Okay... let's just put it out there. The kid that drives you crazy is never absent. Not once. Ever. Move?  Not in a lifetime.  Where is justice when you are falling down trying to teach a room of engaged learners and one decides to disrupt the process?  Why does that one kid get under your skin?  You've tried everything. Calling the parents. Inviting the parents to sit in your classroom (this never works, by the way, because 'precious' is always on his/her best behavior in front of mommy and daddy). You've talked to  the principal about the situation. You've collaborated with the other teachers. You've prayed. In short you have used every piece of advice and you're still stuck with a kid that gets on every last nerve.

The worst part of the situation. You're beating yourself up because you feel less than stellar. After all shouldn't teachers love ALL of their kids?  Not so much. We're human. Sometimes people make us uncomfortable. Sometimes we don't like being around certain people. Sometimes we find people annoying. But, we still learn to work with them and for them.  The relationship between teachers and students is no different.

The key word here is Y-O-U. You have tried, but has the child tried? Does the child expect you, because you are an adult, to magically conform to their expectations and change? Yes, you are the adult, but you are also realistic. It takes two to solve a problem. It will take both parties (parents included) to resolve any issues and develop a working relationship. Y-O-U can't do it alone.

Time to bring everybody on board. Time for everyone to have a strong dose of reality. Yes, we are supposed to love everyone. And, I try. But there are some that I just don't like the way they act. That is being honest.  Not what you would expect a teacher to say, but true. Be honest. Be real. And, keep trying, but get parents, principal, and, above all, the student involved. Ignoring the obvious won't make it go away. Deal with it, work through it, and at the end of the day (or week or school year) let it go. You're not perfect and if anyone expects you to be.... well.... let's just say they are in for many more disappointments in life.



Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
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          One of my all time favorites... The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Just in time to scare some middle schoolers!!

Check it out!

Check out  Stonehenge: a complete unit (11 page original fiction story of suspense and 7 non-fiction passages)!!!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Okay. Time to put our money where our mouth is. I live in Missouri and lately some superintendents have come under scrutiny for having such exorbitant salaries. At least 4 times what I made after 21 years of service. Granted, I do understand that I only had to take care of one classroom, and I didn't have to obtain a doctorate or specialist degree. Oh, and I didn't have to work 365 days of the year. I mean, I did get my summers off. So that is probably why some superintendents are paid so much. Right?  I forgot to count my sick days. Yes, they were a part of my benefit package and health care. Dental insurance and eye care?  Well... those weren't important for me, just a classroom teacher. I only needed healthcare and I was only charged a small amount of the cost which was deducted from each paycheck.  So what if the deductible was almost as much as I made in a month. Who's counting?  Did I receive compensation for my vehicle wear and tear? Nope. Not a dime. You see, where I choose to live is up to me.  So compensation for vehicle maintenance wasn't part of my package.  Funny thing... the BOE also forgot to include a stipend for a cost of living increase. I'm sure it was just an oversight.  Extra vacation time. What are you talking about? Aren't paid holidays and an entire summer off enough??!! You know, by the time you figure in my over-time, summer classes, extra meetings, preparing my room for the first day of school, nights spent conferencing with parents (thanks for the pizza by the way), and arriving early for duty I'm sure those "one sick day a month" more than covered it. Who needs more time off? I'll just tell my family to put on their big boy pants and deal with it. Retirement? I'd like to one day. It has always been a dream of mine to one day not have to wake up to the annoying buzz of the alarm. But don't worry about providing any additional money added to my retirement fund. I'll make it. After all, I see all kinds of retired teachers getting jobs subbing or greeting customers at retail stores.

What?  What did you say? You don't think I'm grateful for all of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Oh, you bet I am. They are the only reason that I stayed with you all these years.  It certainly wasn't the incredible salaries or benefit packages. But you know what really ticks me off?? The huge, and I mean HUGE, discrepancy between salaries. Let's put things in perspective. The guy at the top of the food chain wouldn't have a job if it weren't for all the ones at the bottom supporting him. We all need each other. We all need to work together.  But don't treat me like I should be grateful for your crumbs. Treat me like the professional that I am. Like I matter. Like I do make a difference. Treat me like my district matters. Like every one of us is important.

