Let's go, week 2!

Week 1 down. 175 days left of school. Just kidding, I'm not really counting down yet. Week one flew by and here I am ready to start week 2. It MUST be better than last week. All week, we worked on procedures... how to line up, walk down the hall, take a bathroom break, go to lunch, etc. It seems, however, that these little five year olds are still having trouble grasping many of the things that to me seem so simple. Last week, they were pretty awful, especially Friday. I felt like all I did was yell to get their attention. They just would not listen or get quiet. I absolutely do not want my whole year to look like that.

I have high hopes for this week. We will continue to practice our procedures. I am going to try to give a ton more Genius Gems (my rewards system) to reinforce positive behavior. I am going to try to be better at noting and using which communication style works best for each child. We are going to begin phonics and reading curriculum. Maybe having more things actually going on will help their behavior and attention. I am praying that the two parents I visited with have helped get their children on board to behave better. This week WILL be an improvement from last. I am determined.

You know, these children live rougher lives than I could ever imagine. I know for a fact that at least two and maybe three of my students lost their mothers this summer. Many of them do not get to eat at home. Many of them only eat junk from convenience stores. Many of them are beaten on a frequent basis. Where they live, someone dies almost every night. Some of them have likely seen it happen.
I cannot fathom the pain.
The confusion.
The fear.
The absolute and complete emotional turmoil.

Why the innocent children? They were born into their current situation. They cannot leave it right now. They are helpless. Certainly many will be sucked into the same lifestyle they witness in older siblings and parents. And certainly, they can overcome. But right now, they are babies. Babies that are in a horrific place. Yet within my reach.

I have to remember that the firm enforcement of guidelines is something that these children are desperate for. The need some kind of stability. Something and someone they can count on to be constant. Lord, let me be that for them. Help me to remain patient and remember that they are 5 and 6 years old. They need consistency. They need a schedule. They need direction. Lord, they need love. Oh, that I might be your love in their life!

Whoa soapbox. :) Ok, here we go week 2....