The Sunday Blues - Looking for the Positives

I read recently about what someone called "The Sunday Blues"...  that down feeling you get on Sunday when you realize that the weekend is almost over and it is back to work the following day.  I even came across an article about it HERE.

This is my dog, Peeka...  feeling the Sunday blues.  

This is especially disheartening for teachers because many of us spend a good 1/4 of our weekend preparing for the following week: correcting papers, preparing lesson plans, searching for resources, etc.  I've yet to become so good at my job that I am prepared for Monday on Friday...  after 16 years I just don't think its in the cards for me.

This Sunday is especially saddening for these reasons:

1.  This week was spring break and with spring break comes a lot of plans.  Unfortunately it rained most of the week which nixed a lot of the yard work I wanted to get done.

2.  I get my 34th student tomorrow....  yes, you read it right....  THIRTY FOURTH STUDENT!!  in fourth grade....  the last empty chair in my class is taken... I have 9 tables, every one of them full.

A new student means trying to remember everything the rest of the class has and getting one of each of those items for this new child.  A new student means a change in the class dynamics, a new set of parents....  and consequences I can't even think about right now.

Now... don't get me wrong.  I don't mind having a new student...  I'm sure she is a wonderful child and she will fit right in.  I have an amazing class this year and they will make her feel welcome.  It is just a lot of work and class sizes are out of control.

And finally...

3.  The sun has decided to show itself TODAY...  today... Sunday...  the day I have to prepare for 34 students.


Okay... time to look at the bright side (pun intended)...

• I've missed my students.  
• There is only about 2 1/2 months left of school and that means A LOT to cover before then!
• Its skirts and sandals season...  no tights... I hate tights!
• We are starting some great units this spring quarter: 

1.  Earth Day is coming in April and every year I give my students a recycle and reuse homework project.  Students have to create something using recycled materials.  On the day it is due, each student presents it to the class and then we display it in the school display case.  I love seeing what the kids come up with.  Some students really take it seriously and create amazing and useful products!  I wish I had pictures of the last couple of years projects...  unfortunately I wasn't blogging then and didn't think to keep photos.  This year I will and will post them at a later date.

I've organized the project and made it available as a FREEBIE at my TpT store.

Click HERE to open a window to my TpT store and download a FREE copy!  

2.  My teammate and I are starting my mini-unit on Allusions to Greek Mythology.  This will be a lot of fun!  Greek mythology is full of great adventures, heroes, and interesting stories, so it is bound to be a winner with my students.  I don't have time to teach a whole unit on Greek mythology, but this mini-unit will introduce it to them and cover one of the CCSS for fourth grade.

3.  The Oregon Trail.  Every spring we teach a unit on the Oregon Trail.  We use a version of the simulation called "Pioneers" from Interact Simulations.   Students work in wagon train groups and complete assignments and projects while having to problem solve as they suffer "fates".  This integrated unit is a ton of fun for me as well as my students.  It is a great way to end the year.  We always have a "Pioneer Day" as an end of the year simulation.  Students get to participate in pioneer activities, games, etc.

Okay...  So there is a lot to look forward to and I'm not as blue anymore...  :)  Thank you for visiting and I hope you will stop back by soon.