So today was a really fun day. I taught rock cycle the entire day and it was fun. The morning session we had a lot more behavioral problems but all in all not bad. I let Matt do the intro on the first go around in the morning. He did a fantastic job. I did the pit which was fund and I couldn't believe a the different kinds of rocks the students were finding. All the groups seemed to love looking for rocks.
I did do the intro for the second group that went ok. I had my moments of confusion but it was the first time I did the intro so I think I deserve a little slack. At one point I had most of the parents laughing but the students didn't get the joke but you can't please them all.
I did think canoeing was a little ridiculous. Most of the students had never canoed before and not all of them got to go at once. So when had to do it in shifts which was a pain in the but. Also I don't think that for the time allotted for canoeing it was an appropriate activity.
So one of the last things have to say is related to the second half of the title. I feel that Amy, Tom, Ken and I got left to clean up after we had already done a lot today. Now I realize that everyone had other programing today and did their fair share and that's find but so did the 4 of us. All I am saying is that It would of been nice to a least know most of the other people were leaving and weren't sticking around just an extra 1 1/2 hours to help. I know Tom and I could have used it with the canoeing. I know that we are all getting ready to finish up and don't want to do any more than what we have to, but we still need to all pitch in and share the load.
With that said I'm not trying to be an a** hole or insensitive. I just need everyone else to know that's what happened and I feel it was a little unfair to the 4 of us. At the very least I would have liked to of know that's what was going to happen and not feel like everyone else abandoned ship without telling the others.
I second the fact that this was a really fun day! Really long, for sure, but man what a blast I had with these kids...wonderful wetlands x2, a bird/turtle/wild edible hike, all capped off by canoeing! I have to agree that canoeing isn't such a great activity for a 30 minute station (which quickly turned into 20 minutes by the time life jackets and paddles were distributed and canoe groups chosen). The students certainly loved it, but the real problem was that they were inexperienced and just had no idea how to make a canoe go the way they wanted it to. Maybe that was a failure on my part as a teacher. Oh well, everyone still had fun and I'm pretty sure no one missed out on the hot dogs. I know I now feel more prepared for the next long day we have on Thursday!
ReplyDeletePS, what the heck is an "SOS abandon ship"? haha
ReplyDeleteTyping error. It was supposed to be SOS and Abandon Ship. So two seperate calls not one.
DeleteI understand that it was a long day for you. I never understood that it was an expectation for us to stay and help. My understanding was that we were responsible for our part (the hikes, and that we were free to leave).
ReplyDeleteReally sorry about the feeling of abandonment. We hike folks had mostly come from our Exploring Nature program at the LC. Like Laurina said, we saw the schedule and responsibly did our part, after completing a different program. It did look like you all really had your hands full. I thought your schedule was covered, though, and had a commitment in Ligonier. Sorry again.
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry that you felt abandoned yesterday. I know that Tom, Ken, and yourself had especially long days. Thanks for all your hard work
ReplyDelete