Settling In

Well, it was even tougher this week!  The students who are not at 1st grade level (1/3 of my class) are now starting to cause trouble because they are both frustrated and want attention.  It was a week of trial and error, trying to figure out each of these students' motivations (or lack of motivation).  If only I had individual time with each student!  So much could be done both for their academics and self-esteem, one-on-one.  Though it was even tougher this week, I think I am accepting the fact that it is what it is and am feeling better about it.

I'm getting to know their personalities better, which is more fun.  One little girl, I'll call her Jenna, has been in and out of foster care her whole life.  She insists on doing the opposite of what I say, every time!  If I tell the class to close their desks, she will slyly look at me and open it!  I can't figure out why she "tries" to get in trouble!  Why would she want me call her out in front of the class.  Most kids spend their time trying not to stick out.  I guess this little girl needs so much attention that she doesn't care if it is positive or negative :(  I am still "experimenting" with her, trying to figure out what will motivate her to behave positively.  These kids are so psychologically complex because of their lives, that it takes a while to figure them out!

On Friday I had a substitute in the morning because I was pulling out kids one at a time to do a reading test.  Obviously, this was the first sub they had ever had in my class.  One little boy came in to do his test with me and said, "Oh good!  You're here!  Are you still going to be our teacher!?"  I assured him that I would be back in the afternoon with them.  Sadly, probably every adult in his life that has made a promise to him, broke it.  Everyone in his life has given up on him and just left.  He was worried that I wouldn't come back, too.  Maybe I can be the only stable thing in these kids lives.  Though many of their world's are chaotic, school can be a predictable, safe place where they can be free to be themselves.

On a lighter note, I think I've found a church!  It is a big church, only 10 minutes away from me.  It has a lot of ministries and activities that I hope to get involved in soon.  I also love my apartment!  Here are some pictures :)

 I am still pretty excited about my world map shower curtain :)