This week's schedule was so strange. We went to Salem High School on Monday morning to see the play they are soon to perform, Guys and Dolls. That took all of the morning, and I only saw my 6th, 7th, and 8th period classes. Then the next day we had an early out without a change in the bell schedule. This meant that I only saw periods 1 through 5. So basically, I taught the same thing on Tuesday and Wednesday. And can I just say how shocked I am at how fast the time whizzes by!? When I was studying to be a teacher, I saw the curriculum we are required to cover and I thought to myself, "Oh, it wont be hard to fit that all in a year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I have extra time I'm not sure what to do with." Wow, what an ignorant assumption. I have plenty to teach, and I feel like I am running out of time for some things.
The kids had early out on Wednesday so that the teachers could have an in-service training meeting. It was soooooooooo boring, but I was reminded of a few things. Our principal talked to us about having common assessments (which my school --or at least my English team of teachers-- is horrible at). However, this did serve as a reminder to me that every day I should be assessing my student's understanding of the concept I have taught. I feel like I am pretty good at that part, but I forgot to also look and assess more long term. For example, over the weeks I have been teaching my kids the parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.), but I don't know how much they have retained. This is especially important to know because I am planning on giving them a final test on parts of speech right before Thanksgiving break. So, because I was inspired by the boring meeting, the next day I gave my students a benchmark test on these concepts. Wow, they did horribly on some of it, and I quickly realized how useful assessments can be for reteaching. This week's task: reteach (in a different way) some of the parts of speech so that my kids can be better prepared for the final test.
You guys...the worst has happened...I knew it was coming...but I didn't want to admit it...it's here...SNOW!!!! Oh, how my poor California-raised body and spirit long for the simplicity of...no snow. But no, I don't get my wish. So of course with yesterday being the first snow day, all the kids were in a funk. No one could concentrate. The power briefly went off twice yesterday, and of course that got everyone talking and laughing and chatting instead of focusing. Usually I am sad that I don't have a window, but yesterday I didn't mind it.
Just so you guys can envision what I have to suffer, this is a picture of my car this morning. Remember, yesterday was our FIRST snow day. :(
One last, funny thing.
I wrote this on Facebook about something that happened to me on November 7th:
"Happy UnBirthday to me! Today during 4th period, the band kids came into my classroom with all their musical instruments and wearing party hats. They gave me a candy bar and played a very entertaining rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song. I clapped, and then I blushed as I explained that it wasn't my birthday... Woops! haha. Just a month off guys! But thanks for the very sweet gesture."
Isn't it funny how your perspective changes in just a few short months? There is so much to teach, so many interruptions you never anticipate, and so many times when real life (ie snow) gets in the way of learning!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're seeing the importance of teaching little pieces at a time and scaffolding student learning so that they really do get the big picture by the end. Sometimes this involves some painstaking re-teaching, but the end result is usually worth it.
As a side note, even though they were a little off, I hope it felt good to be celebrated. Besides, who needs more candy in the month of December, right? :)