A Downfall

Today was the last day of our second six weeks and when grading six weeks exams I felt like I wanted to cry. To be fair, this six weeks was poetry which is not my strong suit in any way shape or form, but I know I taught my kids something - or did I? After running the exams and double checking to make sure I had the correct key I began to focus on next six weeks.

As teachers, we have to take the good with the bad but we can never let the bad keep us down for long. On my drive home I started to think of ways to help my students better keep track of the information I need them to learn. I don't want my kids to just take notes, I want them to make those notes mean something to them, I want their notes to easily turn into a study guide for the end of the six weeks and quizzes throughout the six weeks and semester. I was so excited about creating this that I called a colleague to see if she thought it made sense and might work, then when I got home I started building. The idea is that four days of each week I teach (or reteach) a concept and the students complete a graphic organizer and then some practice.

My idea may not work, but I plan to try and if it causes another downfall then I'll just learn from that one too. Teaching is an art, it is also ever changing. If you feel like one six weeks is a total bomb then use that downfall and create something better. To be great teachers we've got to change how we teach to fit the needs of our kids - so what if it takes extra time to create, if it ultimately makes our lives easier and our kids smarter.

Enjoy your weekend and be sure to thank a veteran or two - because of the veterans throughout time we are able to try out new teaching styles and plans to help our kids learn and grow into successful people.

Thanks for changing the world one kid at a time!