Today was an in school PSAT and SAT day for sophomores and juniors. Tests were supposed to take up the morning then lunch then running on our normal bell schedule where students attended Periods 1, 2, and 3. However, expectations often do not meet reality.
I went to my classroom to prep for my first period. The proctoring teacher had not eaten so I relived his shift so he could eat before teaching his first period. The minutes ticked by and we waited. We were told not to release students until the announcement over the PA system.
The minutes became an hour and it was clear something did not go according to plan. As an obsessive planner myself, I was frustrated and flustered, unsure what to tell the students in my room. I listened intently in the hall to glean any information as I tried to keep the aura of calm for the kids.
Waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
AND WAITING
Finally, the familiar sound of the "beep" form the PA
"Students, listen carefully, you will still go to Periods 1, 2, and 3"
There was only an hour and half left of the day and I was unclear how we would get through three class periods. I instructed my students to continue working on projects due Friday and continued to keep my aura of calm.
"Students, we will skip Period 2 and go directly to Period 3".
This was confusing to my kids and I had to remind them the plan go to Period 3 during the time of Period 9 to end the day.
Definitely feeling confused and overwhelmed myself but grateful the end of the day has arrived. The best-laid plans...
I went to my classroom to prep for my first period. The proctoring teacher had not eaten so I relived his shift so he could eat before teaching his first period. The minutes ticked by and we waited. We were told not to release students until the announcement over the PA system.
The minutes became an hour and it was clear something did not go according to plan. As an obsessive planner myself, I was frustrated and flustered, unsure what to tell the students in my room. I listened intently in the hall to glean any information as I tried to keep the aura of calm for the kids.
Waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
and waiting
AND WAITING
Finally, the familiar sound of the "beep" form the PA
"Students, listen carefully, you will still go to Periods 1, 2, and 3"
There was only an hour and half left of the day and I was unclear how we would get through three class periods. I instructed my students to continue working on projects due Friday and continued to keep my aura of calm.
"Students, we will skip Period 2 and go directly to Period 3".
This was confusing to my kids and I had to remind them the plan go to Period 3 during the time of Period 9 to end the day.
Definitely feeling confused and overwhelmed myself but grateful the end of the day has arrived. The best-laid plans...
Those are the days when I chant to myself, "Be a willow. Bend."
ReplyDeleteAh, I could feel your angst and frustration as I read your piece! I, too, am a planner (like most teachers I know) and these situations grate against the soul. Not only are your plans dashed, but kids lives (time) can get wasted. Sounds like you didn't let that happen. Hope tomorrow is more predictable!
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