Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

March 6, 2015

Some Days SOLC #6

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I watched the movie "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" tonight.  The book is near and dear to my heart as a reader, a parent and a teacher.  

I read the book as a kid and really loved how grumpy Alexander was about everything.  I was a very dramatic yet happy child (can you say, "mood swing?") so I could totally relate.

I remember reading about Alexander to my daughters.  Then they both had Mrs. A for 5th grade, two different years.  In her room, you could escape to "Australia" (a corner full of pillows) when the day was just too much for you.

This school year I'm finding it hard not to be Alexander.  I'm constantly running the highlight film of my teaching day in my head and I can only find the faults.  It's something I really need to work on. 

Loved this quote from the movie.  
"I think you just gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days even more."
Way to frame it, Alexander!

7 comments:

  1. I think the best teachers are often their own worst critics. Give yourself a break! Make yourself think of at least one thing each day that went well. And of there are things that didn't work, focus on how to make it better tomorrow. We can only do our best.

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  2. I think the best teachers are often their own worst critics. Give yourself a break! Make yourself think of at least one thing each day that went well. And of there are things that didn't work, focus on how to make it better tomorrow. We can only do our best.

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  3. Alexander gives some great advice! There will be bad days, but there are always glimpses of good even during those days. Celebrate those first, then work on the not-so-good. That's what teaching is all about -- reflecting and growing. Not perfection. Plus, remember you are new to this position? No one can do it all at their best in the first year. There is always room to grow.

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  4. I love that teacher's idea of having an "Australia" in the room! I can relate to how you feel. There are days I could use an Australia myself.

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  5. Chris, you've been thrown into a difficult situation this year and are trying your best to teach those in your class. Yes, there will be bad times, but, as Michelle said, focus on the good and then work on the not-so-good. Tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning. Rejoice in that!

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  6. What a wonderful line! So true!

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  7. What a wonderful line! So true!

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