Comments on Teacher Wall: Thoughts on the upcoming year...

Thanks Miss Teacha :) It is probably not someth...

2010-08-13T22:47:23.055-05:00

Thanks Miss Teacha :)

It is probably not something that they can do anything about with the schedule. I found out that I will have my room to myself 1st period, which is awesome. There is a spanish class in there second period. Having a chance to come in and get prepared (to work on AVID stuff when I need to) and get ready for the day 1st period will be great. I love being in there in the morning with the light coming through the windows as it rises in the east, which my window view points to. It is actually beautiful.

The day is a long haul with 5 straight classes, but AVID is very flexible. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays there is tutoring for 45 minutes. And although I have to walk around and monitor and put out fires, I'm not standing up lecturing and it is going to be a lot easier with junior and senior AVID students. They know what they are doing now. :)

Thanks for the compliments about the room. Can't wait to have it all finished this week. I bought a lamp that I am going to use when I am using the projector for some extra light.

This was a GREAT post. I love the set up of the n...

2010-08-13T22:39:03.937-05:00

This was a GREAT post. I love the set up of the new room. Every time I see pictures of your room, I am reminded that I need to post more college "stuff" in my classroom. The pennants are simply amazing. And I love what Norma did in her room. . . posting the college letters. I wish I had more seniors. *sigh*

And you know I love the idea of student centered learning. Making them work for the content instead of being the sage on the stage! I increased this last year and the kids said I worked them too hard. This year, I am tripling it. So, imagine the complaints, but they always come back "grateful" for what they learned.

Is it too late to ask for a schedule change due to your medical condition? I know you probably don't want to be a bother but you've got to think about yourself right now.

Thanks dkzody. I agree with you except one thing,...

2010-08-08T10:01:52.383-05:00

Thanks dkzody. I agree with you except one thing, at my school the kids LOVE the sage on the stage. They would much rather have me up there teaching and entertaining than doing something else. But, I have to realize my limitations.

This year I am going to save those "performances" for the most needed parts of what we are studying. And the students will break down and perform for other sections of what we do. The key for me is figuring out what I am willing to give up to the students for their processing.

I have heard it over and over from people that the kids should be more tired at the end of the day than the teacher. It sounds really good on paper, but we'll see what can happen in reality. One thing is for sure, I am going to be measuring their learning and adapting as needed.

I like your room set-up. Much better than just ro...

2010-08-08T09:54:32.328-05:00

I like your room set-up. Much better than just rows of desks, which I really dislike. Yes, you should get away from the sage on the stage method of teaching. The kids don't like it and it just saps your energy. My philosophy is the kids need to be working harder than the teacher. In the first few weeks, that is hard to do because you have to lay out all the material they need to use, but afterwards, let them do the heavy lifting. That's the sign of a real champion teacher.

Thanks Kim. Hope you have a great year as well.

2010-08-07T13:09:19.410-05:00

Thanks Kim. Hope you have a great year as well.

Love it David! Hang in there! It will be an AWES...

2010-08-07T11:49:03.638-05:00

Love it David! Hang in there! It will be an AWESOME year!! Love the "shoulder" idea of the desks in twos, and the poster looks SUPER!! Have a great year!