Comfortable with Being Weird

I teach grade 9s (and 10s to 12s) and I am always struck with how important it is to "fit in". I guess I learned early that I was a little to quirky to be cool and I accepted it and moved on. By grade 10, I was a barrette wearing, overall-clad happy bookworm. I had a good group of "geeky" girlfriends and that was enough for me. Every now and then, I longed to have the confidence of some of the other kids in my class but, I realized that it wasn't happening for me.

I watch my students. There are those kids who are comfortable in their own skin who set the tone for the class. Then, there's my 40% of kids who are questioning who they are and how they need to present themselves. I wish I could make them understand that nobody is watching them as closely as they think. I wish I could transfuse self-confidence the way a nurse transfuses blood.

Instead, I teach. This week, we read an article called "Comfortable with Being Weird" and I talked about not being cool and being okay with it. Vulnerable - a little. However, after reading their journal responses, I know we're getting somewhere. Some kids are realizing that being mean to people who are different then them is mean (strange how long it takes that concept to kick in). Kids who aren't so confident are opening up a little about their search for self. Slowly, we're addressing real issues in class. This is why I love what I do.

Wish me luck as I journey through grade 9 for the 10th time. :)

Golden

We have the most beautiful view of our creek. The leaves are turning colours and I love seeing the changes every new morning brings.

The kids LOVE their baby-sitter and their delightful little buddies. Although there are a few tears in the mornings and waking up is hard to do, the kids are alright with their adjustment to full-time care.

I love my job. I love sorting through the mundane problems of how to engage students, how to connect kids with needs to the material and I realized how much I've missed preparing good lessons. I could do without the marking but, that's life. I love reconnecting with some beautiful colleagues who do inspiring things with students. I love the feeling standing in front of my class and making meaningful connections.

Coming home is always a chaotic blur of snuggles, catching up, making supper, playing and bedtime. I wish I had more time with my munchkins. I'm looking forward to part-time next semester for this very reason.

Life feels like it's flying fast.