Today was just one of those days.
It seems like it's been more like "some of those weeks". It's that time to finish the end of the first quarter of the 2012-2013 school year.
It's hard to believe that it's been 9 weeks since this school year has just started. It seems like we just started yesterday and like the school year should be over at the same time.
It's been such a drastic change since my first year and yet I still don't feel like I'm doing enough.
Teaching is one of those professions where one strives to do everything at once.
<<Plan units>> << Backwards map>> <<Make a cozy environment>> <<Post student work>> <<Grade student work>> << Give constant assessment>> << Deal with students that hit/flirt with other students.>> << Deal with parents/grandparents that just push you over the edge>> <<Constant parent communication>> <<Call students to wake them up>> <<Identify students who need more help>> <<maintain an organized classroom>> << have engaging lessons>> <<establish clear routines>> <<check in homework>> <<provide pencils/paper for students who don't have anything>>
...and all before the breakfast bell rings it seems.
Grades are due but I still can't help be in a funk to think that I could/SHOULD/NEED to be doing better. If I feel this sense of urgency...why don't the students?? Why should I be the one worrying??
I've heard somewhere that it's not fair to be the one that is working the hardest in the classroom. Students need to be equally invested in it as well....but I'm not sure how to establish that so far.
How do you establish more independence within students to take ownership of their work??? Without overworking yourself at the same time?? Without scaffolding it so that you're holding their hands every step of the way???
If it takes 5 years to become a "first year teacher" then I'm 1.25 of the way there. I want to do everything all at once, but like I heard today...there's only 24 hours in a day. How do we prioritize? Organize? Strategize?
It's time to make some changes for this year...but it probably has to wait until after grades are in.
What are changes you want to make this school year??
