The Fine Art of Juggling

This is the time of year where it just feels like life is one huge juggling act.  Whether you are a college student finishing up exams or a parent trying to get everything on your children’s Christmas lists, it just seems like we all have way too many balls up in the air. 

The balls I have in the air right now as a parent are just way too many to list.  And they are the same for all parents.  As a teacher, well, I have 47 comparative essays to grade for my Sophomores, 43 annotated bibliographies to grade for my juniors, blogs and videos to grade for my Seniors, not to mention creating plans for next week, and rereading the literature I am teaching in my classes (that would be Macbeth and “The Minister’s Black Veil” if you are interested). 

Today I Googled “Juggler” just to see what images would pop up and the most prevalent image was one of a clown.  This made me laugh, but also come to more of an understanding regarding this whole business of juggling.  Clowns are professional jugglers, and many times they are juggling way more than 3 balls (which I could not even do).  And if you have gone to graduate school for juggling, you may even have mastered the art of juggling, wrenches, knives, or flaming torches.    Juggling balls?   They had that down in elementary school!

So, if juggling is supposed to be entertaining, even comical, why doesn’t it seem so funny when you are the one with all the balls in the air?  Could the answer be that, unless we are professional jugglers, we never had a chance?  And unless we are trained in this fine art of juggling, 1-2 of those balls we have in the air, will not be stylishly caught and drop to the ground.  Then, we will either pick that ball back up  and throw it back into the air or kick it swiftly into oblivion.   And I guess there is a third option that I never considered until now – go to clown school.    

 

 

 

Perfect Teacher Gifts: And Please Don’t Leave Middle School and High School Teachers Out

When I was in school, my mother made me bring a plate of Greek pastries to my teachers and bus drivers for at Christmas every year.  And then when I had kids, I bought participated in the group gift (usually $10-15) that gave the teacher a nice Visa Gift Card and also, got the teacher a small gift from each kid.  Then, when my kids got to Middle School, I noticed than many did not give the teachers gifts anymore.  As a former middle school and now a high school teacher, I do not get many gifts either.  I know that once kids get to these grades, parents feel that it is just too much to have to buy 6-7 teachers gifts.   But, is it?  Aren’t those teachers working just as hard as the elementary school teachers? 

But, I get it, you feel that you can’t spend $10-15 on 6-7 teachers…and what it you have 2 or 3 kids in middle and high school?  Yes, that is a lot.  If you spent $15-20 on each child’s elementary school teacher, then why not just spend $3-5 on each middle/high school teacher.  Then, you are only actually spending $10-15 more a year.  And that is not a lot.  Also, you do not even have to spend any money.  I always love when students just write me a card. 

Every year, I have my son and daughter play “It’s Time to Thank your Teachers Mad Libs” at Christmas and at the end of the year.  I give them a basic form like this:

                        Dear Mr. or Mrs. __________.

Thank you for being such a _________ teacher.  My favorite thing that we learned this year was _____________.   I hope you have a _______ break. 

That’s it!  That is actually enough.  But, if you want to add something small to the card, that is also great, too.  Here are some suggestions:

·       $3-5 gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc.

·       A travel size shower get from Bath and Body works

·       A small candle

 

            ·       Any fun edible treat

My favorite thing to give teachers (and it always goes over well) are Snappers.  This is my sister-in-law Dana’s company and they can be found in Target, CVS, Rite Aid, and other grocery stores.  They range between $4-6 and are delicious!  Everyone loves Snappers!

The point is don’t leave Middle and High School teachers out because you feel that you have to buy too many gifts and it might get expensive.  It does not have to at all.  And truly, if you do feel that teachers are underpaid and that they are going above and beyond for your kids, then don’t forget to thank them, too.