Saturday, March 3, 2012

Your Head or Your Heart

Has it really been a week since my last post??? I have missed so much happening out there on all of the wonderful blogs I stalk and I apologize to all of my sweet and amazing bloggy friends for not stopping by and leaving you any comments. This week was filled with panic and stress because what some of you might call the Curriculum Cops were paying my school a visit.

I HATE people coming in my classroom and it worries my beyond words. I still get nervous when my principal comes in my room. I know what I need to work on and was ready to make a list of those things, tape them on my door, and then shut and lock my door. I was really worrying about if they would ask my kiddos any questions. Holy Moly....that is a ticking time bomb because who knows what will come out of a Firsties mouth.

I was also worrying because I know some of the things we are asked to do may not be developmentally appropriate for my kiddos AND there is also NO WAY on God's green Earth that you can get it all in. I am not a magician but feel like that is what we are asked to do daily trying to get it ALL in. The stress of doing all of that then turns me into a warden at times. I found myself at times this week having less patience than I usually do because I was trying to do things the way they think we should. And who cares that it was the week before Spring Break, Dr. Seuss' birthday, AND time to start our DRA assessments PLUS individual math assessments.

Many times it seems it comes down to following your head or your heart.

I want to do what is best for my kiddos. I know the Curriculum Cops who visited us want what is best for ALL of our kiddos too. But they also have people telling them what they need to be doing and what the children in my classroom need to be doing. No one seems to care about the number of ESL kiddos we might have in our rooms or the number of children who have been identified as at-risk or the fact we might have 7 children who might be dealing with burdens such as abuse, parents in jail, homelessness, poverty, or the fact they only meals they eat are the ones they get when they come to school. ALL children regardless of their circumstances are expected to make the same achievements and academic gains, right??!!????

My head knows what the expectations are and what my curriculum tells me I need to be teaching. Then I look out at the 17 little faces who look up to me and trust me. I think at times if I were to die tomorrow would I want people to say that I did a good job teaching my curriculum or that I loved my kiddos with all of my heart and tried my best to help each child reach their fullest potential AND feel successful.

It is so easy to forget and lose focus that we aren't teaching just a curriculum or standards. I am also not saying that you cannot teach the curriculum and make it fun and engaging because you can! I had to remind myself of this poem I shared a few months ago.


I will try my best to teach my curriculum but I will also remember that God put that child in my classroom. My job is to teach them reading, math, and more...but I also need to give that child my unconditional love, patience and understanding, and help that child know they can touch the lives of others by being kind and helpful.

Now for a fun *freebie*! =)

Hop on over to my TpT store and grab this fun March *freebie*! While you are there, I would love for you to follow my store. If you think you already follow it, please try again because I once had a link that didn't work! =) Click on the picture to go grab it from my TpT store.


While you are blog stalking this week, you need to go visit a few blogs that might be new to you.

First, you need to go visit Stacy at 2nd Grade Paradise. Stacy is a sweetheart and an awesome 2nd grade teacher. I would love for any of my Firsties to have her as their teacher. Stacy has just started creating *freebies* and they are so cute! =) Stop by and grab this game.



Next, you need to go visit Cheryl at Crayons and Curls. I LOVE Cheryl! She has followed me when I first started blogging and didn't know what I was doing....wait, I still don't know what I am doing! =) Cheryl is also a Texas teacher...WAHOO! She teaches Kinder and is so awesome. She is a great follower who will always help you if you are having a giveaway or just needing some encouragement.


These 2 ladies would love for you to go visit them and I promise that you will be glad you did! Tell them that Heather sent you! =)

I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend. I would love for you to leave me a heart note. I also want to let each of you know how much I treasure each note that you leave me...thank you for blessing me. =)


54 heart notes:

Jessica said...

Yes, yes, and yes! You are so right and everything you say. I still get nervous when anyone visits my room too! And no way can we get it all done or fit it in. I would love to trade places one day and see how it goes so maybe the pressure will stop. As long as my firsties are learning and understanding what they are learning that is all that matters. Right? Thank you for the poem and the freebie. I love all of your poems you have shared! What a great poet you are. Enjoy your break! :)
Jessica

Apples and Papers

Unknown said...

That is such a great poem!! Thanks for sharing:) I think we all have those days when we question what we do and why? But like you said, just knowing that you can affect a child in a positive way, makes it all worth it!

Cupcake said...

I know from your posts that you are an *amazing* teacher! Keep doing what you're doing!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher

Erica said...

