A Tendency to Get Grumpy (326)

This is the time of year that burn out sets in. Students are feeling exhausted. Parents are tired. Teachers are just making it through. It is a busy time. I hear so much complaining from students and colleagues- its insane. I try to steer clear of it- but the level of anxiety, fatigue and worry is palpable. It weighs heavy in the air like a thick layer of unsettled doom. The other show will fall- we can feel it in our bones.

This is every year around this time. Add to it Covid-19 and well, one can imagine, its worse this year. Holiday plans cancelled. Recommendations to spend the holiday at home. Everyone feels the weight of isolation. It is a reason for there to be a tendency to be grumpy. The problem I have with this 'grumpyitis' is when it filters into the classroom. When students are picking up on the negative vibes of teachers. When it it is creating an atmosphere of 'phoning it in.' 

Students need us as educators to stay positive. To keep things upbeat and engaging. We need to commit to the mindfulness we expect from them. We need to offer better alternatives to book work and videos. They need the social aspect of learning. Breakout rooms, collaborative activities. They need a chance to talk to one another and problem-solve. I made this happen every day this week, except today. Today is a district exam. Unavoidable.

But, this week students conducted a reaction time lab with meter sticks and lots of giggles. Even my KVA students had a scavenger hunt, timing their speed at gathering different objects and bringing them back to the Zoom meeting. They even played brain games virtually. They got up and active.

Another day they had fun with a CSI Nervous System activity about the Nervous System- it was a 'Clue" game where they eliminated suspects until they discovered the location, crime and suspect. Then they wrote an interrogation story about how the suspect would defend themselves and how the 'police' would prove their guilt. All tied to the Nervous System.

Finally, students investigated brain injuries and disorders and their symptoms, treatments and especially in the case of concussions, causes. They conducted a web-quest full of x-rays, video clips and articles. They learned a lot and then we had a great conversation about the brain and nervous system and why it is so important to eat right, exercise and take care of yourself.

We ll have a tendency to get grumpy and when we are, we tend to shy away from adventure. But remember, students virtual and face to face need slightly different approaches to learning. But, they need the same level of enthusiasm and engagement. This week was a fun week. AND now, I am ready for a week to recuperate- and get ready for our next unit. A teachers job is never ending for sure. But we sure do deserve the weekends and holidays off. 

So enjoy- and remember- keep it fun, engaging and fresh. We all need something new to distract us from the reality of the world.