Recess and Other Kinds of Duty
So I went into school today to see what my classroom looks like, at this point. It wasn’t pretty. See below. But I think it will be fine when I’m done with it – probably 3 long days, a few broken nails, sore back and achy feet later, but who’s counting.
Anyway, while I was sniffing around, I made the mistake of going into the staffroom ( I was alone) and behold there was the new Supervision schedule posted on the Teachers’ bulletin board. Yes, of course I looked at it. And I knew that my supervision would increase this year (we had been forewarned) BUT, it doubled. Let me repeat that, it DOUBLED plus 10. And really I am OK with that, in a way because the kids need to be supervised and let’s face it, I am lucky to have a great teaching job that I love. I am actually only blogging about this because well, on 3 out of 5 days, I have 20 minutes of supervision first thing in the morning and then the bell rings and class starts, I continue with my day, at recess, I have duty for 15 minutes and then continue with my day until late lunch at 12:30 p.m. So I have done the Math, I need to not go to the bathroom from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. How can I? No breaks. Am I the only one bothered by this? Does anyone else have this problem? The problem being – I need to pee, I can’t hold it that long. I’m just throwing that question out there.
I’m not complaining, it probably sounds like I am. I cannot leave my 1st graders alone and run for it. Remember that movie Kindergarten Cop, one of the teachers says to Arnold – Kindergarten is like the ocean, you never want to turn your back on it. Well, so is first grade!
Bottom line – I am extremely grateful and lucky to be a grade 1 teacher with a potentially great classroom, but I can’t hold it that long. Can you?
August 7, 2012 @ 1:49 am
Oh no!! And no,I can't hold it that long either! Can you get another teacher to watch your room, or come up with a break schedule with your team? We had to do something similar, but this duty schedule makes me thankful. Good luck!! And go pee – it's not worth having a bladder issue 🙂
Kelly
First Grade Fairytales
August 7, 2012 @ 1:58 am
I CAN SO RELATE! I was nodding my head the whole entire time I was reading your post. Granted, I only have recess duty 2 days a week for a total of 30 minutes, but I still have a schedule that has me with my bubbly 2nd Graders for extended times on certain days! When I have an emergency, I call the office; the fantastic secretaries come to my aid. I also have a back-up plan; I look for one of our teachers' aides!
Then it is a mad dash for me to the bathroom.
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SMILES!
August 7, 2012 @ 2:33 am
After having 4 children I definitely understand the need to pee! I used to line my class up outside the bathroom and have them play the quiet game. I told them I could hear them through the door and they would be in BIG trouble if I heard them while I was in the bathroom. It worked pretty good. Except when I worried about them hearing me!! 🙂
Hope you come up with an idea…there's not many other things more miserable than having to go and can't.
Cheryl
Spotted Around the School
August 7, 2012 @ 2:40 am
Oh my! No I could definitely not hold it that long!! Nobody should be expected to!! When I have to go I just open the door of the other 1st grade classroom across the hall. We just know… It works for us. 🙂
imgoingfirst@gmail.com
August 7, 2012 @ 3:56 am
I definitely don't think that you are being unreasonable by thinking that. You shouldn't be expected to either. Is there a neighboring teacher that can relieve you to go in that time period? Good luck with the start to your school year! 🙂
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
August 7, 2012 @ 6:21 am
Been there–hated that. 🙁 Is it possible to contact your district's union rep? Perhaps something can be done. Otherwise, no coffee before noon! Good luck!
Corinna
Teaching Fabulous Firsties!
August 7, 2012 @ 7:34 pm
that's crazy! Do you have a small staff because I can't understand why you could possibly have to do that much supervision unless there were very few staff members? We do 2 times a week for 20 minutes.