Dealing with the 'F' Word

No matter how many times I tell my kids, “We cannot always do everything we planned, sometimes we have to be flexible,” the sudden need to pick up and leave in the middle of a lesson still frustrates me.

This time it was Friday afternoon and we were just getting into a comparative discussion of Anne Rockwell’s Big Wheels and Cars, when some unexpected visitors arrived: a repair team to fix a leak in our radiator.  To be honest, when I discovered the leak on Monday, I briefly vacillated between reporting it or just hoping it would go away…no, not because I want to teach my students about the wonders of flooding or a potential gas explosion, though experiential learning would be developmentally appropriate.  In fact, I dreaded the prospect of abruptly relocating materials and my students to the auditorium when it came time to fixing it.

Well, it happened. And despite an inner desire to scream out of frustration, as their leader I, of course, had to redirect my children calmly and quickly.  We grabbed some toys, a bin of books, and some map floor mats for continuing our exploration of transportation.  We then lined up and headed to the auditorium.  The students became so focused on our new mission that we even received a compliment from a fourth grade teacher who remarked that it would be difficult to get her students that quiet.  We finished the literary discussion and then set up informal centers.  We also took full advantage of the stage to practice public speaking and rehearse for our future American Idol auditions or Grammy night performances.  Step aside Beyonce and Justin…

What happened with the leak?  Well, as of now it’s still not fixed, and we may have to move somewhere else for a few days or the whole week.  The uncertainty means the need for more flexibility.  There, I said it again.  And, yes, regardless of my frustration with the situation, I will have to flexible since I cannot control the leak or the pacing of its repair, but I can still maximize constructive learning time with my students.

Update: I came into my class early Monday morning only to find the furniture still relocated and to learn that nothing was done over the weekend.  I organized various center and whole group materials that my students, Ms. Morrison, and I could transport easily into the library.  The final call that we needed to move came in the middle of Morning Meeting.  Despite my frustration at having to leave during our attendance routine, I remembered the need to be flexible and quickly pulled out a rubber band to guide my students.  We discussed the need to stretch a little--essentially to "be the rubber band."  It turns out my students are incredibly elastic, maybe beyond "rubber band elastic," even "bungee cord elastic."  They adapted quickly, made creative and print rich Valentines for family and friends, explored patterns with shapes, sorted "shiny" and "not shiny" coins, and created a backdrop of train tracks for our Dramatic Play area, just to name a few of the options available. 

And the radiator?  Unfortunately, they did not finish fixing it.  In fact, for whatever reason, they seemed to stop working on it shortly after they arrived.  It is now Thursday evening, and we are still unsure when the radiator will be fixed.   The saga continues...

Comments

[Kathleen]

While I agree it is important for us to be flexible it is also important for the students to have the security and consistency of having their classroom fixed in a timely manner. This highlights the need to have communities realize the importance of maintaining the schools their children attend. Communities should be able to take pride in the appearance and safety of their school. After all which of them would chose to work for a run down business.

[Sophia Pappas]

Thanks for the comment, Kathleen. I agree that ultimately the issue comes down to the way we as a school community responds to such issues. I also think that teachers can play a vital role in spearheading reform efforts since they are the ones who must directly deal with the negative repurcussions of delayed responses.

Sophia

[Stacie]

I had this exact same struggle to be flexible on Friday when I had five extra first graders in my room (since their teacher was absent) and two lights that went out and then smelled like fire. The janitor then set-up shop in the direct center of my classroom for the next hour and a half fixing the light. Although I was thankful for the new lights, it was definitely not in my plans for the day. I had to just push ahead and spread the students around the room so they were not in danger of anything falling on them. And as a leader I had to show students that we could ignore this intruder and just keep learning. But 1.5 hours is nothing compared to days. I hope your radiator gets fixed soon!

[Sophia Pappas]

Stacie,

Sounds interesting. Great job charging on.

FYI - my radiator was eventually fixed. Turns out it had been fixed after the first couple of days, but the repair team just left without moving back the furniture or telling anyone. The school based custodial team, my administrators, and I therefore had no clue and thought it was still broken. We discovered the truth that Friday and we were back in my room this past week.

Sophia

[Tahina Timothee]

It's amazing how children can bring out the best in their teachers. Last year, during morning meeting,I was told that ALL of my floor tiles would need to be removed and replaced. Subsequently, my first graders grabbed notebooks, pencils, paper and books and we relocated to the library. All my furniture had been pushed out into the hallway. This was definitely exciting for all the children whose curiosity got the best of them and my materials ended all up and down the hallway. We were in the library and my annoyance must have been showing because one of my students said "Ms.Timothee, this is cool,it's like an adventure, we must be so lucky. Usually, we only get to come here once a week, now we get to be here ALL week". Children are my best therapy. They hold me accountable and remind me not to take everything so seriously.

[Sophia Pappas]

Thanks, Tahina.

Your story highlights the importance of teachers listening to their students to understand their take on even seemingly negative circumstances. You also proved excellent at making the most of the situation, given your primary responsibility to your students.

I feel fortunate to have been your colleague through TFA know the students at your school have benefited from your commitment over the past four years.

Sophia

[air jordans]

Growth and change are the law of all life. Yesterday's answers are inadequate for today's problems--just as the solutions of today will not fill the needs of tomorrow. Do you understand? Do you understand?