tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post690204830910425976..comments2024-03-25T22:38:39.934-07:00Comments on THERESA'S TALES: TestingTheresa Milsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-25760630615459874132010-12-18T07:08:58.701-08:002010-12-18T07:08:58.701-08:00@ The Words Crafter, parents make a huge differenc...@ The Words Crafter, parents make a huge difference. If they're providing structure, security, then children have a better chance.<br /><br />Sounds like you deal with a lot at your place. I remember your heart-breaking story about that one little boy. You're a star!<br /><br />@ Vicki, I wasn't the most diligent student until college, but I never got sent to the principal's office and I never would've talked back to a teacher.<br /><br />I couldn't have kept him behind. The field trip was important to see - a good learning experience. He hadn't done anything so horrible to lose a field trip. He'd been upset about another student and had a hard time communicating and then he'd been sick the next day and through the weekend.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-87544567197639060542010-12-17T19:56:47.544-08:002010-12-17T19:56:47.544-08:00That is a completely foreign world for me. I ALWA...That is a completely foreign world for me. I ALWAYS did my homework. ALWAYS had my books/notes/folders. I NEVER refused to do anything. *gasp* I didn't know it was possible.<br /><br />How frustrating. Although, I thought you were going to make him take the test before he could go on the field trip. I was just waiting for the ultimate teacher payback!Vicki Rochohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07381089434014961076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-77039081324307280142010-12-17T13:10:59.693-08:002010-12-17T13:10:59.693-08:00Stuff like this is what worries me about the kids ...Stuff like this is what worries me about the kids that come through our center. <br /><br />We had one child who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, another with extreme ADHD. At least those parents recognized and got help for their children, which will help them, I hope, in school.<br /><br />We had another set of parents that simply blame everyone and everything else instead of taking responsibility (they're amazingly inconsistent and mom refuses to ever, ever be the 'bad guy' and refuses to discipline the child at all). The child is wild, aggressive, defiant, and affectionate, funny, sweet....and, without some help, is going to be one of those children you're talking about. <br /><br />It breaks my heart to think of all the kids out there without someone like you to care for them.....<br /><br />Praying for your continued strength and determination. *applauding* You're a star!The Words Crafterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14520267901489487512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-4691799332305502902010-12-16T04:30:22.514-08:002010-12-16T04:30:22.514-08:00Alesa, I do tend to take my jobs too seriously, wh...Alesa, I do tend to take my jobs too seriously, which I got from my father. But when I know it's kids' education I'm in charge of and the added pressure of the chance they won't behave gives me more stress.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-68615652713780703342010-12-16T03:42:36.738-08:002010-12-16T03:42:36.738-08:00Hmm... No doubt the responsibilities of a person i...Hmm... No doubt the responsibilities of a person in charge of the well-being of others (whatever their age) are heavier to shoulder than some others, but I can't imagine you being anything less than fully committed to what you are doing. In fact I don't need to imagine it, we've read, through your blog, how diligently you go about everything you do. <br /><br />Naturally, the degree differs with the subject, but the fact remains.<br />It's something I appreciate greatly in others and something I try to maintain within myself.Avohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15808959359850145003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-18067828244538602942010-12-16T03:05:26.315-08:002010-12-16T03:05:26.315-08:00@ Nas Dean, what a coincidence!
