Today was a great day. I think I have been focusing so much on everything I am not good at that I have forgotten to enjoy all the little successes I have be experiencing as well. My first period class was totally off task from the very beginning of the period, so I made them leave my classroom and try starting the period over again. It worked better the second time. My fifth period class, same thing. But when my seventh period class came in ( you know, the crazy class), they all knew how serious I was about being quiet and starting class on a good note. When the bell rang, the class was quiet and working on their starter. I just had to sigh and smile to myself. :) Success!
I really enjoyed teaching today. We discussed theme again (after looking at their homework and realizing that most of my students hadn't understood theme at all, I decided a second day was necessary). Well, today was better. I read The Giving Tree to them (and choked up every time I read it) and we discussed what the message was. Then we reread "Casey at the Bat" and analyzed each stanza to extract the meaning and feeling of the poem. The kids ate it up! Even the boys who never participate and act too cool were totally interested in the poem. There was discussion, there text-to-self connections, there was emotion, there was interest....I LOVED IT! And there was great classroom management from the simple fact that everyone was engaged. It was just one of those days that you examine afterwards and say, "Yes, I am a good teacher."
But....I must admit that I am very happy for the weekend. Yay! Time for a rest. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment