Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Differences between schools

My return to Sutter was a conscience choice but I have become aware of some very subtle differences that were not part of the decision made last spring.

English is the language of choice - Wow! It sure makes the beginning of school go smoothly when the children understand what you're saying. The "deer in the headlight" gaze is still very common but it is a result of the new voice saying the same old things that sound somewhat familiar. Oh yeah I remember about just right books. I do recall something about what good writers do.

The second language is Frog talk. When things are looking shaky, you can just mention Frog Jump and everybody perks up.

Blonde hair. It was quite a joke that a couple years ago I had all the blonde boys so you could always see my class coming. But you should see my class now. For some reason I have a harder time telling the blondes apart. Am I prejudice? I just shout out one of their names and watch to see who turns his head.

I am getting more exercise. Room 6 was such a cushy location - right next to the office and its amenities, the cafeteria was just seconds away and I was close to the parking lot for quick get aways. Now that I am back in room 9 I am stunned at the miles I am putting on - to the office before school, to the playground and back at recess, again at lunch and finally the return at afternoon recess. This doesn't even take into account the times I walk over there, forget something and make the trip again. Maybe I'll actually lose some weight this year.

A longer work day. I still go to work in the early morning hours but I stay much longer. Part of it is the social nature of Sutter. Another piece is the format of the school. I look out my window and see others hard at work. It is harder to walk away from the piles and head for the parking lot when there's no real reason to leave. And I suppose the last piece is my desire to grow again. I don't blame anyone but myself for my stagnation of the past few years and I can't wait to get my feet back into reading and writing workshop. I want to reflect, I want to challenge myself, I want to think deeply about how to teach to the best of my ability.

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