Ruminations from a Winding Career
Viewing comments for Chapter 23 "From You, RayShawn, Hall, to -"Thoughts from almost 50 years
12 total reviews
Comment from Marilyn Geller
Education is a part of our family. When we share the experiences we've had with students, it's the one that gave us the most grief that we most cared about and hoped the best for their future. We hope that in some way we touch their lives and make a difference.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Education is a part of our family. When we share the experiences we've had with students, it's the one that gave us the most grief that we most cared about and hoped the best for their future. We hope that in some way we touch their lives and make a difference.
Comment Written 20-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Absolutely. I hope to write the 2nd part of that piece soon. I have been away due to family issues. Rdfrdmom2
Comment from blondie560
My daughter, the English teacher, also has ADHD and takes Vyvanse also. She tells me she's had many parents try to tell her the reason their son or daughter is behind, or should be allowed extra time is because their child has ADHD and she just doesn't understand. She blows their excuse out if the water when she says "wow, I have ADHD too! What medication does your child take? I'm on Vyvanse." That tends to end the parent trying to excuse their child's behavior. At the same time she is gets some kids engaged that may otherwise just show up, by sharing her story,
I can't believe your dedication to education. You should be sitting on a beach with a tropical drink in hand! Take care! Sally
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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My daughter, the English teacher, also has ADHD and takes Vyvanse also. She tells me she's had many parents try to tell her the reason their son or daughter is behind, or should be allowed extra time is because their child has ADHD and she just doesn't understand. She blows their excuse out if the water when she says "wow, I have ADHD too! What medication does your child take? I'm on Vyvanse." That tends to end the parent trying to excuse their child's behavior. At the same time she is gets some kids engaged that may otherwise just show up, by sharing her story,
I can't believe your dedication to education. You should be sitting on a beach with a tropical drink in hand! Take care! Sally
Comment Written 18-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Thanks, Sally. This may be my last year. Rdfrdmom2
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I'm exhausted and I'm not 70. I work with people all day but eight hours is enough. It's takes a special person to do what you do because I know I couldn't. However, I will say this, remember to live your life. Don't overdo it. You need your time as well.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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I'm exhausted and I'm not 70. I work with people all day but eight hours is enough. It's takes a special person to do what you do because I know I couldn't. However, I will say this, remember to live your life. Don't overdo it. You need your time as well.
Comment Written 17-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Hey, I am seriously considering giving it up at the end of this school year, especially now that Aubrey is gone. I'm not sure my heart is still going to be in it when I return in January. I haven't been in the building since October 29th. Love you, Jan
Comment from royowen
What a lovely post and a beautiful answer to the boy who probably hates his disability, but uses it to "goof off" the boy probably felt he was hated. I know from what you explained here how my wife felt teaching reluctant students at difficult high schools, with poor self images, who complained, "my teacher, who hates me, gave me detention." You know the drill, it seems an unresolvable problem, well done, and welcome back. Blessings Roy
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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What a lovely post and a beautiful answer to the boy who probably hates his disability, but uses it to "goof off" the boy probably felt he was hated. I know from what you explained here how my wife felt teaching reluctant students at difficult high schools, with poor self images, who complained, "my teacher, who hates me, gave me detention." You know the drill, it seems an unresolvable problem, well done, and welcome back. Blessings Roy
Comment Written 17-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Thanks, Roy, for the welcome back. Unfortunately, it did not last long. I hope to stay longer this time. Jan
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Hi Jan, thanks
Comment from barbara.wilkey
We have so many lunch shifts due to COVID-19 regulations requiring all students to remain six feet apart while digesting their lunch. (Last year at our elementary school we did lunch as normal and had low COVID counts. But this is Texas. We're not paying a lot of attention to the national government. This year our numbers are higher but....only in areas getting a lot of birder crossings.)
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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We have so many lunch shifts due to COVID-19 regulations requiring all students to remain six feet apart while digesting their lunch. (Last year at our elementary school we did lunch as normal and had low COVID counts. But this is Texas. We're not paying a lot of attention to the national government. This year our numbers are higher but....only in areas getting a lot of birder crossings.)