I hope your week ahead is better. I think you're awesome!

ERica

sprinklestokindergarten.blogspot.com

Emily said...

I had one of those weeks too! Thanks for sharing this post it was something I needed this week

~Emily

Cassina said...

Heather, you are such an inspiration. Your posts are so touching. After 18 years of teaching, my heart continues to hit rock bottom while breaking out in sweats when the "higher ups" come to visit. In our county, we have a pacing guide in which we must be on the exact school day at all times. I am always on edge. I agree, we should teach the child then teach them academics.

Cassina @ Field of Poppies

Kerri Buckner said...

Thanks for sharing a fun freebie and some great words of wisdom. We don't have curriculum cops where I teach but I worry about getting it all in too. It's hard to balance all the things we have to do. I really wish some people that make these decisions about what we're suppose to teach would spend a day or two in our classrooms. It might change their minds. My fiance asked me the other day how I was suppose to teach a child to read who doesn't even really speak. Thanks for the encouraging words and poems.

Laura said...

You are so right! Just remember, at the end of the day, we're not teaching curriculum, we're teaching children! Sending good vibes your way! Enjoy your weekend!

Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

Sheri said...

Heather....You are NOT alone!!! Just know that there are many of us out there, just like you, that are struggling with the same truths!!!! The HEART will always win!!!
Loved your comment on my post...thanks for always being so encouraging:)
Sheri
1st GRADE ROCKS!!!!

Elyse said...

Thanks for the cute March freebie :-) How do you make your freebies? I am just getting into this freebie making thing! Love your blog!

<3 Elyse


www.mycherrytoppedlife.blogspot.com

Kelly said...

Love this blog...so I have given you the One Lovely Blogger Award. Stop by my blog to check it out!

Kelly
Kindergarten Kel

Allyson McGuire said...

This is such a sweet post! I'm still a student, but even now I'm praying that I'll be able to reach my students (while I jump through curriculum hoops).

Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

Stacey said...

This is such a great post, and the poem is awesome!! I gave you an award, come on over to my blog to check it out! :) I hope you have a restful weekend and prayerfully a better week next week.

3rd Grade Times

Sara at school said...

I hear you! I wrote a letter to our governor this morning (that I'll probably never send) with many of the same ideas. I sometimes think about my kiddos and how many of them are hurting. But you are so right - God put them in our room.

Marcia O'Duggan said...

Hey, Heather and blogging friends! Thanks for checking out my meager blog! I love updating for parents of my kindergarten kiddos and am tickled when others around the globe are interested, too!

I adore your items and updates! I will be checking in regularly!

With love from Minnesota..

Marcia O'Duggan

Kelly said...

Hi Heather! I'm nominating your blog for the Top 10 Award on my blog. Stop by my blog for the award details. :)

Tamera Wilson said...

I love the honesty of your blog and many times feel as if you are speaking what is on my mind, too.
I have given you an award.
Check it out!
:)
Tamera

Trisha said...

This is EXACTLY how I felt this week. We have a leadership team and they told me instead of having kids reading on or just about their level and focusing on teaching them HOW to read, they want us to read text above their level and focus on comprehension (which is also important but above their level? Choral read all the time? Don't focus on reading strategies???) I'm upset becuz I don't think it will be best for the kids... I had a little one (new, also ESL but good understanding of english) go from a Rigby level C in Jan to a level G last week! Frustrating. Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one going thru this!

Trish

Firstgradefrosting.blogspot.com

Id love for you to stop by my blog.. I know you're super busy!

meadowt said...

Hi Heather, i just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the Top 10 Blog Award. Come by my blog to check it out.
Barbara
happyteachingfirst.blogspot.com

Laura V. ~ A Grace-Filled Classroom said...

Thank you for being so open and honest. I think a lot of teachers feel the way you do. Honestly, I know I do.

Ms. Moriconi said...

Hi Heather! I just love your blog! You say in writing here what I'm sure most of us think on a daily basis as we face the challenges of teaching in these changing times! Thanks for the inspirations!

Jeannine

www.firstgradegallery.blogspot.com

Stacy Johnson said...

I have trouble keeping up with my blog too...And stopping by other blogs! Don't let the curriculum police get you down! We have them sneaking around too:( On a happy note, you have such a cute blog!

Stacy
Mrs Johnsons First Grade

Molly Maloy said...

