Last week, I found myself getting out of bed at a time rarely seen by college students except before crashing into bed after an all nighter: 6 am. I’ve yet to pull an all-nighter in college (knock on wood – I still have three or so more weeks to go before I’m completely finished). Rather than being worn out, I was pumped up. I’d arranged with my friend Ms. S, a TFA alum, to observe her first grade class for the day.
Her students began arriving at 7:30 for breakfast. I am all for students starting off the day with breakfast. It’s important fuel for the rest of they day. I, however, could only stare at what the kids had on their plates. It resembled a corn dog, except made with sausage and pancakes. [I’ve also recently become addicted to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and kept debating whether this was better, worse, or the same as eating pizza for breakfast]. While the kids were eating, I got a chance to attach faces to the names I’ve been hearing about all year. They were impressed that I got their names so quickly – I didn’t tell them I’ve been coordinating their penpal letters all year and since I went by “Ms. A” all day, they would have no idea that I am one of the college penpals with whom they exchange letters.
I watched as they started the day off with sentences on the board and reviewing some of the reading rules they’ve learned so far. It’s been so long since I really went through that process – in first grade, I read my first chapter book, A Little House in the Big Woods – I had forgotten how hard learning how to read actually is. Soon, however, the kids went off to the computer lab for the reading program all the kids are required to do.
As I learned throughout the day, getting to and from places successfully was one of the biggest challenges. I don’t remember when I last had group trips to the bathroom and unfortunately at this school, the girls and boys restrooms are at opposite ends of the hallway so they can’t go at the same time. While I did my best to observe all day, I cheated and tried to help with hall behavior, mostly at the end of the line with some of the stragglers.
I’ve heard TFAers say “Don’t smile until December” and while I can see why that might be effective for some, I don’t know if I could. I shot a few kids smiles when they were being really good and quiet and they just melted. One boy, M, had been having anger issues all day and finally was doing well in line and inspiring others to do the same. I smiled at him, and remarked how he was doing such a good job. Oops. He got out of line and hugged me, and starting calling “Ms S, Ms S, she gave me a compimint”
Over the course of the day, I picked out a couple favorites. My own penpal, of course, was incredibly sweet, quiet, and good….except for standing on the urinal. I shared a computer with one girl to better understand the program they were working on and she was almost more concerned about MY understanding it than paying attention to the directions! My heart ached for the children who followed all the directions the first time, like one of their cardinal classroom rules, and had to wait for their more disruptive classmates to get themselves in order.
The day ended at four for the kids. Ms S. had to call home for several of the kids who had been particularly disruptive throughout the day. As I’ve done my pre-Institute stuff, I noticed that all the spectacular teachers give out their cell phone numbers and their emails. While I want to do my best, this caught my attention when reading Ms. Lora’s Story. I’ve talked with several TFAers that I know and the consensus was yes, first year they gave out their personal numbers but since then they’ve made calls from school. It was definitely reassuring to hear and see because Ms. Lora’s Story? Makes me feel like a slacker and I haven’t even started yet!
I got home a little before 5, walked into my apartment, sat down on my couch and slept for a solid hour. I know I will get used to that routine at some point, but it made me think about all the teachers I know and appreciate everything they do that no one ever sees.
So thanks to Ms. S for letting me visit! I’m working on scheduling a visit with another friend who will let me observe the zoo that is Middle School for a day.
Hope it was helpful!!! :)
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