Because I care, the 'Care Monster' appears every March

I feel like at about the same time every year I turn into the 'Care Monster'.

The state test is coming up faster than I like, spring fever (in both teacher & student) is happening faster than I like, and my patience is running out faster than I like.

I am not going to say that I never raise my voice

- I DO! (kidding) It just seems that March is the month I find myself saying, "If I didn't care, I wouldn't be yelling." It is my passion that is expressed in my 30 second rants about getting busy, listening, doing homework, and being active in learning.

I have decided to call March the month of the 'Care Monster'. The monster is not yelling all day at everyone. The monster is not handing out huge assignments or unrealistic punishments. The monster just knows what a little bit from those that struggle could and would to improve their performance.

As I reflect on this and try to breath through not allowing the 'Care Monster' to take control, I think how bad is it really? Is it okay for my students to know that I care about them and to be passionate about learning? Is a glimpse of irrationality something that will harm them or impact them in a positive way? (Maybe I will use Edmodo to survey my students next week - get their thoughts. Nerdy, Nerdy, Nerdy - I know it!)

I would not be upset to have any of my parents, administrators, or peers observe the 'Care Monster' in action. I am sure in fact, that some of them probably have.

What does your 'Care Monster' do?