The last two weeks have been CRAZY! I have returned to work at my former elementary school as a resource teacher for grades 3-5. Resource at our school means we work both in the classroom and in other teachers' classrooms in order to provide additional support to students to help them be successful.
Although I was used to this school, I had not been there for two years and there were some changes. There was no master schedule -- rather, the teachers were making their own schedules. This would not normally be a problem but this year was a little different; we have become a fine arts academy. As a result, we lose 2 hours on Wednesday afternoon in order for our students to attend workshops in areas of their choosing; painting, writing, music or some other area of creativity. I love the idea and truly believe our students will benefit! In a day and age where arts are being cut, we are boldly moving forward and putting our thumbs to our noses to those who have believed we need to focus strictly on academics. Additionally, all of the teachers in my building work an additional 20 minutes per day without pay and teaching classes we normally wouldn't teach. For example, I'm teaching first grade music, which is a little crazy when you consider my action research project for my Master's degree was music and its effects on student learning. Oh, and my statistical work was done using a first grade class. Just another example of how God makes these "little" things happen!
Now, back to reality. In order to make sure students do not miss their regular specials (art, music, library and PE), each classroom has a rotating schedule -- A-E and F1-F5 days. I work with seven teachers and each has a different schedule on different days and I had to figure out how my aide and I were going to see the kids for the required minutes per week in their IEP's, which is a legally binding document. That's my reality. Let me tell you, it took quite a bit of prayer AND finagling!
The first week, my brain was on overload. New job, new schedules, teaching first grade music on our fine arts day(!) -- how could I make this work? I took a few deep breaths on the days I was completely overwhelmed and just stopped thinking. I did things I knew how to do such as figure out my caseload, determine dates for IEP's and make lesson plans. This time, I handed it all to God and left it at His feet. You see, there are times that we take our problems and give them to God but then, we immediately take them back and worry some more. This time, I had no solution. It seemed impossible. I was forced to take a step back.
One day, while enjoying a beautifully breezy day outside, I thought to myself -- I love to watch the kids run. I don't know why, but it is so much more normal (in my humble opinion) than sitting in front of a TV playing computer games. They are incredibly joyful as they play tag, soccer, or even just running while holding the ends of a jump rope. They are using their imaginations to the -nth degree as they play. And so, I began to use my imagination, and allowed my mind to wander a bit. I thought, hmmm...I need a giant calendar; one that I can wipe off to figure out these schedules. Yes, if I have that, I can change out the schedules every month to match the days. When I went in, I shared my idea with the other resource teacher who thought me brilliant! Honestly, I can't take the credit -- I'm certain this one was from God. You see, when you allow Him to take control, He WILL come through.
We set to work and ordered the calendars. Yesterday was a professional development day and yes, we completed the schedules. Although we had quasi-schedules made previously and were testing them out throughout the week, our final schedule was finished yesterday. It works! Although exhausted, we left feeling quite happy that we had accomplished so much!
The moral of this story? Be patient and listen for God's leading. I could have allowed myself to become ridiculously anxious and overwhelmed. I won't deny there were days I wanted to run away! However, on a rational level, I knew for every problem, there is a solution. Sometimes, we just need to take a step back and look at the problem again; allow our minds to wander and think out of the box. It's what we ask our students to do everyday; problem solve and daily application. Why should it be any different for us?
So these past two weeks have been the start of what I anticipate to be a learning curve for this next year. I did not bring work home this week-end. Rather, I am using the days to gather my thoughts and rest my body, I am grateful to God for the job I have, the people I work with and the students that I have the opportunity to serve. Having been in elementary, gone to high school and back, I realize I have found my niche in working with elementary students. Their smiles bring great joy to my heart. It is the place where I am happiest!
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
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