Week 5 con'd

     My last post was a bit of a 'freak out' entry. Today I realize what an idiot I still am. To follow up on the parent email: My student came in for her make-up lesson. When she signed up in the beginning of the year, her dad had asked if she could do both voice and piano. After thinking about this, I said we could try it...splitting a 30 minute lesson between both is difficult. Going from one week piano to one week voice is even more difficult...Anyways, apparently my student thought she was having a voice lesson which is why she didn't bring her books. She didn't mention this so I naively assumed she forgot her materials. Today, in her lesson we spoke about it. Well! I read the email completely wrong. She is VERY excited about voice and it seems she would prefer the bulk of her lessons be that. We went through a brief overview of how our voice lessons would be, posture, breathing, warm-ups, etc. It was the first time I saw a sparkle in her eyes and her loosen up a bit. She has a natural gift. All she needs is...me! It's all worked out and I am excited to teach her what I know about singing!
     I also reflected on my dynamic with the 8th grade. I've been trying to treat them as the 'older more mature' students. This has not been effective. In reality, they are not old! They are still so young. They need to laugh to be engaged. Therefore, I am changing my direction and reverting to 'acting a fool' with them starting next week. This has been working for every other grade, why not those 8th graders??
     Just a side note; I love my dad so much. I've been speaking with him frequently about my experiences and he has given me some incredible insight and ideas. I knew I loved and respected him before, but at 32 years old, he continues to amaze me. I am so thankful to have a family that is supportive, intuitive, and insightful.
     Switching gears. I had mentioned previously my idea of a field trip. I thought bringing a class to see a musical or something would be awesome. But, after thinking about it and hearing from other teachers that this option is offered through other subjects, I knew I'd have to get more creative. For some reason...(well I know the reason) I always come up with great ideas when talking with my friend Lynn. She is an AMAZING artist. She is extremely versatile but her strong suit is painting on canvas with acrylics and using fabrics and other things to create a 3D effect. Anyways, I came up with the best MUSIC MAYHEM field trip ever! I will bring my students to a state of the art recording studio in downtown Chicago. They will learn about the recording process and at the end....wait for it...we will record a song that will be put on a CD for them to keep...! How cool? Well, I think it's pretty sweet and it beats going to a musical any day...for Junior High Kids! Now, which grade to bring? This is TBD.
   Shifting into 2nd gear, I've been re-configuring my classroom set-up. The first 3 weeks I had the desks in a semi-circle of sorts. Not happy with it. This week, I did rows. NO. Now, I put the desks into a large circle...I'm hoping this is the winner. Third time's a charm right? I will stand in the middle, no one will be behind anyone else, we will be facing each other, united. It's gotta work right? I was also able to get my projector to work by "boojeying" it up. Next step: setting up the camera pen. Then, eliminating the crazy cord situation that's growing out of my desk!!
     Easing into 3rd gear. I just downloaded a really great 'yoga' CD. I can't wait to play it for our Yoga Mondays. I took a poll today with my resource class to see if they liked doing yoga. More than the majority raised their hands. Their complaint? Too much talking!! Ha. That's my yogis. I'm hoping the music will eliminate that problem a bit. If not, sorry slackers. You are going back to your homerooms. I am also working on getting mats. This would be fabulous! I think the kids would really take it more seriously if they had their space and mat.
     And finally, coasting in neutral down the long and winding road...I had a great conversation with a friend the other night. We were discussing my professional situation. He said a few things that were very kind.
" You know, Stace, I see you becoming a traveling teacher in the future. You have made things happen at your school in one month what the previous teacher hadn't been able to do her entire time there. You make great money giving private lessons and when it comes time for your contract to be renewed, I'd ask for double. You will have so many parents supporting you that the school will have to oblige! Why not give private lessons full time going from school to school?"
     Me, "I am so thankful for having a job that I love, doing what I love, AND making money at it. I'd love to be a traveling teacher of sorts." But I love being in a classroom setting...the challenge. I love having a choir. This is so important. I learn more from my students each day than I could ever have imagined. This idea of traveling to other schools or having a studio has always been in my thoughts. Hell, I plan to be a Professor someday! But, I need to take baby steps and gain experience. Learn and learn some more.
     This is what we all need to do. Take each experience full-heartedly. We have so much to learn. So far to grow. It's amazing what we have been given on this Earth. I am humbled and blessed each day. I hope you are in your lives as well.
    

