In this day of tests and measurements, God forbid we forget the main thing. Teachers who love their students, who customize their environment to help every child find a place they can contribute and succeed. Teachers who help their kids feel like winners because they do good HONEST work - (I'm not for telling kids they are great no matter what they do - kids see through it as a sham.)
In the past, it was crafting projects that allowed students to express themselves in different ways and find success in the way that they chose. I am still not sure I am giving opportunities for success to everyone.
In her post, she also asks if we give 100%. I am sure I haven't. The past 2 years have been the roughest in my life and has been an immense distraction. I struggle to remain in the present. I know how defeating that is and am sure other students view their lives similarly. A little encouragement is necessary and I cannot do that being just a deliver of content.
What will this look like. I don't know yet, but I have my eyes open.
My New Year's goal is to be 100% right now at what I am doing (personal and professional.) I think continual re-invention and reflection is necessary.
Tags: Vicki Davis, education
The thing is, who of us does really give 100%? I know that I have to admit to myself that although I'm giving 100% of myself some of the time - I have let myself get down, distracted and upset in many ways. I have lost focus and had "pity parties" way too often.
ReplyDeleteI too want to focus on now - and being a reacher - and remember, it is ok to be transparent with your students as well!
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment! I know that everyone is either going through or just coming out of "something." We do not live in a vacuum and forget that we are not just teaching our subject or meeting a curriculum target.
I know that teaching three subjects has been tough to craft great inquiry/pbl activities for each. I have fallen short but that is okay as it is still better than the old approach.