Comment Written 17-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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I hear you, barbara. We have 5 lunch shifts for 1000 kids with a cafeteria that could sustain 3 lunch shifts. It is insane. BTW, who pays attention to the national government. My teacher friend who moved to Texas lives in Arline. Jan
Comment from Judy Lawless
Wow, you are a truly caring teacher with an abundance of love and patience for your students. That confusing schedule alone would have me done. This is very heart warming and well written story, Jan.
"You can(could) have heard a cotton ball drop."
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Wow, you are a truly caring teacher with an abundance of love and patience for your students. That confusing schedule alone would have me done. This is very heart warming and well written story, Jan.
"You can(could) have heard a cotton ball drop."
Comment Written 17-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Thanks for your suggestion. I will get that fixed. Jan
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You're welcome, Jan.
Comment from Wendy G
A lovely post. Wow, you must be so exhausted. I had noticed a lack of your school stories. Rayshawn had a very special moment with you, which would have been lovely for the whole class to hear. With one of my students with ADHD, I reminded him that this was not an excuse for not trying, but it meant that he would have to try harder than the other kids, and I agreed that it was hard having to take that responsibility but I was sure he had the strength to do it. He always did try his best for me - but still used his ADHD as an excuse with other teachers. LOL.
Thank you for another fascinating insight into your teaching and the special moments for you.
They do need to know they are loved. I have had that question too! Kids are the same throughout the world.
Wendy
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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A lovely post. Wow, you must be so exhausted. I had noticed a lack of your school stories. Rayshawn had a very special moment with you, which would have been lovely for the whole class to hear. With one of my students with ADHD, I reminded him that this was not an excuse for not trying, but it meant that he would have to try harder than the other kids, and I agreed that it was hard having to take that responsibility but I was sure he had the strength to do it. He always did try his best for me - but still used his ADHD as an excuse with other teachers. LOL.
Thank you for another fascinating insight into your teaching and the special moments for you.
They do need to know they are loved. I have had that question too! Kids are the same throughout the world.
Wendy
Comment Written 16-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Thanks, Wendy. I have not been in the classroom since October 29th and I really miss my kids. Hope to get back in the middle of January. Jan
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Compelling and heartwarming, skilfully narrated. Your love for your students and job are made manifest in this touching piece. Beautiful!
sugg rework sentence: No one will be surprised to discover the student most able to push my buttons to be a member of my first block class - yes, the one that meets every, single day.
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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Compelling and heartwarming, skilfully narrated. Your love for your students and job are made manifest in this touching piece. Beautiful!
sugg rework sentence: No one will be surprised to discover the student most able to push my buttons to be a member of my first block class - yes, the one that meets every, single day.
Comment Written 16-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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Thanks, Liz. I will work on that in the morning. Hope you are well.
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Right back at you--it's been a while. Nice to see you--I imagine you've been swamped.
Comment from dellsworthpoet
A story that repeats often I'm sure. The outcomes are not predictable.
Having had to deal with individuals with ADD the picture does justice to the condition. Unfortunately when high intelligence pairs with it the fight is surely joined.
The story flows well. The examples are clear and expected. The language is well chosen for the topic. The dialogue is believable. The frustration is almost palatable on both parts.
A good read. The only suggestion might be to have a post script as to how Rayshawn did after this ( at least in the short term).
Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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A story that repeats often I'm sure. The outcomes are not predictable.
Having had to deal with individuals with ADD the picture does justice to the condition. Unfortunately when high intelligence pairs with it the fight is surely joined.
The story flows well. The examples are clear and expected. The language is well chosen for the topic. The dialogue is believable. The frustration is almost palatable on both parts.
A good read. The only suggestion might be to have a post script as to how Rayshawn did after this ( at least in the short term).
Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 16-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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There is a story to follow. thanks. Rdfrdmom2
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Look forward to seeing more. And you are welcome.
Comment from Eunice Amero
A teacher has a hard life at times. Kids dont realize the stress they go through and the work they have. I always tried to be good in class. Children should be thankful when they have a good teacher. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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A teacher has a hard life at times. Kids dont realize the stress they go through and the work they have. I always tried to be good in class. Children should be thankful when they have a good teacher. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 16-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 16-Oct-2021
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My pleasure. jan
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Thank you so much.