And, by the way.... all of you are important. Every day you make a difference in the lives of those who matter most... our kids.



Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

           Need a Non-Fiction lesson for October?  Try this resource about the New Salem Witch Trials.

Non-Fiction Task Cards

Check it out!

This is my newest.... Stonehenge: a complete unit (11 page original fiction story of suspense and 7 non-fiction passages)!!!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

We all want security. Security in our homes. In our relationships. In our jobs. Security helps to ease stress and tension. If we desire security, as adults, how much more our children need it.

A secure classroom is more than locks on doors. It is the knowledge that they are safe from all harm. Ridicule. Embarrassment. Negative thoughts. Bullying. Ignorance. Children do desire (even though many don't realize it or admit it) a structured classroom. They are not looking for a friend. They are looking for an adult to guide, teach, and protect them.  


This doesn't mean that you can't joke and have a good time. I love to laugh.  It does mean being aware of what student needs are.  Not always easy. We aren't always able to successfully navigate through a roomful of students thoughts, emotions, and needs (after all, we are human).  The child who is always laughing and joking may be hiding deep pain. They may not like being the recipient of a joke. We may not realize this until after the fact, but it is not always too late. If we realize that a child feels insecure in our presence then we can take steps to remedy that. But keep in mind it isn't always fixable.

 I've been told that I am intimidating. I know I can be. I am confident, outspoken, and a female. That can make me intimidating to some. Those who get to know me realize that I wouldn't hurt an ant (notice I didn't say a fly). I have a tender heart full of compassion. We've all been told negative things about our personalities. Usually by  students that like to test the waters or their parents. You may hear things like, "You pick on me," "You don't like me," "My child feels like you don't like them," "My child feels like you are too strict." And the list goes on. The truth, in these situations, is that someone (child or parent) is reacting to a situation they don't feel comfortable in. They don't feel safe. Maybe they don't know how to function in a room where they are held accountable. Or maybe they don't know how to deal with so much structure. You can learn to cooperate and form a team. You can change the perception, if everyone is willing to invest the time. Unfortunately, not all parents or children want to solve problems. Some are not willing to change their first impression. But for all of those situations there are at least twice as many that can be resolved.

There are two keys to achieving this: Building relationships and communication.  Although many educational speakers want you to believe that building relationships is a new concept, it is actually as old as the concept of school. Teachers are all about building relationship with their students within an appropriate context.  Teachers need to watch, listen, and talk to their students to discover how they feel, think, and react. Simply asking how their week-end was or what is their favorite book will tell a teacher volumes. You begin to understand the student and their environment. Communication is important in any relationship. Clear communication. Clearly communicate to students and parents your expectations. Clearly let them know who you are.  If a problem occurs, act proactively, not reactively. Communicate quickly and clearly the problem and a suggested resolution.

When kids feel safe in our rooms and in our presence, everyone is a winner. Stress and tension are reduced. Lessons are more productive. Sound like a perfect world??? Maybe, but we can all take steps to improve our students' feelings of security.


Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

           Need a Non-Fiction lesson for October?  Try this resource about the New Salem Witch Trials.

Non-Fiction Task Cards

Need a book filled with resources for all holidays??? This is it!

174 pages of non-fiction passages and printables!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

We talk a lot about entitlement and how it is affecting our youth (and adults), but we fail to mention that there is a flip side. Those ethical, thoughtful, kind, concerned individuals who have work ethics and morals and values. Those who do an honest day's work. Those who still value a handshake and all that it represents.  Those who value integrity and honor.

With the increase of the privileged few, the number of those opposing them continues to grow.  More and more conversations center on those that are tired of supporting those with their hands out. In the educational realm, I am seeing more educators raising the bar of accountability. I applaud their efforts, even when they are not recognized and/or supported by their administrators. They are doing the right thing. They are truly preparing their students for responsibilities they will face in adulthood. They are changing the status quo. They are making a difference.

It isn't easy to go against the grain. Like swimming upstream during salmon season in bear country.  It takes courage to do what is right. It takes faith. But who wins? Our kids.  They learn that life isn't fair. Good doesn't always win. And, sometimes being strong is being silent while you cry.  They learn important life skills from these brave educators that put their reputations on the line (and possibly their jobs) to hold their students accountable and teach them that everyone is not a winner.

