tee gee eye eff

I got another interview!!

Another one of my kids has been referred to CPS. That's only 3 in one school year (thus far), so I guess that isn't too bad. I know exactly why this one was referred and other teachers have been asking me about her for months. She's white, advantaged, from educated parents, but I don't believe her mother is the one who should be caring for her because she seems incapable of caring for herself. She's a kooky lady and she has trouble holding down a job, even though she's a software developer. She and her child always look malnourished and like they haven't slept enough. The area around Tallulah's eyes is always red and she frequently arrives in a dirty uniform. The mom has let Tallulah stay home from school 30 days this year so far. 30 days! And she has been late 42 days this year. Sometimes 5 minutes late, but usually an hour or 2. Her mother has told me Tallulah wants to stay home, so she lets her. I responded with, "Well, if someone gave me the option to stay home rather than go to work, I'd choose that too." Mom said, "Oh, I see your point." But she hasn't backed that up with actions.

I realize it's Kindergarten and to the general public that might be relative to daycare. But I promise you it isn't. Kindergarten expectations have increased to what 1st grade expectations used to be. My kids learn to read, to write sentences and poetry, to orally compose fluid stories with beginnings, middles and ends. They learn to skip count by 2's, 5's and 10's and they learn key concepts like symmetry and how to represent data using graphs and charts. Most importantly, I believe, they learn about group learning dynamics, independent study skills, and increase their social/emotional development through practicing consideration and respect and self-management techniques. We don't have nap time or finger painting. We do water colors and tissue collage and pottery (when I can afford the materials). Maybe Kindergarten should be what it once was. Sometimes I wonder if my kids would benefit more from a full day of playtime, snacktime, and naps in between. But the world is more demanding now and they grow up a lot faster. And when I approach them with these "big kid" concepts, they really seem ready for it. They dive in and they are so excited when they "get it".

I think I forget how much I love teaching K because I'm dealing with a psychopath in my class. Today, he was removed by the principal because he refused to come back to the classroom after recess. The decision to do that is not one I agree with, (Why don't we just let him make all the rules?) but... I was actually able to enjoy my class for the remainder of the day. I could connect with my kids without worrying about him hurting them or cursing at them. I got to give attention to the kids who deserve it most but don't get it because they self-manage so well. It was the way it should be every day.