9 birthday parties a day?? possible???

Well I heard this quote this past week from another music teacher that said teaching music is like "throwing 9 birthday parties a day for 5 days straight."

I laughed so hard and then stopped at thought for a bit.

The beginning of the year when I got home after observing all day it was great. I had little to do and had lots of energy.

Now that I am teaching all 9 classes I really understand that quote. There is a big difference between a regular classroom teacher and a specials teacher (esp. music)- you are "on" every minute of class. A regular classroom teacher has many different breaks during the day with recess, reading time, individual work time, etc. and direct instruction is not constant (on the other hand, regular classroom teachers have a TON of paperwork and outside work in order to make those breaks possible.) but as a music teacher the second the students enter the room they stare at you and wait for a creative, fun, energetic, non stop great time.

I wonder why I am so exhausted by the end of the day now that I am teaching all day long- I am going non stop for 45 minutes and then have a 5 minute break (but the regular classroom teachers are usually late so my 5 minute break turns into 2- and then the next class comes in with the same expectant eyes.

I sit at home on a saturday afternoon enjoying a big break :) church, bridal shower and bachelorette party all part of tomorrow's day, so I'll take this break now!