Post-Spring Break

So Spring Break has come and gone...and what are teachers left with? 80 degree temperatures, tanned students, and no motivation from anyone!

As a teacher, I usually prepare myself for students not wanting to come back from Spring Break....and along with that, not wanting to do any homework. Teachers try many different techniques to keep their students engaged and focused for the last six weeks.

But with gorgeous weather like this, how can anyone stay focused? For me, the way I look at it is this: the more I stay focused during the day, the less work I have after school. So I can go enjoy a walk or a nice run at night instead of grading papers.

I know the countdown is on, but it's not just for the seniors. It's for every single person counting down the days until school is out. I only hope I can keep MOST of them focused for that long. :-)

Spring Break Anticipation

Spring Break is 6 full school days and 2 half days away, but who's counting? I know who's counting: all of my students who have stopped turning in homework and completing their work on time. As another person ready for a break, I understand the urge to not want to do anything. I wish I could make time go faster as well. But as a teacher, it is difficult to remain calm watching all of these students start to care less and less about schoolwork. Not doing your homework is not going to make that time go faster. It is only going to be more painful in the end.

I enjoyed Spring Break just as much as any of the students. I get to a point in the school year when I would like a break from work. Instead of going to a warm, tropical place like some of my students, I am heading to Wheaton, Minnesota. Currently, they have over a foot of snow on the ground. It is never nicer up there than it is here, but I don't go there for the weather. I go to see my 87 year old Grandma. She is one of the nicest ladies I know (it's a tie between both of my Grandmas). She just recently lost her "companion" to cancer and I know she is a little lonely. Lexi and my Grandma have a very special bond; they share a birthday--80 years apart. So I love seeing them talk to each other.

I know my Spring Breaks with my Grandma are limited. So I will forgo a nice, warm spring break if it means that I get to spend a little more time with her.