Week 5

     Well, I continue to make a fool of myself to get the student's laughing. But it works! Today, I was able to get the attention of the 7th grade mayhem class by standing on a chair and putting on my best 'rapper' persona...did they get through the rhythm lines AND keep in tempo??? yep.
     Now that lessons are in full swing, I've had to deal with more parents than ever for numerous reasons. However, I received a very... hmm...what's the right word...DIRECT email. Basically, a student didn't bring her books so I rescheduled her lesson for another day. I didn't press the issue as I thought more could get accomplished by just rescheduling. Well, the parent seemed furious that his daughter did not have piano at her scheduled time...blahblah. I mean, come on man! I didn't even scold her and I rescheduled her lesson for 8am when I don't even have to be at school til 10am!  Of course it was a big misunderstanding and I hope the response to my reply email will be a bit more kind. I'm a lil fragile when I'm just trying to help!
     So, after finally investing in some computer speakers to actually play MUSIC in MUSIC CLASS, I got motivated to round up the other random, new, unused technology at my school. I found a projector so I can actually show videos from online, I found a 'smartboard' type of tool that projects real time paper on the screen, and I got use of the Notebook that supposedly works with all three. Yes, all three work great. Getting them to work great together? I swear God is pissed at me or something. I'm going to end up having cords everywhere, but I don't care! I will tape them down or something cause damnit! I will get it to work!
     On a lighter note, it never gets old walking in to school in the morning, tired, grumpy, hungry, etc, and hearing a student yell down the hall, "Hi Miss Courchaine!!" Ahh, I love that. It immediately gives me energy. And thank goodness. Cause I can't stop the kids from coming into my room just because I'm tired. They are there. Awake. Bouncy. Chatty. Silly. Goofy. And Engaged...awww.

Weekend Worship

     Since I've been so busy this week, I thought I'd share a few thoughts now. I knew this week was going to be tough. My first full week. Then I had monthly girls night...(this time we did mani/pedis...not to take away from our other nights of painting wine glasses or playing Apples to Apples, along with many libations to boot!) I had to take a class on Child Abuse...what a downer. Then Friday came. I got on the bus almost to school. I knew I was avoiding something...oh yeah, it's Dave's birthday. I could no longer contain my tears and cried all the way to school. I cried in my classroom. I tried not to think about it, got through the day and left. But wait!! I had to work Friday night too. Yes! Something else to keep my mind occupied. Now, I sit here, with writing to occupy my head but I still think of Dave. It is amazing how our minds play tricks on us...'Maybe if I try not to think about it, my head will just move on'...it's working!  Then the mind says, "AH HA!! Gotcha! You can't escape me that easily!" To clarify, I would never want to escape the thought of my brother. But I would like to escape the thought that he isn't here. When I think that thought, I get so overwelmingly sad. That thought consumes my head, heart, and body. It makes me stop in my tracks. It makes me forget what I'm doing. It makes me angry. Confused. Upset. Sad. Horribly sad. Anxious. I hate that thought. How can I learn to love it?? Well, I'm still working on that one. But, this blog of sorts has been a savior. I am able to write about things in my life that are important. Teaching, Family, Home, Friends, David.
     This next month has and will always be the hardest of the year. This month between September 16th and October 16th. Knowing what October 16th brings is the worst ending to a story. To a life. I want so badly to find hope and goodness in it, but it's just so hard. I miss my friend, brother, and partner in crime. I will never let us forget him. I made that promise to him the day I saw his body in the casket. Really certain he was gone. The day our lives were a little less full of life. We struggle with this. And we get better. Learn to cope. Learn to be happy and live again. Learn to reach our goals. Learn to be a teacher. Learn to be a musician and leader. Learn to love others whole heartedly. Learn to be compassionate and emphatic. We learn and we keep going. But that one little thought will never go away. It will never change the snowball effect of emotions...Anger. Confusion. Upset. Sadness. Horrible Sadness. Anxiety.
     I know we can all take these emotions we all know too well, and come together for a greater purpose with them. We, as alive human beings, can do something that is bigger than ourselves. For each emotion, there is a positive opposite...Happiness, Clarity, Contentment. Delight. Enlightenment. Calm. This is what I strive for. This is how I try to turn my emotions around. This is what I try to bring to my classroom. This is what I struggle to project and feel on a daily basis. This is what needs to happen for all of us to become better people. I love each and every one of you for taking time to read my thoughts and hope you can take something away from this.
     Next week is nearing and I am going to be courageous with my emotions. I will be brutally honest to those who care to listen. I will be open ears for those who wish to speak. Have a great rest of the weekend...I didn't have to time to edit so excuse any mistakes!!

Day ?? Week 4

     Where to begin...I've been waiting for a moment to sit down and write all week. Finally, I am able to. Things are now in full swing. I began private lessons this week. Love it!! It's so fun to work one-on-one with students. It really gives us a chance to build a respectful, fun, and trusting relationship. My saying for the week: "So, who is your BFF?"... (Giggle, giggle, giggle) so and so...."Well, you're new BFF is someone called 'Middle C'...(giggle, giggle, giggle). So cute.
     My Resource Period also began on Monday. In a previous post I mentioned there would be more on that in a minute...It's a minute. 45 kids in my classroom by myself 4 days, 30 minutes each. Now, how did I let my other 'resource team members' (aka other teachers), talk me into this?  OH YEAH! I was hustled! I've always heard that teachers never have a problem dumping stuff on you any chance they get, but now I've been officially victimized...asses. But! I will not give up. I will perservere. I will try and try again! Teaching mantra? Hmm...
     Next on the agenda is 'Glee Club' which starts in October. The church music director and my choral partner sent an email saying that there are more 7th and 8th graders who have signed up for choir this year than the past 3 years she's been with the School. YES!!! I really miss having a choir. It is one of my strong points as a musician. And I need practice! This will be so fun. I've already thought of repetoire and I think the kids are really gonna take hold and run with it.
     With all the thoughts I wanted to share, my mind is at a stand still. This is good. I need sleep. Until next time, goodnight!

