A Challenge

It's that time in the school year to challenge myself.  For my students, I need to do better.


Warning to parents:  this may not be what you expect to read from a teacher.


I have some students I just don't like.  And, that's not fair to them.  I must do better.


Steps I have to take:


1.  Meet them somewhere on their own terms in class.  I can adjust my routine to better meet the needs of these students.


2.  Find out what they are able to produce for my class.  Some students just don't want to read and write.  While I can't eliminate those altogether, I can modify assignments to make it less of a daunting task.


3.  Find out what they want to produce for my class.  Perhaps, they are happy making timelines of information.  Maybe they don't mind our academic vocabulary sheets but don't like the illustration part.  I can modify that.


4.  Talk to them everyday.  Don't use sarcasm or anger.  Keep calm and don't be afraid to come back the next day after cooling down overnight.


5.  Finally, keep in mind I wasn't the perfect student, especially in middle school.


I made some great friends in middle school, and I have really fond memories of Stephen Foster Intermediate in Alexandria, VA.  However, I wasn't the perfect student despite my parents best attempts to keep me on track.


I forgot assignments.  I disrespected my teachers, even Mr. Hoppe who taught the best History class I ever had.  I was not the star athlete.  I couldn't remember the football playbook to save my life.  I still can't shoot a basketball.  I took 12 years of tennis lessons, but couldn't make the high school team.  I loved to run cross country, but it took me 4 years to break a 5 minute mile.


In other words, I was constantly in my own way.  It is just what kids do.


I didn't always challenge myself to be the best 7th grader I could be.  However, I can certainly challenge myself to be the best teacher I can be.


And maybe, just maybe, I'll make my 7th graders even better for it.


Peace


"Don't underestimate the power of small steps to build a great future."
Jocelyn Soriano