Teaching a child to learn from their mistakes is as old as time. It is one of the most valuable lessons a child can learn. Teaching them to turn from their self-indulgent ways to self-reliance is a small miracle. The end result is an adult that is a functioning, contributing member of society. Someone that gives and pays back. Someone that demonstrates honor.  Someone that doesn't believe they are entitled simply because they breath air.

Now, that is something to be proud of.

In looking back at my blog statistics, those with the highest number of readers and shares tend to be negative in nature.  This blog that congratulates the endless efforts of educators that care about their students today and tomorrow will probably have fewer readers. I'd like to change that. Share this blog with teachers you know, your favorite teacher, or your colleagues to let them know that you care and appreciate all that they are doing.


Have a great week-end!
Kim


Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Need a book filled with holiday resources??? This is it!

174 pages of non-fiction passages and printables!

56 pages of Non-Fiction Passages and Printables

Or a book with a complete SLO? Try this one!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

I learned to tie my tennis shoes in kindergarten. My kindergarten teacher also reinforced the values that my parents were teaching me at home: honesty, kindness, the art of sharing, and listening.  It wasn't easy for an energetic, like-to-be-in-charge kind of kid. I thought that taking a nap was a waste of time. Pouring unwanted milk down the drain was an act of kindness. And telling the teacher about the activities other misbehavers was my civic duty. Now, kindergarteners are screened (I would never have passed the screening process!). Primary kids are tested. Our expectations have changed because kids have changed. What? Did I read that right? Kids have changed? How? They still have two eyes, two ears, one mouth (thank heavens), two hands, and two legs. They still laugh, cry, and tattle. They need a safe, structured environment. They need to be praised, loved, and disciplined. Oh, I admit that they know things I was blissfully unaware of. They have to be warned about strangers and walking alone and eating unhealthy foods They have to be monitored because of a new kind of danger- cyber stalkers. I get that.  I'm actually surprised that I survived to adulthood. Okay, that is a stretch. My parents were super vigilant, always holding me accountable, no nonsense, we-have-to-meet-the-parents, and you're-not-doing-that-just-because-everyone-else-is kind of parents. They knew where I was and what I was doing even when I didn't think they did. But, I did have a childhood. I laughed. A lot. I played. I had an imagination which I used at times to the dismay of my parents and teachers. I created and learned things that were important to me. These things also turned out to be important to my later learning experiences.

While other countries are letting their students enjoy recess and play time, students in American schools are being drilled.  While other students are exploring, American students are being asked to make a career choice- at the tender age of 12 (or younger). Shouldn't we spend some time letting students explore and develop critical thinking skills? Or, demonstrating manners and behaviors that are socially acceptable. I don't mean politically correct. I mean socially acceptable. What about those skills that I learned that were important to my later experiences?  Are we giving our children the opportunity to develop these skills naturally or are we forcing skills on them that we deem important?

 It seems that numbers and test scores have trumped the value of childhood.  We let everyone win so that our children won't know the pain of losing.  We exchange structure and discipline for empowerment. Children who are not old enough to practice self-control or make difficult decisions are being empowered.  We use the word empowerment like it is a form of praise.  We tell them that they are empowered, but we offer no direction or guidance.  We experiment with new forms of learning that are simply  a new name for  old educational practices that didn't work the first time. We try new grading practices that will have attached meaning without damaging a child's self-esteem when in truth they take away all meaning and end up doing far worse damage.

Let's rethink this. We need to stop trying to get ahead of the world educational game. Our kids are not game pieces. They are precious people entrusted to our educational expertise. Maybe it is time that we actually used some common sense expertise by taking back the meaningless and damaging educational buzzwords and replacing them with kid-friendly, time-tested practices.

It is that time of year! Check out these Non-Fiction resources for your classroom!

