Imagine sitting in a room with 24 other people and a dictator who tells
you what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
No one knows your dreams, your interests, your hopes, and your
fears. Would you want to spend 180 days
in that room? No way…
We
learned long ago that relationships matter.
Students need to feel like they are a part of the classroom and that
their thoughts and ideas are important.
They need to be able to take a risk, share news about their home and their
interests and communicate with others.
If students aren’t more than a number or grade, they will miss out on so
much!!! And guess what? So will you!
Hi Leslie...I found your blog via one blog via another (blogging is like one big maze!). I'm a 3rd grade teacher from GA. We have a sort of a different model at our school--I and one other teacher teach just Science/Social Studies, while the other eight 3rd grade teachers focus on Reading/Writing/Math. It seems to work well for our school (we have the model in grades 3-5), which is a Title 1, high poverty school in an urban area.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I just wanted to leave a comment letting you know I'm feeling sort of relieved at finding your blog! I've been having a year, and one of the things I feel the most lacking in isn't classroom management--I got that. But class cohesiveness. Particularly if I only see 1/2 of two classes for one hour a day--how do I create that family feeling of belonging in a one hour/day five times a week group? Time truly is a four letter word.
So I'll be back--looking forward to reading more and sharing ideas! -Amy
So glad you responded Amy... relationships are so huge with our students! I have many things planned this week - including how to start the day on the right track with morning meetings, energizers to keep your students engaged during the day and so much more! Spread the word!
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting you through the linky party. Oh, I agree with you on that! It's so important to get to know all of your kiddos! I work really hard each year to build a classroom community that embraces diversity, encourages kids to answer without fear of being laughed at, feel they are important! Stop by when you get a chance.
ReplyDeleteWaving from The Teacher's Chatterbox
Thank you for this post! This May I finished my time student-teaching high school Juniors in a very rough school. I believe my gift for teaching starts with my ability to form relationships and "reach" those hard-to-reach students. I quite easily formed bonds with the students my mentor-teacher struggled to reach all year.
ReplyDeleteI'm moving from Texas to Hawaii in a couple of weeks and have already obtained my certification there, so I will be eligible to begin teaching right away! I am so nervous about being a first-year teacher in a totally new place, and the only thing that sustains my confidence (for now...eek!) is the memory of my time student-teaching and how the relationships with the students made all the difference.
I honestly haven't been able to sleep very well at night ALL summer! I stay up staring at the ceiling, mentally planning my first week of school (I know it's the most vital week).
It is hard to find teachers who are able to say they love their job. So thank you for being one of them. We newbies are told not to be too idealistic nor have unrealistic expectations. I have a deep hunch that I am going to love my career...and I can't wait!