I have a confession to make. I finished my year without a bang. I didn’t make any elaborate crafts with my students to work on language or speech skills. I didn’t have any fun pizza, popcorn, or candy parties like my students always dream up. We didn’t go on scavenger hunts, or even do any therapy outside. Nope! I was BORING!!!!
I was able to see all of my students for one last time last week. We played a game during each session, and I handed out my summer calendars to them. It was very anti-climactic. I almost felt bad because I could see myself 10 years ago doing all (or at least some) of the things listed above.
I started thinking, why was I able to do all of those fun things 10 years ago, and couldn’t seem to get it together now? I actually have a couple of answers to that question.
First, I have two boys of my own now, ages 6 and 7. They are both heavily involved in multiple sports and activities, so my nights are pretty shot after I have them do homework, make dinner, and then schlep them around.
Second, the paperwork. Oh, the paperwork! I truly do not remember having to do this much paperwork even a few years ago. Maybe I have selective memory.
Third, MEETINGS, MEETINGS, MEETINGS!!!! I have had so many meetings lately, that it is amazing that I have seen my kids at all! I have had some pretty intense families this year, and lots and lots of meetings with advocates, every team member imaginable, and parents. I have a pretty intense caseload to begin with (18 self-contained ASD students in addition to the rest of my elementary) so I should expect meetings, but WOW! I had a lot this year!!!!
So, there you have it, my confession. I am boring. There might be reasons behind it, but I do feel some guilt at not having a supercharged last week. But, at the same time, it was kind of nice to just leave quietly…