It’s been a minute since I wrote anything on here. I guess I have just had less things to complain about. Lol. Kidding. Just much less time to draft my daily annoyances. Seriously, during Covid I would have needed a thumb transplant if I chronicled all of life’s transgressions and we had the news and Facebook for that soooo….
Anyyyyway, I just saw a thread online where a parent was taking her kid out of school for an extended vacation (14 days) and wanted Sweet Cherub’s teachers to provide work ahead of time. One of my teacher friends was put in a similar situation just this week. Except her situation included the kid being gone for over a month and the parent saying that they wanted the work ahead of time so the kid didn’t have to be distracted by it while they were on vacation…for a month….during the school year. This comment probably gets stacked somewhere near “my taxes pay your salary” and “it must be nice to get summers off” and anything that insinuates babysitting and childcare.
To be honest, this happens to us multiple times a year. You are not the first parent (this week) to ask, and we will likely respond while realizing that it’s situations like this which are why we need a new nightguard from clenching our teeth shut so much but our dental insurance suc…..Nevermind.
Dear Little Cherub’s parents with the packed SPF,
Before you read this dissertation about one of the many reasons I’m questioning my career choices, go pack your child’s chromebook and charger. Have them check Google Classroom instead of TikTok before bed or when you are sick of taking them to places that cost ridiculous amounts of money so they can Snap and BeReal with their friends while not paying attention to the experiences you’re providing them. Ask me how I know this will be your reality…
So, in response to your inquiry, I know the topic I’ll be teaching 14 days from now, but materials are customized DAILY in response to the needs of the class. I can’t tell you how my kids are going to respond in a lesson and do not plan materials that far in advance. Also, getting “the work” eludes to the fact that my work is all material (worksheet) based. How am I replicating discussion or the 1:1 time your child and I share developing their understanding? This all changes as fast as the classroom dynamic does! You’re welcome.
This next part might seem contradictory or surprise you: I am one of the few who will tell you I’m happy for your family that you have the resources to be able to do this amazing trip. I will be so excited to hear about your child’s experiences and I’m thrilled they are gaining perspective and background knowledge about new things/places/people/cultures. But, do not throw shade if I don’t have my materials ready 21 days in advance for your extended vacation. Be thankful that my classroom isn’t a worksheet factory and that I rarely teach the same thing twice. Be understanding that my paycheck is based on my responsiveness to my classroom need in combination with my knowledge of the standards. Also, for my pretty handwriting, my quick wit, and the patience that I have stored like money in a mattress during the Great Depression. Ahhh, if only I could find some long lost relative’s mattress money…. If that was the case, I’d buy a (one way) plane ticket and go with you—
How I've missed your posts. I am one of those parents who have asked for work in the past and maybe or maybe not within the past week - I plead the 5th!. Not a month's (seriously - a month? 100% no judgement but how do you have the desire to come back after a month?) worth obv because well, reality (and our bank account) seems to need us. The only thing I usually ask if work isn't given (which I'm okay with) is that my girls be given the opportunity to be allowed to make up any missed work. People should be 100% grateful that you're not a worksheet phenom, thankful that you're an inspired, interactive and caring teacher.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the warmest coffee and a short countdown until your next getaway....