Heather,

It is evident from your posts what a WONDERFUL and CARING teacher you are! I'm sure you kiddos love you and they are so lucky to have you as their teacher! I awarded you the One Lovely Blog Award for all of your sweet posts! Come to my site to check it out!

Molly
Lessons with Laughter

Karen said...

Thanks for being so honest. We all deal with those kinds of issues in our own classrooms each and everyday. It's during those times that we need to reach out to each other and know that within our hearts that we are doing what is right for our class. Keep up the great work!

Lou said...

Thank you for following and being so sweet! I have awarded you the One Lovely Blog Award. Head on over to my blog to check it out.

Thanks:)

Lou

Casey Shreve said...

Written perfectly! Although I'm still in school, this is so my outlook on teaching. Your words remind me a lot of my mother, who teaches kindergarten in a low income area. As teachers we are so much more than someone giving them an education, for a lot of kids we are the only consistent thing in their life. Such a huge responsibility. Thank you for this post!

Tessa said...

Hi there! I awarded you the Top 10 Blog Award. You can see my post about it here: Tales From Outside the Classroom and you can read more about the award here: TBA's Top 10 Blog Award

Congrats!

Miss DeCarbo said...

When I click on your blog from my blogroll I have to brace myself for tears - in a good way! :) it never fails, your posts touch my heart! Thank you!


Second Grade Sugar and Spice

Unknown said...

Thank you for being my FIRST follower! :) I feel honored! I am a fellow TEXAS teacher! Also...thanks for the freebies! Love them!

Juf said...

I SO hear you! Not that it really bothers me having people in my room, but I am so often torn between what "they" want, and what I feel my kids need at that moment.
All the best!

The Convenient Teacher said...

I know how you feel. I too sometimes feel like a warden. SOmetimes we just need to let kids be kids. I on somedays feel like all I am doing is yelling and it is because of the pressure of having to do so much. Just wanted you to know that there are many of us who feel the same way. Keep up your good work and it will come out ok.

Stacy said...

Hi Sweet Friend!!

I can NOT, can NOT, I tell you believe you put me in your post!

WOW! I am so honored and thankful to have you as one of my very best blogging buddies!!

You are just the sweetest thing...and I believe you have to be probably one of the MOST patient, sweet, and understanding teachers EVER just from reading your posts and hearing what you have to say.

You always brighten my day...and I agree with you...I really wish we could work together! :) I think we would just randomly stop in each others rooms for a hug and pick me up....but we kinda' do that on here anyways huh? Virtually!

Love you Ms. Heather! Thanks for thinking of me! Have a beautiful day, and I can't wait to post this poem in my room...I have one of yours posted by my the door for kids, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators to see (AND ME) when we walk into my room!

<3 Stacy
2nd Grade Paradise

Kristin Young said...

You are the best. Such an encourager. Thanks for loving on us!!! :) Left you a little something to accept on my page. ;)

Little Miss Glamour Goes to Kindergarten

Holly said...

Hey Darlin'!

You rock it out, don't get nervous!!!!!! Tell your head or your heart that you've got it goin' on, because you do!!!

Glad you're back...I'm having bloggers block...I've started a new post at least three times and just "x" out and say...maybe later.

Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

Jaya Maharajh said...

Dear Heather, I just wanted to tell you that what you posted resonated with me. I was reading your words and thinking, wait does Heather work in MY district? Recently I went through a similar experience, and though I was a leader in my school I felt that I was being pulled in SO many different directions. I felt frustrated, micro-managed and had the creativity stripped from me. and I was a veteran teacher! I wish that sometimes I could just teach and not to worry about all the administrative non-sense. I think that I need secretary sometimes! Enough kidding aside, I think that we just need to shut our doors and do what we KNOW is right for our kids. I can tell by your amazing blog that you are an amazing educator. Keep your head held high and keep your gaze on the prize, teaching our students! Thank you for the poem, I've printed and put it by my desk and I know now that I am not alone. I promise to persevere, if you do?! Lots of love Jaya

Unknown said...

Don't ever forget, no matter who comes in your room, that you are an amazing teacher and your kiddos are lucky to have you!

If it makes you feel better, I had a group of 20 principals do a walk through today... I couldn't even blog about it (yet)... one of my kiddos thought it would be appropriate to take his shirt off during the walk through!


Rachel
Ms. Rachel’s Room

Unknown said...

Don't ever forget, no matter who comes in your room, that you are an amazing teacher and your kiddos are lucky to have you!