You're sweet....@ Nas Dean, what a coincidence!<br /><br />You're sweet. Thank you.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-35380640577269195062010-12-16T01:28:23.392-08:002010-12-16T01:28:23.392-08:00Hi Theresa, in my hands right now is an old Harleq...Hi Theresa, in my hands right now is an old Harlequin Presents THE Price of Deceit, where the heroine in facing the same problem! The little girl is heros daughter but he doesn't want to listen to the teacher! <br />And I opened your blog, guess what? The same problem!<br />You're the best because you care enough about those students.Nashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14984530648140460594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-67466173153294555832010-12-15T18:06:13.087-08:002010-12-15T18:06:13.087-08:00@ Alesa, thank you for the compliment. But I thin...@ Alesa, thank you for the compliment. But I think when you spend your day with people under 18, it comes with a different feeling of responsibility than any other job I've ever had.<br /><br />@ Elana, thanks for the high praise from a fellow teacher. I'm glad you could relate to the post.<br /><br />@ Ann, I agonize over my challenges. Perhaps they sound easier in retrospect. I hope I'm making a positive impact.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-52132447246555495962010-12-15T09:08:06.463-08:002010-12-15T09:08:06.463-08:00You seem to be taking the challenges in your strid...You seem to be taking the challenges in your stride. I think the approach you have taken is the reason too. Learning more about the students, what their stories are and their challenges. Well done Theresa, you sound like the type of teacher that will stick in a child's memory.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07524878248746427258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-42502786931712036932010-12-15T08:55:34.816-08:002010-12-15T08:55:34.816-08:00What a great post! You just described the life of ...What a great post! You just described the life of teacher. Holy cow. <br /><br />I love where you say, "Each student has a story." because that's so true.Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-18135537982720347102010-12-15T07:29:35.581-08:002010-12-15T07:29:35.581-08:00I can only strive to be as conscientious in my own...I can only strive to be as conscientious in my own profession. <br /><br />Thanks for being yourself! : jAvohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15808959359850145003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-10104181138623658262010-12-15T04:31:04.654-08:002010-12-15T04:31:04.654-08:00@ Neurotic, you're right. When someone refuse...@ Neurotic, you're right. When someone refuses to meet me, it's like trying to canoe upstream without a paddle. Is that how the saying goes?<br /><br />We have a field trip tomorrow, which is more expensive than usual. I wonder what will happen money-wise.<br /><br />@ MIssed Periods, I agree. I've seen teachers with blanket approaches. Those students just get left behind.<br /><br />@ Hilary, I'm trying to get the balance right. Right now, I just can't wait for the holiday break!Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-19251138981263426772010-12-15T00:19:00.626-08:002010-12-15T00:19:00.626-08:00Hi Theresa .. sounds as though you're getting ...Hi Theresa .. sounds as though you're getting the balance right .. great learning information here for us all - there's always difficult people out there, even if they're not kids!<br /><br />I 'enjoyed' this .. really good stuff - thanks for posting and I'm sure the kids, parents and will come to appreciate you. My thoughts for the rest of the term .. enjoy it - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-17169810184715992182010-12-14T23:37:09.402-08:002010-12-14T23:37:09.402-08:00I have a really hard time finding the balance betw...I have a really hard time finding the balance between discipline and compassion. I want to hold my students accountable, but I don't want to be too hard on them. It's tough because each student is different; there's not just one blanket approach.Missed Periodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10343265071637032284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-28372204680109527242010-12-14T21:00:09.163-08:002010-12-14T21:00:09.163-08:00That's sad that some of the students couldn...That's sad that some of the students couldn't afford to eat lunch, but at least they had nice teachers like you to help them. <br />As far as that boy you described, it sounds like you're right about how his issues extend beyond the classroom. It's hard to work with someone who won't meet you halfway.Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-73545466493533103342010-12-14T17:19:21.741-08:002010-12-14T17:19:21.741-08:00@ Angie, thank you. I thought I was showing all o...@ Angie, thank you. I thought I was showing all of my shortcomings.<br /><br />@ Kari, thanks. I wish I could fast forward three years into a job so all of this would be easier for me. I'd have a really good handle on material and could focus on the students even more.<br /><br />@ Kelly, that's sweet. The boy is trying to make himself a lost cause, so it's really frustrating.<br /><br />@ Jackee, oh no. What's going on with you?<br /><br />@ Talli, difficult groups - it's just... you know, difficult. It's like bracing yourself for the worst everyday. I'm glad you got to a better place. Eventually.