Non-Fiction Reading Folders

Non-Fiction Halloween Folklore Task Cards

Non-Fiction Pumpkins & Halloween Task Cards

Non-Fiction New Salem Witch Trials Task Cards

Check out more posts and quotes on my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

I was in a hurry. I was pulling out of everyone's favorite (or not so favorite) discount store.  And, I was waiting. Impatiently. The light changed and the car ahead of me did nothing. So I yelled, "GO! GO! GO!" The music in the background was saying that the person wanted to live so that others could see Jesus in them. I laughed at the irony of my impatient self yelling at an unsuspecting motorist while this song played in the background.

Then I thought, "What do my students think of me?" After teaching middle school for over 20 years I heard from some firsthand and others through the student grapevine. Middle school students don't hold back!  Over the years I earned some fun titles and was given some that weren't so nice. One of my favorites was "The Little General" given to me by a dear colleague and our principal. This same group also called me vertically challenged (I am!) and, along with a close friend, "The Loser Chicks." All in good fun. All said with love.  One of my early students likened me to a canine. Not one of my favorite moments, but after the air cleared and she calmed down, we resolved the issue and actually built a great teacher-student relationship. So... It turned out okay in the end.

I've been hugged, called mom, and Aunt Kim (which I love!). I've been told that I'm beautiful, I look great, and I look sick. Students have pointed out every gray hair, every age spot, and every additional pound. I've been told that I could use more sleep or I need an attitude adjustment. I've been asked if I'm old enough to drive and I've been asked if I have grandchildren.  I've been told I'm too nice and I've been told just the opposite. Some were gracious with their comments and some not so much.

Children are usually brutally honest.  They point out your good days and your not so good days. They are the first to notice a new hair style and give you an honest opinion. They will be the first to let you know that you need to just let some things go as long as you never let them go. They will teach you that things don't matter nearly as much as they do.

Thank heavens they couldn't read my mind. Some days my thoughts didn't match the smile on my face. Some thoughts were too sarcastic. Even for middle schoolers! Some were a little too perceptive which they demonstrated by asking me if I was okay on bad days or giving me a hug of encouragement.

The most wonderful thing that my students can see is that I am human. I make mistakes. I laugh. I cry. I get angry. I can ask for forgiveness. I can admit to mistakes. I am real. That is what I want them to see.

What do your students see?

Check out more posts and quotes on my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

What are you passionate about? During my first few years of teaching I received some excellent advice from an administrator. We had just made the decision to become departmentalized. Now, was the time to choose the subject we wanted to teach and apply for the move.  I loved my classroom. It was large with lots of storage. Windows with a nice view. Perfect arrangement. Everything a teacher could ask for. But ... according to the new plan it would be the English room. I didn't want to give up my beautiful room, but teaching nouns and verbs all day didn't thrill me. The principal asked what I was going to do. I told her my dilemma. She told me not to follow people or fall in love with a place, but to follow my heart. To select a subject that I was passionate about teaching. If I followed my desires than I would be content and happy. She was right.  I gave up my big room when I accepted the position of Social Studies teacher, but I never for one minute regretted the decision. I was able to combine my two loves- reading and social studies- to create memorable lessons for my students.

At the time I didn't realize that the lessons were all that memorable. Some of them I don't even remember! But, time after time, I run into former students who ask me if "I remember when..."
And that is the goal of every teacher. Creating a lesson that students carry with them. Lessons that help them understand a concept so that they can claim it as their own.

Would I have done this if I had stayed in the "perfect classroom" teaching English?  I don't know.  I do believe that God gave me a gift to teach and I do believe that He is all powerful and able to do anything. So.. Yes, He could have made that venture successful. But, God also wants us to have joy. Something would have been missing if I had not ventured out of my comfort zone. I would not have experienced the pure joy of seeing a lesson come to life.  I'm not saying it was all smiles and happy times. There were some nightmares thrown in the mix too! But, God was faithful and blessed me abundantly. Later, He blessed me even more when He gave me the opportunity to move to a reading position and... a bigger room with LOTS of storage- more than the first room I had relinquished.

So, the lesson is this. Follow your heart. Your passion will spill over and be caught by your students. They can tell if you are only teaching for the summer off or if you truly love what you do. Teach, if possible, subjects that you love. When you are on fire, your students will catch the spark. See how quickly the passion ignites! For a teacher, there is nothing more satisfying than observing the wildfire spread of learning.





Check out more posts and quotes on my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers