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January 11, 2012 by: Jennifer

Soup Nazi and a Better Day!

Ok…I know I may be the only one.  But there are times, especially at the beginning of the year or after holidays when I feel like I am the “soup nazi” (like from Seinfeld)…barking out orders, calling kids on everything, all day…to the point where when I go home I feel like a complete failure- like if I had been a better teacher, they wouldn’t have been acting that way. 
Now keep in mind, I don’t just act like the ‘Soup Nazi’ for no reason.  Oh, there’s a reason, baby! (insert George Costanza reference)
Anyway, it is usually because my kids are out of control…I know, I know, if I were better at classroom management, they wouldn’t be wild.  I get it.  BUT I am pretty good at management…and even then, they still just ‘act-a-fool’ sometimes.  When that happens,  the ‘Soup Nazi’ will show it’s ugly head and I am barking orders, telling people, “turn around!”..”get with your partner!”  open your book!”..and on and on.  And as I said, I just (upon reflection) at the end of the day come to terms with the fact that I a horrible teacher…and maybe I will do a better job next year.  Yeah, that’s it…There’s always next year, that’s when I will do a a really good job…not ever lose my temper…get to Science and Social Studies every day..never raise my voice…..  That’ll be great! 
Ok…not sure if that’s gonna ever happen…and
if you can’t tell, I have been the ‘Soup Nazi’ for the last two days.  Had my Stuart Smalley (SNL) moments, “I’m good enough.  I am smart enough. Gosh darnit, people like me.  And next year, I will do it right!” 
AND then…it happens.
I come to school today and my kids…after two days of ‘Soup Nazi’…just do everything right. (ok, not everything, but you get it, right?)  The class flows.  Everyone does their part. People listen.  People follow direction.  I smile.  I mean, really smile.  And I realize the Soup Nazi has a place.  At least for me, there are times, when I have to show that side…or remind kids that I possess that side.  That combined with new seating and new groupings…Voila!  My old kids are back…the ones who do pretty much everything I ask and who aren’t perfect, but at least help me to help them.
Now, for those of you who are unfamiliar with my reference to Soup Nazi, here is a little help:
And for those of you who “get it” and love Seinfeld as much as I do…here is a little beefcake for you:
Ok, one of my teacher friends suggested that I am not the ‘Soup Nazi’..that I am more like Miss Viola Swamp.  I couldn’t argue with her! lol (Gotta love the book, Miss Nelson is Missing!)
That was me on Monday.
and….
This was me today:
except as a brunette! lol

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Comments

  1. Haley says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    There must be something in the air because my kiddos have been AWFUL this week. It's awful, trying to do these midyear assessments and their behavior is terrible for the aide who is watching my class. I love the Soup Nazi reference, Seinfeld was one of my favorite TV shows!

    Hope your kiddos stay well behaved!

    Haley
    followingoptimism.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Ms. Martin and Friends says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    FULL MOON!

    Laura

    Reply
  3. Tammy says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    Sounds familiar. 🙂
    Tammy
    Forever in First

    Reply
  4. Jess says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    OMG! I'm dying laughing. I love the Seinfield references! Sometimes I feel like that crazy lady who is barking out orders too. Then I have to just laugh at myself because that's not really who I am. At that point I just take a break from being Ms. Bossy pants and try to enjoy teaching. I took the day off from assessments because I was like this yesterday!
    Rambling About Reading

    Reply
  5. Barbara says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Two words: Indoor recess. For us, it's the worst when the rains finally come and the children are trapped indoors for too long!

    And how is it that your two words – Soup Nazi – can make me laugh out loud without any further explanation needed . . . Seinfeld stalker!! We actually got to see him do live comedy in Seattle in 1990 and he was a RIOT!

    Hang in there and thanks for the laugh! Barbara

    Reply
  6. Mrs. Coe says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    I get it in more ways than one….

    Reply
  7. Vickie says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    I felt that way ALL day today and I consider myself as a teacher who has pretty good classroom management. Maybe it's the full moon?
    Vickie
    Mrs. Plant's Press

    Reply
  8. Annie Moffatt says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    Thank you for making my day:) You really cracked me up!!

    Reply
  9. xtina says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    Yes, full moon it is! This week hasn't been the best for me, either! Im still waiting for my inner Soup Nazi to go away this week. Hopefully, tomorrow!

    Reply
  10. Elisabeth says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    This totally had me laughing out loud! I totally know what you are referring to and I love Seinfield! I am so the "soup nazi" at times too.. and I get what you are saying and I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one that can be this way at times!
    Thanks for the laugh! Glad your kiddos were better today!

    Elisabeth
    http://www.missdelk.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Meredith Gilbert says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    I feel ya! I might add that the full moon did NOT help:-)

    Sunshine, Sand and Scissors

    Reply
  12. Sharon says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    I soooooo get it!! So glad you posted this. It brought a smile to my face after a tough day!
    Ms. McBee’s Kinderbugs

    Reply
  13. Carrie says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    Thanks for being honest and posting this. I had to be the soup Nazi today.

    Reply
  14. meadowt says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:10 am

    I am right there with you!! You would think after a long break they would come back settled NOT!!!! Hope the end of the week gets better.
    Barbara
    happyteachingfirst.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Laura says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:12 am

    You are not alone and you are so right! The "soup nazi" has a needed place in my classroom…

    Reply
  16. Mrs. McHaffie says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:14 am

    SO funny! This is EXACTLY how I feel sometimes (also Seinfeld is my background noise right now!), especially the past two days.
    Sometimes the 'nazi' just has to come out! 🙂

    Kelly
    Beg, Borrow, Steal

    Reply
  17. Lisa Lizak and Beth Wright says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:03 am

    HAHA 🙂 As soon as I saw your post my brain went "Co-stanza" 🙂 I so needed a good laugh, I completely felt very Viola-ish today 🙂 Hope you have a great day tomorrow 🙂

    Lisa 🙂
    Made In The Shade In Second Grade

    Reply
  18. Oceans of First Grade Fun says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:10 am

    Do ya have ESP? Cause you are speaking my language…I'm right there with you..yesterday and today I've been humming the DMX line "Ya'll gon make me loose my mind up in here up in here. Ya'll gon make me
    "ack-ca" fool up in here up in here. Ya'll gon make me loose my cool up in here up in here.." I think it's definitely the full moon.

    Reply
  19. Heather's Heart says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:10 am

    I LOVE Seinfeld and the Soup Nazi!!! I have been there and done that. My principal has told us to not get into a battle with a 6 year old because they will win. Ummm, hello??!!!??? Seriously???!!! Not in my room!

    I am not one for raising my voice but sometimes they need a reminder WHO they need to listen to! As I tell them and they quote back to me"If you make good choices, good things happen. If you make bad choices, bad things happen." And when I see them acting like they have lost their mind I ask them "What are your choices showing me?"

    You rock Jennifer! I have to remind myself sometimes that they are only 6 and grown-ups don't always do the things we are supposed to either! =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    Reply
  20. Busy Bees says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:14 am

    Full moon!! Hope your tomorrow is better!
    Robynn
    BusyBees

    Reply
  21. Mrs. Wright says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:14 am

    Ha, Ha, I love Seinfeld, and that soup Nazi is one of my faavorite episode. I think I have been a soup Nazi lately, too. I thought I was the only one who says acting a fool, ha, ha, its good to know that we can find humor in all this. Its been spring like in Chicago, so my students have been a bit craaaazy too. Keep Pushing 🙂

    Reply
  22. SunnyDays says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:21 am

    I just watched the last Seinfeld and the soup nazi was on! I've been the same exact way. SAME EXACT way the last two days. Seriously, it's got to be the full moon. I really believe that! I even had to sit down and figure out if I was PMSing because I felt so mean!
    It doesn't seem to stick with the kids, they all still hug me and bounce down the hallway to go home like it was the best day while I'm standing there feeling terrible!

    You are not alone 🙂

    Reply
  23. Kelley Cirrito says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:25 am

    I love your story! And it is totally true! I feel like that some days too. I get home and I am like WHAT HAPPENED TODAY? Then I come back the next day and everything is back to normal. It seems like these "special" days, as I call them happen when everything has been going good for a little too long. The kids have to remind us that they are just kids and that they need to be goofy and out of control sometimes.:) I am so glad today was better! Two of those "special" days in a row is tough work!

    Reply
  24. Jen R. (The Teachers' Cauldron) says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:52 am

    you are DEFinitely NOT the only one! Trust me…I feel like the soup nazi sometimes too! And this week was a full moon AND right after winter break..so it's not you, it's them…
    And I'm LOVIN' your seinfeld references…I was totally speaking in Castanza voice 🙂
    The Teachers’ Cauldron

    Reply
  25. Mrs. Bee says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:55 am

    Love this!!

    Reply
  26. Mrs. Saoud says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:58 am

    It has been a crazy week. Full moon, Friday the 13th. I thought about taking a personal day. HA!

    When my darling asked me if Bloody Mary was real on Tuesday… Well… Whatcha gonna say! I spent many a days hanging out in the bathroom, turning on and off lights… in search of her as a kid. I was at a loss for words!

    Cheryl

    Reply
  27. Randi says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:02 am

    Full moon! This is hilarious. What an amazing profession that we have that we have "next year" to look forward to and can make changes…even if it only sounds good in theory!

    Randi @ Teach It With Class
    My TPT Store
    My Facebook Page

    Reply
  28. Kim says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:31 am

    Totally feel you here! There are some days I find myself asking: who took my lovely class? ha! Glad it was a better day and thanks for following my blog and entering my giveaway!

    Kim
    Growing Up Teaching

    Reply
  29. Alisha says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:34 am

    Ahh, I can feel you there! Sometimes I feel like I'm a drill sergeant! I always tell my kids, "I'm about to get crabby!" I've even made the connection Miss Viola Swamp myself out-loud to my kiddos!

    Reply
  30. Sue says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:50 am

    It is the full moon…..or if you are near Wisconsin….it is the warm air….my kids do not know what do in the middle of winter with no snow.

    I gave my little ones some homework….to look under their beds for their listening ears…..they thought that was funny.

    Sue 🙂
    theverybusykindergarten

    Reply
  31. Lory Robinson says

    January 12, 2012 at 3:56 am

    Hey Jennifer! Just remember that sometimes it doesn't matter what you do or don't do, kids have "those days" . Unavoidable job hazard, I guess. 🙂 Oh, I love Seinfeld! It is laugh out loud funny (to me anyway 🙂
    Lory
    Funforfirst.blogspot.com

    Reply
  32. Barbara says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:21 am

    OMG, Jennifer! I could have written that post (although not nearly as well 🙂 cause that's exactly what I'm like … Exactly! And yesterday was brutal. And I always fantasize about how next year I'll be the perfect teacher. Why do we do this to ourselves? It drives me crazy.

    Loved all your Seinfeld references…here's to a better tomorrow.

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful

    Reply
  33. Deb says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:25 am

    It's a full moon. 😉

    I had a Viola Swamp day today. Maybe tomorrow will be better?!

    Loved your post!

    Oh My Little Classity Class

    Reply
  34. The Bubblegum Tree says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:36 am

    Thanks for the laugh. I so needed that! Thank goodness for the days after the Soup Nazi shows up and that picture of George HUH-larious!

    Reply
  35. Mrs. Cupcake says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:53 am

    It's a full moon AND this week gives us Friday the 13th!! I know exactly how you feel though… but we ARE amazing teachers THIS year, and we will be next year too!!

    A Cupcake for the Teacher

    Reply
  36. Jenn Bates says

    January 12, 2012 at 5:15 am

    LOVE this post and the Soup Nazi reference! I feel the same way!!! I'm afraid I am still Viola Swamp sadly.
    Jenn
    Finally in First

    Reply
  37. Traci says

    January 12, 2012 at 7:29 am

    hahaha… totally get it. I've been referring to myself as Viola Swamp with my teacher friends this week! {Just hope Miss Nelson will get to come back REAL soon!}
    ♥ Dragonflies in First ♥

    Reply
  38. Mrs. Nunley says

    January 12, 2012 at 10:46 am

    I am loving the Seinfeldisms in this post! I thought the Soup Nazi was just living in MY classroom!
    -Megan

    http://firstgrademagic.blogspot.com

    Reply
  39. Lynn Faulkner says

    January 12, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    LOL! I love the "Soup Nazi" reference. I feel like this a lot.

    Reply
  40. Edana says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    Its definitely the moon 😉 I totally hear you. Yesterday I gave my kiddos a talk about "trust" since I was busy cleaning up after our MLK activities I "trusted" them to walk quietly on their own, just three doors down to art class. OMG one of my little sweeties {wish I had 30 of her} said "um, the class is running to art". Needless to say I called all of them back, & told them I was very sad I could trust them to walk quietly 🙁

    Hope tomorrow is a better day for both of us 🙂

    Reply
  41. Edana says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    Typo- I meant "couldn't trust them to walk" 😉

    Reply
  42. Jeannie says

    January 13, 2012 at 1:05 am

    Crazy I have one of the sweetest, most well-behaved classes I've ever had…….and YET the last few days they are "acting a fool". I mean…talking out, coming to me during writer's workshop and centers….Really? Say what??? uuuh since August we've learned that is a no no!

    I had to pull out my "pit bull teacher look" like I was gonna bite their leg off to get them to stop today…. I hate being viola swamp, but…..geez!!!!

    ~jeannie~
    http://www.kindergartenlifestyle.blogspot.com

    Reply
  43. Jennifer says

    January 13, 2012 at 1:13 am

    Happens to us all girl! I've had my kids put their coats and backpacks on go outside and we start all over. I even grab my empty coffee mug and say, "Good Morning! I'm so excited to have a GREAT DAY with my first graders who are responsible and great listeners!"

    AND we've even danced it out Grey's Anatomy style for a few minutes. Hang in there!

    Rowdy in First Grade

    Reply
  44. Deedee Wills says

    January 13, 2012 at 2:24 am

    Funny! There are days when I swear I must sound like Charlie Brown's teacher (waah-waah-waah-waah) because nobody seems to be listening…LOL! I feel your pain!
    Mrs. Wills Kindergarten

    Reply
  45. Dave and KayDee says

    January 13, 2012 at 2:50 am

    Oh, thank you! This post just made my week! I'm a little slow at getting to read it, but LOL! Thank you! You described life as a first grade teacher perfectly. Some days are just like this! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only teacher that has days like this. Thank you for making me smile. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Dual Kinder Teacher says

    January 13, 2012 at 5:22 am

    Sooooo glad it's not just me, whew!
    Your inner soup nazi secret is in the vault! 😉

    ☼Libby
    Dual Kinder Teacher

    Reply
  47. ashley says

    January 13, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Bahahaha! Love this… my favorite episode. Lovely picture of George by the way.

    http://www.theschoolsupplyaddict.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  48. Kristin Young says

    January 14, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    I was Viola Swamp all week!! I even threatened to not come back the next day and call to see if she could come in! lol Horrible. And thanks for all your comments lately…love seeing your cute little "face" pop up! 🙂

    Little Miss Glamour Goes to Kindergarten

    Reply
  49. Miss Cosby says

    June 12, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    No recess for you!

    Miss Cosby

    You Might be a First Grader…

    Reply

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