After finishing the second week of distance learning, I thought that things were beginning to settle and find their place. I was working with a few of my teachers to develop a schedule where I could pop into their Unit of Inquiry lessons so that I could check in with the kids to see if they had any questions and go over the assignment for the week. I think I was wishful thinking. Today I sent out some reminders to teachers that I would be attending the meetings we had agreed upon only to be told that another specialist would be taking that time. I was also told that they didn’t want to confuse the kids with conflicting information. I have to admit that I was a bit flabergasted when I read this email. But then I paused and took a moment to reflect, something we all need to do from time to time. As I cooked dinner, I continued to think and process what was going on. Why were these teachers not wanting me to take some responsibility off their hands, why were they hogging the kids? As I worked through what I thought the reasoning might be, I realized that maybe I hadn’t been as transparent I needed to be and I hadn’t been as collaborative as I needed to be. So, going forward this will be my goal. To state my intentions and to truly work with my teachers to help us both arrive at a sane solution. My grandmother always told me I would catch more flies with honey than I would with vinegar so I am going to focus on that and try to work more with my teachers to have a genuine collaboration versus me trying to push in and upset the apple cart. Ugh! Being professional is so challenging.

On another more positive note, today I finished my I Spy the Alphabet in Art slide presentation and launched the choice board of archived “Come Draw with Ms. Beckie.” I think both resources will be great for my littles.

Week 2 down, 26 more to go.

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

Bruce Lee