It just about wore me out
@GardenGerty (165455)
United States
August 20, 2025 3:17pm CST
Yesterday I worked all day with a student who is small and determined. He is determined that things will go his way.
He has some "pull out" from the structured room. I was on my feet almost all day.
AND it was hot outside. After recess I thought he would just about melt. Second recess was indoors because a thunderstorm swept up suddenly. I was glad of that.
Today Bob and I picked up the Mazda from the shop. I have taken it easy beyond that. Tomorrow I will go very early and ride the bus route. Then Bob and I will take Pedro for his second Feline Leukemia vaccine. Then more bus.
Friday I will have two and a half hours of training for Head Start.
My new student will start on Monday.
15 people like this
15 responses
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
He is smaller, 3 years old, not independent with mobility, but parents say he is weight bearing. Mom even plans to be there for the first day.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (101889)
• United States
21 Aug
@GardenGerty That sounds so much easier on you physically.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
@AmbiePam I think the shorter days will help, when I have them. I was on my way to training this morning and was asked if I could sub in Ellen's room. I turned them down today. We went for groceries instead.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (157587)
• United States
20 Aug
I think the word you wanted was stubborn instead of determined. I'm glad he's not your regular student.
I still can't believe you stole my thunderstorm/rain... *sigh*
I hope you like your new student and they're willing to work with you.
The sciatica has been doing much better the last few days. I only have a little pain/difficulty when I first get up and then I can walk/move freely as long as I don't need to get down in the floor or up from the floor. I dropped a plate this morning and am very stiff now. My lower back hurts if I move wrong. Pretty rubbed Aspercreme into that area for me when she woke up.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
That pain can be debilitating. Yes, he is stubborn, as only a child with a preschool mentality can be. He is in second grade, non verbal, but as I said, very determined. Oh, and although he is small we are not to pick him up and move him, just wait him out.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
@DaddyEvil We can do hand over hand, such as at lunch he did not want to carry his tray to scrape, but having him carry the whole thing can be dangerous spill wise. I asked him to carry the silver ware, and he did, part of the way. Once we got to the scraping table he did the whole routine and put the tray in the window. He only cries when he feels unwell, otherwise he just melts into an absolute puddle on the floor. Yes, my son heard from me "You can do it happy or you can do it sad but you will do it". He turned out just fine and most of the time did what he was asked.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (157587)
• United States
21 Aug
@GardenGerty I don't understand why anyone would put restrictions on you that make no sense... I'd just move the stubborn child. Let them scream and throw fits. I'd still move them.
When Pretty was little and didn't want to pick up her toys and put them away, I took her little hand and made her pick toys up and put them in her toybox one toy at a time with her screaming and crying until it was done. Then put her to bed and told her to stay there. I let her scream and cry all she wanted. I watched television until she fell asleep.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (194813)
• United States
20 Aug
I thought you were going to work part time this year. If the school knows they can call you anytime, you will be there all the time.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
It will be only as much as I say "yes" to.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
@snowy22315 I said "no" today, as I already had plans with my husband. This is only the first full week of school and three paras have already been out for full days, and one for a half day. Two different kids have been out this week as well.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (194813)
• United States
21 Aug
@GardenGerty Except you will probably be saying yes more than you want to.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
We get out really early in May. This summer has seemed long to me. I know some schools go until Memorial Day and go back after Labor Day, but not us.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54445)
• Canada
21 Aug
@GardenGerty I've forgotten how early your schools are out for summer.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
@Juliaacv We were out by May 20, I think. They have had a full ten or eleven weeks off.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
That does not even take into account what is needed to be done at home.
1 person likes this
@rakski (146868)
• Philippines
6h
@GardenGerty that is true. It is another level, the chores we need to do at home.
Stay hydrated and rest well
@RasmaSandra (88198)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 Aug
Best of luck to you and I hope the weather cools off, When does school start? Best of luck to Felipe,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
Maybe by next week we will have some coolness. Thanks . Our elementary kids went back to school August 14. The Head Start Preschool portion, where I am, will have their first day August 25.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (178699)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug
Thank you for your service in working with these children. I'm so glad this heat is going to be gone soon. I look forward to Halloween.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (78053)
• United States
21 Aug
Oh, you deserve a rest after such a trying day!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
Little guy was evidently coming down with something. He was out the next day. I am not surprised as one little friend that sits beside him got sent home with a fever and a stomach ache.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
Good teachers have a calling or a mission, and a passion for what they do. It helps when you can work on a good team with a great support system.
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
It will go about as smoothly as herding cats. It keeps it interesting.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
At home I rest when I want to. I nap sometimes, or sit here at the computer.
@LindaOHio (198491)
• United States
21 Aug
I hope the rest of the school season goes well for you.
1 person likes this
@Emasburinong (1042)
• Indonesia
22 Aug
Wow, sounds like you had a really busy day! Glad you got some rest after all that, and good luck with your new student on Monday
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
11h
Training actually ran four hours this morning. I am glad to have some questions answered. I am glad to be busy as well.
@ardeliaputri2 (154)
•
21 Aug
Good luck with the new student and all the training ahead! 
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165455)
• United States
21 Aug
That one I had Tuesday is hard. I feel like my new one will be easier, as he is not set in his ways yet. Of course part of what was hard was we had a different routine to start the year for assembly. Our principal was trying to ease into things, but he wanted it like it was at the end of last year.
1 person likes this
