Quick Update

Just a quick update on a few things in the last week and a half...

Last week at work was pretty rough with the kids. I don't know if it was the stage of the moon, something in the water, the rain, or just that it's been a long time since a break, but they were CRAZY.  Many of my first graders straight up refused to do homework. They ran around the room like it was a McDonald's Play Place. They were loud and distrespectful and fed off each others' energy and my frustration. By Thursday, I'd had enough. I demanded silence during homework time, and armed myself with the list of parents' phone numbers and my cell phone. After three strikes, I would call home and they would be picked up pronto. Fortunately I didn't have to call anyone (phew!) and I think they got my point. This week has been a little calmer but wow, they were crazy. I went home so frustrated every day!  And being mean to them and forcing silence when Urban Compass is supposed to be fun did not make me feel good at all. 

Fortunately we had some fun community activities to break up the frustration. We went to a hilarious comedy show based on the awkwardness of 7th grade. It was a musical, and it was painfully funny and true.  I had flashbacks to Rosa and all the drama that comes with being 11. The portrayal of the teachers was hilarious and certainly made me laugh, considering I see myself being a middle school teacher some day...  I find much more humor in seventh grade struggles than first grade craziness, that's for sure! 

The weekend was super chill. For two Fridays in a row, a bunch of us have hit up Yougurtland, a frozen yougurt chain where you build your own and pay by the price. They have awesome flavors & toppings, ands very JV-bugdet friendly :)  On Saturday, Julie and I took a trip to explore some new neighborhoods - Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Angeleno Heights. After a driving tour, we went to some really cool thrift shops and got lunch. It was a great roommie day-date!

This week, I've been realizing how attached some of my students are to me, and I to them. The student with serious ADHD who I've mentioned before is starting to respond to me pretty well, but takes a LOT of my time, attention, and energy. I feel bad when he takes me away from other kids, but it's rewarding to see him doing well with me.  A couple of the older girls that I usually hang out with during play time asked me to bring in my iPod so we've been jamming to some favorite tunes. Though I'm NOT a singer, I keep them entertained with silly impressions of Lady Gaga and Beyonce.  Sometimes they take videos on my phone...which I promptly delete!

That's all for now...off to the Grand Canyon in the morning!