That is my goal. I do not, however, want to be "giving away" grades, and I won't. But I will be helping the kids to do their best. I feel confident that by Thursday they will be ready for the small test, but by making sure that they are ready, we are giving up some of our holiday activities. Yes, yes, yes. I know. Holiday activities are not the be all end all of the school day. However, when the students constantly have to "give that up", I start feeling really bad!!! The other two classes have some shamrocks with three wishes, leprachauns, etc. How the heck do they do that??? My class barely gets through the basic things. Heck no, we don't have time for the "fun" stuff! Argh!

This week we WILL do some St. Patrick's Day activities. I have an art project planned that should be really great. I had hoped to get it done before Thursday night - Family Math Night. However, it won't be. Oh well. Such is life! We also need to do our three wishes activity, our rainbow shamrock activity, and our leprachauns. Good grief! Sometimes all I can do is laugh.

As I am writing this, I am realizing that we also need to do our ant research project. Okay. That will be postponed....................................again.

Now I am worried again. I thought writing this stuff down was supposed to help me. ;-)

I watched Judging Amy tonight. One of her cases was that of two girls who started a website that stated all the illicit affairs of some of the students at their school. Of course, much of the stuff on the site was made up. However, one of the victimized students of this cyber assault couldn't handle it, having a past of depression and suicide attempts, and killed herself. The parents of the girl were suing the two girls that made this site. As they sit there in the court room, I just watch them. Yes, I realize that it's a television show, but gosh.... it's something that could happen and probably has!

Do you remember those kinds of girls in high school? I am so grateful that I didn't attend junior high or high school during a time of cyber explosion. I went to school with some viciously mean boys and girls. They were the epitome of that popular student that thrived on making the not-so-popular kids squirm with embarrassment and fear. It was pathetic. I was on the receiving end of such torment only once that I can remember, and it was so very minor. It was really nothing more than annoying - a kid pinched my hinder as I walked up the stairs. I was sickened more by what I observed happening to others than what happened to me. I sincerely hope that those kids that I remember with such disgust have grown up to be wonderful and caring adults. I truly do.

Why do people hurt other people so much? Every day there is some evidence of the cruelty of this world. I see it every day in school. Kids can be so mean to each other, and they don't understand fully how much it does hurt some. I try to help them become sensitive to others' feelings. I really hope that it's effective.