Second Grade (In)Sanity

It is currenty 10:10 on the eve before the weekend after my first week as a second grade teacher. Every atom inside of my body is drained of adrenaline, but I just can't sleep yet.

The fact that I have a load of laundry going may be part of it, but that's beside the point.

To say this week was a learning process would be an understatement, to say it was unbearable would be a bit dramatic. In all honesty the week itself is an insane blur of discipline, lessons, and the incessant ring of "Ms. Jameson!" coming from 21 mouths.

My students learned quickly that I am quite different than that of their teacher last year. Perhaps the fact that I actually disciplined them may be part of it. (Pastor JW even said I reminded him of an old schoolmarm...I just needed a ruler. Is it bad that I'm kind of proud of that?) They didn't cease to test me though. Routine things like lining up took multiple tries for them. Hand raising seemed like a new concept as was giving me their full attention when I was talking with them. I spoke strictly and confidently until my voice went hoarse, but as Friday inched closer and closer I could tell they were starting to catch on. When I asked my students to get into "listening position", within seconds all of their bodies sat up straight and their small hands folded infront of them. I saw more hands being raised than I heard voices. Some of them even asked my permission before they did the simplest things. They still have a long ways to go, and I did send a couple of them to the principal's office today. Nonetheless, seeing them all improve this much over a course of 5 days made me proud.

I think the most interesting part about this whole week was eventhough I've been strict, I had kids coming up and hugging me daily. I even heard a couple of kids after the first day say that they really like second grade. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I am the only source of discipline that some of these kids get. After all, kids need structure and someone who cares enough about them to tell them no. Whatever it is...I'll take it.

I end with nothing more but to once again say that God is good. He kept me strong through the first week and He'll hold my head up for the rest of this year and next. What lies between now and then, well, only He knows.