the daily grind

A little while ago, I told you all that I had FINALLY gotten a job, and not a minute too soon either. On Friday, I had my "training" day. I came in at 9 am and stayed until 1:30, just to see how things and get in the swing of things. The only thing is, I wasn't really trained. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm okay with it. It's just the way it happened and it's fine. The woman with whom I was supposed to train needed to leave at 11 to cover another room while someone went on break, then she took a break of her own. So, I was alone until someone came in to help me get the kids ready for nap time.

It wasn't too bad. The kids are really sweet, even if an entire year of NO STRUCTURE whatsoever has rendered them completely unable to follow directions or listen very well. That's not their fault. No one reinforced discipline. That will be a tough one. They are three. I can't exactly use time outs or similar methods. However, the Admin staff knows how shoddy the teachers were before me and they are behind me. They even asked before I left if I thought it was possible to get these kids to listen. I said, "Well, I won't give up on a kid after just four hours, that would be ridiculous. I do think it's possible. It's not going to happen in a week if that's what you mean." But, I'm hoping that by February they make some kind of turn around. It's going to be difficult, but I'm excited nonetheless.

It's my room. If I want to change it, I can. Whatever I say, goes. I am really excited that my bosses are currently looking for an Assistant Teacher for me. That is going to be so amazing. It'll be so much easier if I can break them into smaller groups. One of us will be able to take all of them to one area while the other teacher cleans up. I know, why am I getting so excited? I'll tell you why. On Friday, I couldn't clean up. I was the only one there and I had to stay with the kids. With an Assistant Teacher, whom they are asking me to recommend, I can do the entire job I am required to do. That feels good.

I think that's it for now. I'll fill you in as I go.