There are quite a few things Id like to write about that are mulling around in my head but Ill wait on those as Im not sure how to say it in the best way to get my point across without completely putting readers off. Yes,I am entitled to my thoughts and feelings but I would also like for my words to be understood. But that could be asking too much because people often cant get over themselves and their own opinions to do that.
For the moment, I will write about my week thus far.
Its going very well and the changes I have made to my LPs have made a difference. It would behove everyone to note some VIP thing in regards to being here and working in your room. No man is an Island. There is more than one way.Im sure you believe it but your way probably isnt the best way,You cant recreate your classroom from before,most people cant (and/or refuse to) see their own mistakes/shortcomings/downfalls,and it is CRUCIAL for everyone involved if you find a way to mix the old with the new until the old falls away.
Do I agree with everything that is currently being done?
No.
Do I agree with everything that is planned for the NSM?
No.
Do I agree with everything I do in the classroom?
No.
And I could expound on each of those statements but those simple answers will suffice. The point is that I have been a learner,as much or moreso than the students,because I NEED to know whats going to work best for me in order to teach the kids in a way that will help them to learn as much as possible from me. I also need to know who to talk to if I need something done, how to work with my Arabic teacher so as not to step on any toes and in a respectful manner so that both of us can be productive in the class. I also need to be realistic in my goals and and use the time I have to the best of my ability.
Yes, I work from 8-12.
Yes,this time includes breaks and/or specials.
No,I may not be working as long as my counterparts in higher grades. . .
But I am working nonetheless.
No matter where you are,you can work harder and not smarter, you can have a difficult coworker,you can have difficult kids,etc, etc.
Yes, this is a different ball game.I will acknowledge that as well.
People say "attitude is everything". That is never more true than if you live here.
The point is that I continue to learn and modify and this week has been smoother,more succinct,more engaging,more productive,and more peaceful.At the end of the day I have a smile on my face and Im happy with the work we have done.
Im happy with kids are now talking to me like Im their teacher.
Im happy with kids who give me books to read to them and who know whats going to happen next int he story.
Im happy with kids who are engaged in small group activities-esp those who I didnt think would be.
Im happy with kids who are excited and want to be called for my group.
Im happy with kids who I had to MAKE go to the gym today bc we were in the computer lab using a wonderful website (http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/ - plug,lol. good for pk-college honestly,depending on your major of course ;P).
I think about the people Ive met who have been here for 7,11, and even 20 years.For those who have choice words about this place to date, imagine what it was like 20 years ago!
I think of them and I can do this-
with a smile on my face and in my heart.
For the moment, I will write about my week thus far.
Its going very well and the changes I have made to my LPs have made a difference. It would behove everyone to note some VIP thing in regards to being here and working in your room. No man is an Island. There is more than one way.Im sure you believe it but your way probably isnt the best way,You cant recreate your classroom from before,most people cant (and/or refuse to) see their own mistakes/shortcomings/downfalls,and it is CRUCIAL for everyone involved if you find a way to mix the old with the new until the old falls away.
Do I agree with everything that is currently being done?
No.
Do I agree with everything that is planned for the NSM?
No.
Do I agree with everything I do in the classroom?
No.
And I could expound on each of those statements but those simple answers will suffice. The point is that I have been a learner,as much or moreso than the students,because I NEED to know whats going to work best for me in order to teach the kids in a way that will help them to learn as much as possible from me. I also need to know who to talk to if I need something done, how to work with my Arabic teacher so as not to step on any toes and in a respectful manner so that both of us can be productive in the class. I also need to be realistic in my goals and and use the time I have to the best of my ability.
Yes, I work from 8-12.
Yes,this time includes breaks and/or specials.
No,I may not be working as long as my counterparts in higher grades. . .
But I am working nonetheless.
No matter where you are,you can work harder and not smarter, you can have a difficult coworker,you can have difficult kids,etc, etc.
Yes, this is a different ball game.I will acknowledge that as well.
People say "attitude is everything". That is never more true than if you live here.
The point is that I continue to learn and modify and this week has been smoother,more succinct,more engaging,more productive,and more peaceful.At the end of the day I have a smile on my face and Im happy with the work we have done.
Im happy with kids are now talking to me like Im their teacher.
Im happy with kids who give me books to read to them and who know whats going to happen next int he story.
Im happy with kids who are engaged in small group activities-esp those who I didnt think would be.
Im happy with kids who are excited and want to be called for my group.
Im happy with kids who I had to MAKE go to the gym today bc we were in the computer lab using a wonderful website (http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/ - plug,lol. good for pk-college honestly,depending on your major of course ;P).
I think about the people Ive met who have been here for 7,11, and even 20 years.For those who have choice words about this place to date, imagine what it was like 20 years ago!
I think of them and I can do this-
with a smile on my face and in my heart.
Brandy, I would love to hear what you're mulling over before you say it with circumspection here! You still tend to be quite reasonable and positive about your experience.
ReplyDeleteI know you're likely getting a lot of "wait until you've been here awhile" from teachers who've been there since, I don't know, August?, but it seems you've been there long enough now to see the good bad and ugly. Yet you remain positive and focused. As a teacher who's hoping to come over in August THIS year, I appreciate your views and would love to read more.
As far as writing something that's practical for future readers (if that's your goal?), a few more specifics might help. Of course, you may not feel able to post those specifics here, and that's totally fair.