I have a confession to make. I finished my year without a bang. I didn't make any elaborate crafts with my students to work on language or speech skills. I didn't have any fun pizza, popcorn, or candy parties like my students always dream up. We didn't go on scavenger hunts, or even do any therapy outside. Nope! I was BORING!!!!
I was able to see all of my students for one last time last week. We played a game during each session, and I handed out my summer calendars to them. It was very anti-climactic. I almost felt bad because I could see myself 10 years ago doing all (or at least some) of the things listed above.
I started thinking, why was I able to do all of those fun things 10 years ago, and couldn't seem to get it together now? I actually have a couple of answers to that question.
First, I have two boys of my own now, ages 6 and 7. They are both heavily involved in multiple sports and activities, so my nights are pretty shot after I have them do homework, make dinner, and then schlep them around.
Second, the paperwork. Oh, the paperwork! I truly do not remember having to do this much paperwork even a few years ago. Maybe I have selective memory.
Third, MEETINGS, MEETINGS, MEETINGS!!!! I have had so many meetings lately, that it is amazing that I have seen my kids at all! I have had some pretty intense families this year, and lots and lots of meetings with advocates, every team member imaginable, and parents. I have a pretty intense caseload to begin with (18 self-contained ASD students in addition to the rest of my elementary) so I should expect meetings, but WOW! I had a lot this year!!!!
So, there you have it, my confession. I am boring. There might be reasons behind it, but I do feel some guilt at not having a supercharged last week. But, at the same time, it was kind of nice to just leave quietly...
I feel 'ya! I'm giving my kids a 'game day' for their last speech session and it hasn't really generated the enthusiasm or closure I was hoping for. I also feel I should have done something super special as I'm leaving the district. Oh well...we do what we can with what we have!
ReplyDeleteI agree Emily, we do what we can! Good luck with your new adventures when you leave your district!
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