October in the Classroom

Well….. the honeymoon is over!   (or maybe you never had a honeymoon with this group of students)

Regardless…. it’s October in the classroom!

 

If you came to this post hoping to find some cute craftivities, a dab of tips and tricks to help you out with a specific subject, or even just a free activity… well I hate to burst your October bubble…. but this post is all about keeping it REAL!

 

It doesn’t matter what grade you teach, how many students are in your classroom, or how long you have been teaching…. October as a teacher… is a BEAST!

October has this way of cramming as many things as it can into a schedule with little to no wiggle room:

 

Parent Conferences…. check!

End of grading term….. check!

Putting in grades and assessments….. check!

Holiday parties…. check!

Team meetings….. check!

CRUMMY WEATHER “INDOOR RECESS”….. check, check, check!

Student behavior showing it’s TRUE COLORS?….. check!

Field Trips & Assemblies….. check!

AND SO MUCH MORE!

 

September is still fresh and new, but October quickly reminds you that being a teacher has its own set of challenges.

Have you been drowning with things to do lately?  Feel like you are failing as a teacher?  Feeling stressed?  Anxious?  Overwhelmed?  TIRED?  Well… you aren’t alone!

Research says that over 60% of teachers begin to question their career choice in the month of October.  Not because they don’t love teaching… but all of the EXTRA things that come along with teaching… begins to show up by week 8 of school! (which typically happens in October!)

So if you are feeling all of these negative things…. you aren’t alone.  It’s normal.  AND…. I’m here to tell you that it’s ok.  It means you care.  It means that you want what is best for your students…. otherwise you wouldn’t be so stressed and anxious to make your classroom the best it can be!

SOOOOOOO……

It’s easy for me to say “keep your head held high” …. and “this too shall pass”.  BUT…. it’s not that simple.

As Dr. Kelly Jameson discussed in my district earlier this year…. there are different levels of stress…..

Some levels are healthy…. and some are toxic to our health and well-being.

The solution….. FIND YOUR JOY.

What brings you joy?  What makes you happy?

It doesn’t have to be a trip to the beach, or a week long cruise….. but something that is attainable!

Some ideas:

• reading a book that isn’t school related
• taking a hot bath
• drinking a cup of coffee in the quiet of your home
• going out to eat and NOT cooking dinner
• getting your nails done
• going to the movies
• eating your favorite chocolate
• having lunch delivered at school
• getting a massage
• a glass of wine (or something stronger?!)
• playing a board game with your family

It is all about finding the small joy that makes you feel happy!

The trick….. accountability.

 

Sure…. it’s easy to say that I will do one or more of these things regularly…. but when you have someone holding you accountable and checking in on you to MAKE you find your joy…. you will more often complete that task!

 

So….. October may almost be over…. but your stress won’t disappear overnight.

Make a list of what brings you joy.  DO one of those things that brings you joy.  Set a goal…. at least 2 times a week?  3 times?  every day?   The choice is yours!

So…. teaching in October.  They don’t mention this in your college classes.  You don’t hear about it before you enter the classroom.  But I’m here to tell you…. it’s normal.  You’ve worked your teacher booty off for the last 6-10 weeks and if you WEREN’T feeling this way….. I would be worried!  I’ve experienced over 12 Octobers as a teacher now…. they have all quickly reminded me… teaching is NOT a walk in the park.

 

It’s OK to ask for help.   It’s OK to leave right when school is over.  It’s OK to cry.  It’s OK to ask for a bathroom break JUST to get a moment.  It’s OK to eat lunch in your room by yourself to collect your thoughts.  It’s OK to VENT and share your struggles (cause you are not the only one!)  It’s OK to pick up dinner on the way home.  It’s OK to NOT be OK.

So… go find your joy….. and start this process of being the best YOU!  You deserve it.  Your students deserve it.  Your family and loved ones deserve it.  JOY.

 

Happy Teaching!