<br /><br />@ Amanda, good point. I fear there's too much neglect and/or instability going on in these homes. <br /><br />@ Saumya, you're really over-complimenting me! <br /><br />I'm sure I have students like your brothers. There are those who are endearingly chatty. And then frustratingly chatty. <br /><br />@ Paul, C, thank you. I appreciate it.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-14700330935383328382010-12-14T15:04:07.509-08:002010-12-14T15:04:07.509-08:00There's a lot of good teaching going on here: ...There's a lot of good teaching going on here: phoning parents about concerns, listening to students' stories, seeking ways outside the classroom to connect in vital ways. Well done.Paul Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01836602667355512504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-72964543618547263332010-12-14T14:25:04.276-08:002010-12-14T14:25:04.276-08:00You are the best teacher ever!! It is crazy how ki...You are the best teacher ever!! It is crazy how kids can have such dual personalities. My younger siblings must have been that way to their teachers. Props to you for having the patience to see the good sides!Saumyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08517289532769906489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-39439716510395731812010-12-14T14:03:32.901-08:002010-12-14T14:03:32.901-08:00Not that I was a bad kid or anything but if my tea...Not that I was a bad kid or anything but if my teachers had taken away recess or even went so far as to cancel a field trip, I'd be Miss Goody Two Shoes from then on out.<br /><br />This ordeal reminds me of my brother. He's a pain in the butt but really sweet and gentlemanly when he wants to be and when he feels as if he's loved and cared for. And if he can be that way, then any kid can be, proof that improvement can be made. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-47779436901034080082010-12-14T12:18:08.260-08:002010-12-14T12:18:08.260-08:00Oh, this post brought back so many memories from w...Oh, this post brought back so many memories from when I was teaching. I too had one really difficult group and I used to stress all day and night about them. It was so easy to see them collectively as 'difficult' but when I got to know a few of them individually, it made a difference... eventually.Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-56190522712554292442010-12-14T11:11:58.596-08:002010-12-14T11:11:58.596-08:00It DOES make a difference. :o) They might not show...It DOES make a difference. :o) They might not show it right away, but no kindness on a child is ever wasted. They are so very precious, this future generation.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing! I needed a reality check to day.<br /><br />*hugs*<br /><br />~ JackeeJackeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03351019926958000627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-24433649385623467752010-12-14T10:52:44.025-08:002010-12-14T10:52:44.025-08:00It's so wonderful of you to keep trying in a s...It's so wonderful of you to keep trying in a situation that other might give up on, labeling the boy a lost cause.<br /><br />Parents should hope their kids end up with a teacher like you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-85188967644742918162010-12-14T10:16:23.303-08:002010-12-14T10:16:23.303-08:00This is what I think one of the biggest flaws of t...This is what I think one of the biggest flaws of the public school system is: you simply can't give every student the one-on-one interaction and help they might need! It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job, but it's easy to see why many teachers would get frustrated and just focus on the students who do what they are supposed to. It's so much work for the teacher. Good for you (and thank you) for giving it your all!Karihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14270376783948053881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-84791977238189808002010-12-14T09:25:13.311-08:002010-12-14T09:25:13.311-08:00You're a great person, Theresa. I really admir...You're a great person, Theresa. I really admire that. Good luck with the students!Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01445455787485222068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-91321179976494145182010-12-14T09:24:00.746-08:002010-12-14T09:24:00.746-08:00@ Judy, it's really a lot. I'm glad you s...@ Judy, it's really a lot. I'm glad you see it. It's like performing on stage several times a day, plus planning and grading. And parents calls and so on.<br /><br />@ Lisa, thank you. I hope so.<br /><br />@ Shannon, I'm so impressed with people who do what you do.<br /><br />@ Bossy Betty, it's good to hear that. I hope it's true.<br /><br />@ Old Kitty, I don't remember all my teachers names but certain lessons they taught me or some specific kindness does stick.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.com