Day 9

     What a week. It's so hard to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend. Tuesday: tired, tired, and more tired. All of us.
     Maybe this blog should be called "7th Grade Mayhem". I don't know, but why are boys so difficult? That never changes, does it...well anyways, I'm finally wising up. You can't follow directions and zip it in class? Drumroll...HOMEWORK!! You continue not to follow directions or zip it up in class? Dadadada...CLEANING MY ROOM EVERY DAY AFTER SCHOOL!! Just a note, this is not only a problem in my classroom. There are certain students who just have major discipline issues all around. I am so appreciative to have the support of other teachers and administrators in this area. Let's just say WE are cracking down. No more shenanigans. I really hope these kids start learning, otherwise they will be in detention every week. They will not be allowed to play sports. They will catch hell from their parents (well, that is subjective), and eventually they will not have a class to sit in. They will have to repeat a grade. The cycle of consequences goes on and on. To be fair, most of the student body is very well behaved. They understand the difference between school etiquette vs. out of school play time.
     It is unfortunate, however, in most of these cases, the kids have serious issues. They have learning disabilities, attention issues, and sometimes it can be as simple as needing glasses! There are many things I'd like to think regarding the parental units of such kids, but I really don't know the entire situation. I just hope that WE can all work together to better every student's ability to learn and succeed. Does this always happen? Hells no. Sad.
     I think I've begun to find a method to my music teaching madness. This week I had every grade review rhythm...again. But this time, they were responsible for creating a 'rap' of sorts to certain rhythm patterns. They are responsible for performing this rap in class...for a grade!! Who woulda thunk it?! But they actually started to work on it like you would imagine normal students would! Heeeyyy alright!
     Lessons start on Monday. There is a total of 23 students. The schedule is finally completed. I am really excited to start exercising my one-on one- teaching skills. Many of the students have asked very excitedly when we will start. This is something I actually have a lot of experience in. Well, I have experience as a student, but I plan to use that in my teaching practice. I don't have any extra time, but my goal was to create a full-time position out of my part-time pay, and oh dear...I did just that. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we have goals and drive.
     Today, I brought in my green and gold pom poms just to razz the kids. It's so funny seeing their reaction to me being a Packers fan! I love it. I just hope the Pack can have another great season cause I'm not looking forward to 400 kids telling me, "See? I told you the Packers suck" (although the term 'suck' is not considered appropriate language). But as true Green Bay fans know, this is the ebb and flow of the green and gold.
     All week, I have been working on 3 Patriotic songs for our 9/11 program tomorrow morning. I tried to express the enormity of this event to each class. Many of them were not even born yet. However, we talked about it and I think they at least understand what a major event in US history this was. My heart goes out to all those lost, all families who lost loved ones, all soldiers who have given their time to fight a war we are still fighting, and all those who just think, like myself, what a tragic event this was. Please take the time and give reverence. Reflect on how lucky we are to be writing, reading, watching, functioning as normal beings when so many others cannot.

Day 6

     The weather conditions continue to worsen. It was so hot in my room today. I literally was dizzy and sick to my stomach. Thank goodness the 8th grade was on a field trip. I only had the 1st grades and a 4th grade...the 4th grade was in the afternoon...music class mayhem? I think so. What can I expect? We shared many things today: sweat, ants in the pants, water, irritation, and yes, some Bears/Packers banter. That was about it. Poor kids. Just to clue you in, not every classroom is without AC. The Junior High classrooms mostly have it. A few teachers have invested in AC units for their rooms. The auditorium, library, and computer lab have AC as well. Unfortunately, my room is none of the above. Oh well. I very much commend the students for making it through the day and am grateful that lessons haven't started yet. Translation: I do not have to be at school tomorrow. Some neighboring schools actually cancelled classes tomorrow because of the heat. This is a great idea. It truly is a potential danger.
     My apartment isn't much better. The cheap ass I am only has one unit in my living/bedroom area. The kitchen where I am writing now is without AC. I am still sweating. I look at it as a Bikram Yoga session minus all the poses. Speaking of yoga, I was told by the staff that for the 'resource period' which will begin in 2 weeks, I can do yoga with the kids. Am I going to try it one day a week? Yes!! Will music be playing? Yes!! What a fun idea.
     On a different note, I just downloaded Adele's album "21". She is absolutely amazing. Her music really gets to your heart. I would recommend this album to anyone. This is the type of music I used to write. It is beginning to motivate me to write again. From the heart. No holds barred. Vulnerable. Beautiful. Simple.
     For those of you who grew up in central Wisconsin, you are well aware that this weekend is 'Fun Days'. I was hoping to get home, but it didn't work out. Please have some cheese curds for me! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me about this 'blog'...( i hate that word!)
PS: In all the mayhem of our lives, the sunset is majestic tonight!