If it makes you feel better, I had a group of 20 principals do a walk through today... I couldn't even blog about it (yet)... one of my kiddos thought it would be appropriate to take his shirt off during the walk through!


Rachel
Ms. Rachel’s Room

Miss DeCarbo said...

I just awarded you my Top 10 Blog award! :) Head over to my blog to pick up your award. :) Thanks for being so wonderful!

Second Grade Sugar and Spice

Miss L said...

I just LOVE your blog. Your thoughts, insights and words are inspiring for a new teacher. I will be a frequent visitor from now on!

Even as a literacy coach I sometimes get a visit from the RtI police. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is have a couple suits observing as I try and teach 27 little bodies in the busiest room in a school-the teaching lounge! Let's just say my reviews are never great and always mention the interruptions of staff filling their coffee cups.

Thank you so much for sharing the poem. I printed out a copy and put it on the back of my "very important book" to serve as a reminder to focus on the important things and not the curriculum/district program police.

<3

Anna said...

Hi Heather!

First of all I want to thank you for being my first "follower" on my new blog. You have no idea how giddy and excited I was when I saw that I had my first comment! :) I can tell by reading your blog that you are an amazing teacher, but more importantly I can see that you are a compassionate and caring person with a very strong faith. God bless you in all you do!

Kinder Kiddo said...

I have nominated YOU, your awesomeness, for an AWARD! Swing on over to check it out!

Kim Crowe said...

You are amazing and if you make an impact on your students even close to the one you have left on your followers you should feel very proud! I know you have truly impacted me! Hang in there. Having visitors in your classroom is always somewhat stressful, especially with the young ones but remember, it is your room and you know those children and you know what they need! Our big push this year is engagement of 100% of our children at all times. No one seems to take into account they have hungry tummies, they shared a bed with 4 brothers, and they don't speak English. WE know and WE love them! They love you for all you do Heather!!!!!

I have left you an award on my blog. Please stop by to pick it up.

Kim
http://smartkindercookies.blogspot.com

Mrs. Egley said...

Love your blog! Hop on over to my blog, I have nominated you for an award!

Diane
kindergartenafunplacetobe.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Heather!!! You are amazingly sweet! I wish I could reach through the computer and give you HUGS! Thank you so much for adding me to your post! I have always loved your blog! You are such a down to earth person and I know you are an AMAZING teacher! (Would love my little boy to have you next year!) :)
Thank you so much! Remember you are a gift from God and he put you where you are for a reason! No matter who comes in your room, you are amazing and everything will work out fine! Keep praying and I will pray for you! Hugs to you!!! :)
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls

Ms. H. said...

I loved the "Teach Me" poem! It's exactly what I today so thank you so much for reminding me what teaching is all about. Like you know, I'm new to this blogging world and I'm so happy to see that there are teachers like you making a difference. Your 17 little ones are very lucky to have such a caring teacher that will not only teach them how to read and write, but will also teach them how to be loving and caring human beings. Thanks Heather for your awesome motivation (and for being my newest follower.) Can't wait to read more :)

-tania
Live, Love, Laugh in 2nd Grade

About Mrs. Nelson said...

Well said. I feel a constant pull to push, push, push our kids. I hate it! It is like asking a baby to run before they can walk. Your post made me realize that this is not just my issue, but everyone's. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I'm your newest follower! :) Your blog is awesome!!

And, I'd like to thank you for following me as well. As a newbie to the blog world, it means a lot! Love the blog world and all the women in it!
Marie
The Hands-On Teacher
www.cotesclass.blogspot.com

Teaching Little Miracles said...

Hi Heather. Love your comment about how God has put that child in your classroom for more than just learning the curriculum. I believe that also and hope that one day my firsties will remember there was something different about me!

Crystal

Candi Sellers said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and inviting me to yours! You have some great ideas, a very cute blog, and you share wonderful insights!

I saw above where someone else had asked about making your freebies. They are so cute and creative! What software/program/ etc do you use (for those of us who are still working on becoming more tech savvy!) ?

Visit again soon:
http://www.memosfromamultisensoryteacher.com/

Candi : )

Kimberly Santana said...

Heather- I just grabbed your freebie and added you to my blog list!THANK YOU and thanks for stopping by my lil blog and playing along for my first giveaway! I'm YOUR newest follower ;)

www.the-learningtree.blogspot.com

ms. rachel said...

Just added you to my blog list, :) i'm your newest follower, :)


http://teachingmelodies.blogspot.com/