How do you cope with stress?

Today I am feeling a bit better than I did when I wrote my last post. not by too much, though. I don't think I have actually taught in almost two weeks because of this testing. When I think of all the wasted time, I cringe. These kids need more teaching from me. I think that might be why they have been acting so crazy. I send them off to do independent centers, and they are getting bored.

So tomorrow, I am taking a break from the testing. I am actually going to TEACH! While this sounds great, I am not sure that it will help me feel less overwhelmed. I've had so much info thrown at me the past few weeks, I still don't know how to digest it all. I wish there was a manual for teaching....or for life!!

So, what I need is some good advice on ways to cope with feeling overwhelmed. Also, ways to de-stress. What do you all do to fix overwhelmed feelings and stress?

I know the first year of teaching is tough (and it certainly has been tough), but I kind of thought I would get the hang of it by now. It also doesn't help that my district is currently in a state of disarray. I'm confused. My colleagues are confused. The kids are now confused. I just wish there was someone to point us all in the right direction, so we could point the kids in the right direction!!!! I am trying to keep my focus on my 19 kiddos. I need to make myself feel better, for them. That way, I can be 100% and give be the teacher they deserve.

Well, I am off to read a bit (I'm about to start The Hunger Games), then I am calling it an early night.

-Amanda

Every day is a new adventure

I sure can't complain about my job being boring! Today I had a student wet their pants. I felt awful for him after, but thankfully the other students didn't notice. How do you explain that to other children without scarring the affected child? I just didn't make a big deal out of it, and redirected the class while I sent the child off to the nurse. Between head lice, this, behavior challenges and a multitude of other things, I am truly getting a trial by fire first year of teaching. I'm trying to take each thing as it happens and just thinking of them as learning experiences! (side note: teaching has miraculously made me a more positive person, lol. If I talked to my past self a few years, or even months ago, I would not have the same perspective!)

On another note, I have been totally obsessed with TpT.com. Ever since I was introduced to it this weekend, I can't stop finding amazing worksheets! Such amazing ideas! It is so refreshing to know that I don't have to reinvent the wheel.

I teach at a title 1 school, so I am fortunate enough to have a smartboard. I have been attending training sessions on how to use the smartboard, and I am crazy about this, as well! As a matter of fact, the first thing I did when I got home tonight was make a cute new slide to take attendance and lunch count. Mornings are going to go SO much quicker with this *I hope*! The kids were also trying to come up with names for the smartboard today. I think we will take a vote on them tomorrow, Some were really great ideas!

Tomorrow I am also going to try adding yoga to our morning routine. I, myself, LOVE yoga, and I know how refreshing it can be. I have read that, for children, it can relieve stress and clear their minds to make learning more effective. I am going to try doing one or two poses with them tomorrow, to see if they like it!

If anyone has any suggestions on how to introduce yoga into the classroom I would be more than happy to hear them!!!