Yesterday I managed to get away without changing a diaper. Today was my first.
Sosie, the permanent aide, changed the diapers yesterday and I was her spotter, we switched today. After I tried to follow her directions, Sosie would politely tell me I was not supposed to do that. She said to check Lily's diaper to see if she's wet, and after I touched the inside of the diaper, she said I'm not supposed to touch, only look. I went to wash my hands in the kids bathroom, she said it's okay this time but the other teachers told her to only use the classroom sink to wash hands. She told me to check another diaper while we were in the hallway, and once we started changing the kid's diaper, she said we shouldn't be in the hallway, we should use the bathroom or the changing table. Now that I'm writing this, I think Sosie couldn't remember how we're supposed to do things until after she realized we're doing it wrong. It wasn't like she was giving me a chance to try and fail and be corrected, she's just learning too.
Luckily, there was no poop. I cannot tell if a diaper is wet by looking at it, they all look puffy to me. I feel like you can't tell until it's off and you feel the weight.
Jodhi said if the principal who first hired her was still around, we wouldn't be changing diapers.
I met another teacher today, Mrs. Flores. I offered to help cut out names for her, I think she's the morning teacher. I gushed to her how I already love the school after one day, and Miss Jodhi, and I'd love to stay. About an hour later, before she left, she asked me if I was interested in working these hours again or permanently! Day 2 and I'm already networking my way in! She asked me if I want to be Miss Rae or Miss Yamamoto, and to know whatever I choose now will be my name forever. I chose Miss Rae.
I managed a conflict today. Penny came to me in tears about wanting to ride the yellow two seater bike but Sophie wouldn't let her. I asked Miss Jodhi how to resolve it and she said that we'll set a timer for five minutes and after that Sophie has to give the bike to Penny. Miss Jodhi had me explain to the girls and had the girls respond that they understood. Penny asked how much longer about every minute. When she finally got her turn, someone else wanted the bike, but we explained the 5 minute rule. It made sense to the kids. Penny returned the bike after 3 minutes.
Around 4:25, before the classes merged to the late pickup kids, Miss Jodhi called me to her desk. I was sitting at a kid's table, surrounded by the remaining 5 girls. Miss Jodhi said I should go home, she and the others can take care of the rest of the day. She said this won't happen later in the week when she's gone, so I need to take the offer, to save myself from burnout. I told her I wanted to stay to get my claws into her and learn as much as I can before she leaves for her vacation she's been waiting 3 years for. She gave me her info and I told her my parents called her my mentor and she liked that and said to reach out with any questions. She has 3 jobs, this one she does for the love of the kids but she's prepping to teach adult classes again.
I left as I was told, happily with the contact information I hoped to get!
A phrase to remember: "Knock it off!" It has harsh sounding words that are taken seriously, but you can say it gently, in a non-scary way but it stops them.
No comments:
Post a Comment