It is that time of year...time to work my writing muscles out and see if I can finish the challenge this year. The Two Writing Teachers host a Slice of Life Challenge every March. The goal is to write about a slice of your life every day for the month of March. Last year, I did not do well. I think I made it about a week and then life happened. This year I am going to make it to the end of the month writing every day. Be prepared. You are going to hear more from me this month than you have ever heard before. Today's slice....
PANIC!
Yes, panic. That is word that describes how a lot of teachers feel right before our yearly state-mandated testing begins. We have 21 teaching days for the BIG test. Our students will spend a week testing in math, reading, and writing. Fifth and seventh grade will also test in science. It is a looooong week.
Where did the year go? I remember August like it was yesterday. The students were arriving in fresh, clean uniforms. Most of them were smiling and greeting their teachers. Teachers were smiling and happy to see their new or returning students. The year was fresh; the possibilities endless. Now, with 21 days left to go, the students and teachers trudge through the halls. The fresh has worn off. The smiles are harder to come by. The stress is making everyone grumpy.
How do I help my teachers get through this time and bring back the happy, smiling people they were at the beginning of the year? Any thoughts/suggestions are welcome!
Tune in tomorrow for slice number 2!
So glad you're doing this! I think I should try... maybe I'll tough it out.
ReplyDeleteBuzzing with Ms. B
I think if I can make it through this month, I will come out the other side a better writer and more confident in my ability to blog. You should definitely give the SOL challenge a try, Chrissy!
ReplyDeleteYou are brave....I would be nervous that I couldn't blog on a certain day....BUt I will be there at the finish line for you with a Gatorade when you are done!!!! Go, Jana, Go!
ReplyDeleteStaci
Going Nutty!
misssquirrels@yahoo.com
Staci, I will definitely be needing that Gatorade at the finish :)
ReplyDeleteJana,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are joining us for a month of writing. I love your resolve to continue writing every day. You ask good questions, about holding on to joy even under pressure. I think it is about remembering our beliefs and then acting in a way that reflects those core beliefs.
Can't wait to read more of your writing.
Ruth
I decided to take the plunge this year and try the Slice of Life. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can do it. I'm looking forward to reading your slices.
ReplyDelete❤First Grade Delight❤
imgoingfirst@gmail.com
You can do it. You can do it. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to having you in for the entire month this year.
Ruth and Stacey - Thank you for hosting this challenge every year. I will make it through the month (if I keep telling myself this I will do it). Thank you for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteFirst Grade Delight - I am glad you are joining in the journey this month!
I am not teaching this year, but one thing I do *not* miss is the standardized high stakes tests and all the hoopla that surrounds them. As for bringing back smiling faces...random chocolate seems to work for everything :)
ReplyDeleteMS - I think some random chocolate is a fabulous idea. I could put it in a small treat bag with a cute note. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog, so I've given you an award. Come see if you'd like. :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First