30 Things Learned in 30 Days with the Children

Though it feels like an absolute eternity, I have only officially been at this school for just over a month. There have been so many challenges: fights, lack of curriculum, no supplies, no resources, a belittling assistant director, language barriers, and a lack of caring and effort from the children. But through all these things there have also been many lessons I have learned. Here are 30 tid bits I have gleaned from 30+ days at this school...
1. Teaching is an insanely hard profession

2. It is not necessary for you to be friends with the kiddos-nor for them to love you.

3. It IS necessary to love the kiddos-even if they are unlovable at times

4. Celebrate and reward even the smallest of things

5. Walking silently and in a line is a HUGE accomplishment for some students-PRAISE them for their efforts

6. Students are capable and able

7. Do not lower your expectations-though you may have to adjust them for the specific set of students

8. Fist fights do break out even in the younger grades-it is necessary to teach children early on  to use words not physical violence

9. Do not get mad-when you feel it coming on, walk away

10. There are some kiddos who like to irk you and see how far they can push you-don't give in

11. MODEL, MODEL, MODEL everything you want them to learn and do and understand

12. Try YOUR hardest and the kiddos will (hopefully) learn to do the same

13. Embrace the differences in beliefs and customs

14. Show kiddos you are truly interested in their backgrounds. They might begin to share...

15. Play games and make a game of every single topic

16. Reflect on each day

17. Begin each day with a clean slate-don't hold on to the crud that happened yesterday

18. The best thing to give the kiddos is your undivided attention

19. Show the kids they are special, valuable and important in your eyes

20. Teeny tiny prizes go a LONG way

21. There are some people who just do not know how to be quiet-don't get upset with this, but work on a plan to get the kiddos to NOT talk in class

22. Some people like to argue-give them the outlet to do so by providing writing time and then a chance to share their writing privately with you

23. Kiddos do NOT learn at the same pace and are NOT at the same level-so be...(gulp) patient

24. Do not give up on yourself or the kiddos

25. Your attitude plays a huge part in how the day goes

26. Try to ignore the small stuff (though does that it include a 5th grader gorilla-crawling, falling out of his desk, purposely making his body make inappropriate noises...??)

27. Sometimes you just have to be blunt

28. Prayer is powerful and moves mountains-God is working at school-I HAVE to believe that

29. I am not strong enough to do this alone-I can't do this alone-I am not without God's love

30. God has me at this school for a reason...and my heart is to be a light to not only my students, but my colleagues and the parents and administration as well.