An afternoon after almost crying at my desk trying to submit UIL designs. A day after having a horrible moment with a student - who is beyond my last grain of patience. Two weeks after almost walking out because I thought no one noticed or cared. A month after almost not coming back from break.
To say that this school year has been challenging is an understatement. Every day is a new discovery of what the students actually know and don't know. COVID denied them many opportunities for experience on and back stage. I have to keep reminding myself that they really do not know the very basic stuff. Not just classroom or Theatre but simple social conduct.
My 6th graders are starting to break free of the 4th grade mentality. You see, that is the grade level that many of them just stopped....socially....emotionally...academically. I have 6th graders "tattling" - yes, tattling like elementary school children. My year starting with 6th graders wrestling in the hallway..... I did not sign up to teach elementary but alas, that is exactly what we all are doing.
The list of the "do not knows" is longer than the regular list of the year.
My advanced students have just not had the stage time that is usually acquired by this point. Instincts are really not there...at all. Nor have they started to develop.
Being a singleton...the only Theatre teacher...do not really give me anyone to vent to. My poor husband serves at the sounding board. Thankfully he is a willing victim. Plus everyone else is being pushed to the max so I feel horrible airing my troubles when so many people have so many concerning things.
To sum up this honor bestowed upon me today: Thank you universe, former students, allies I did not know I had, for finding me in the mist and reminding me that what I do matters...and lifting me out of a very dark place. I will bounce joyfully and live on this energy for quite a while.
Now to finish UIL strong - both the student designers and cast/crew of the show.
