Math 7 - December 8, 2016

Another math class!  Luckily I had the opportunity to teach a couple of other times for Mr. Mayer when there was not a sub, so I had an idea of how his class works and what the routine was.  Mr. Mayer does a great job being prepared - having Smart Board lessons ready to go, essential questions posted, and the assignment ready for students.  He provides just enough time for teaching as well as time left for students do some independent practice and homework.

During this particular class I was teaching students about solving for x when there were multiple number or fractions.  I had to do a little homework and brush up on my skills.  I especially struggled when a number would be negative or positive or when to add or subtract negative numbers when isolating the variable.  The students had to help me out a couple of times!  Luckily we got through it.

This class had all types of students.  Those that were engaged and totally getting it.  They were eager to answer questions and wanted to go to the board to demonstrate their understanding.  Others were timid and not quite sure, but were still trying.  Still others were doodling and not quite sure what to do.  It was a challenge to try to engage all students, help all students, and yet keep the class moving at a good pace for those students who grasped the concept early.  Most students seemed comfortable and willing to try, even if it meant they were wrong.  It was obvious that this was a safe classroom.

Time flew by and this was a good opportunity for me to feel the pressure of time and student needs.  I am impressed by our teachers every day and this gave me a first hand look at the challenges teachers face every day.  I am grateful for the opportunity to get in the classroom and to work with the awesome teachers in our building.  They truly care about the students and want them to be successful. I hope that they see the same from me!

Learning Support - December 2, 2016

This was probably one of my most favorite classes to guest teach thus far!  A small, intimate group of students who were engaged and ready to learn.  What more could a teacher ask for?  Ms. Kipp told me that the students would know what to do and they would be ready.  They sure were.  As soon as the bell rang, the students got out their personalized folders and began their daily practice.  Each student was working on something individually.  A few were doing math problems (all different according to their needs) another was working on reading and writing skills and another was reading out loud and recording himself to monitor his fluency.  What a fantastic start!

The main focus of class was to read an article from Scholastic News about wildfires.  Ms. Kipp had asked me to remind students of pre-reading strategies and then discuss the questions at the end.  The students had several good ideas about how to get ready to read a longer article about a topic they didn't know much about.  First, we looked at the title, the glossary, and the pictures to try to predict what the story was about.  The students were insightful and used great skills.  Then we looked at the questions at the end so we would know what to look for as we read.  I didn't tell them to do any of this.  It was all what they came up with on their own!  I was impressed.

Then we read the article together.  For a group of students who may struggle with reading, they didn't hesitate to volunteer to read out loud and did a wonderful job.  They were confident with their peers and some helped each other out if they came to tough word.  The students asked questions and were definitely paying attention because they were able to answer the questions throughout the article as well as the ones at the end.  They did a really great job and I was amazed at their hard work and persistence.

We had just a little time left and I told them they could pick another article to read.  There was one about Pokemon and how the game grew so quickly.  They picked this one and were excited talking about how they have played or knew people who played.  Right before we began reading, one student said, "Shouldn't we look at the questions at the end first?"  Outstanding!  This student was on top of the pre-reading strategies and wasn't going to let the group just pass over this important step.  I was so pleased.

This class made my heart happy from beginning to end.  Classes like this make me miss teaching!  I'm sure there are days that are more difficult than others, but this class was so good -- hard working, confident - yet not afraid to ask questions, and kind to one another.  This shows the great work being done by the teacher and all of our teachers. We make it so our students want to do well and have a reason to keep working hard even when they want to stop.  I would teach this class again any day!

Thankfulness Challenge!

I was challenged by Nick Proud, principal of Garner Elementary, to "Share your thankfulness about your school, district, or classroom."  So, here goes! 

Thanksgiving is November 24 this year, so as a tribute to that date here is my Top 24 list.  

I am Thankful for...

...the amazing teachers that provide excellent learning experiences for our students every day.

...the awesome support staff (from custodians to office workers) that make me smile every day.

...the caring paraeducators that work hard for little money or recognition for our most neediest students.

...the students that remind me every day why I love this job.

...the supportive PSTO that is always willing to help with whatever our staff needs.

...Bear and the kitchen staff for bringing us delicious cinnamon rolls!

...the ILT members and IDS coaches who are leading our PLC work and who made the conference a blast.

...the PBIS team that has been recognized as a Spotlight School by Grant Wood AEA.

...the outstanding Student Council that works hard each week to promote a cause and help others.

...other administrators that I can call upon for advice and guidance.

...our parents and families that support our work each and every day.

...all of my guest teaching experiences thus far that have been so fun!

...the light I see in a student's eyes when they finally get a concept that they have been struggling with.

...the caring nature of students who stop to help each other.

...dances and activities that help us see the other side of our students.

...the creativity I see in students during Makerspace time, art, and our other electives.

...the phenomenal music I hear each day out my door as the bands, choirs, and orchestras practice and perform.

...students who say thank you when they come in for snacks.

...being able to see the children of my friends and neighbors growing into strong, smart leaders at my school.

...the joy of students as they rush out the door for a much-needed Thanksgiving break!

...volunteers who come to mentor, tutor, and spend time with our students.

...all of our students and the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that they bring.

...my own family and friends who support me as I work toward my goals.

...the chance to do the job I love each and every day.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE AND SHOW YOUR THANKFULLNESS

French - November 21, 2016

Let me begin by admitting that I have no background in French!  So I was a little worried about how this guest teaching experience was going to go.  But when I sat down with Ms. McDermott she had come up with the best plan!  She wanted the students to teach me.  They had to come up with a lesson presentation and activity.  I began to set aside my worries and get excited about this class.

I had been looking forward to it all day when someone pulled the fire alarm!  No joke!  Everyone had to parade outside in the cold and wait until the fire department gave us the all-clear.  By the time the craziness had subsided, French class was half over.  But I was determined to go and learn something!

Students were just beginning their presentations.  They welcomed me in and we got started.  I learned about conjugating verbs and about basic greetings.  And I learned to say if I liked or disliked different activities.  Some students were very brave and confident speakers.  Others were timid and careful.  Some didn't speak at all.  One of the activities was a game to see who could correctly conjugate a verb the quickest on a mini white board.  I won!  But then the group members corrected me and let me know that I had forgotten an "s".  They gave me a V2 ticket for my efforts anyway.  Another group called on different people to discuss what they like or dislike.  Of course they called on me!  I stuttered a bit, but was able to say that I like to sleep! J'aime dormir! (Dormir was the only verb on the board!) 😊

It was a short, but fun class to attend.  I really enjoyed seeing the students in action and listening to them speak.  And I am very thankful to Ms. McDermott for helping me out with a great lesson plan!  Merci!

Global Studies - November 18, 2016

This week I got to go back to my social studies roots!  I was able to work with 7th grade Global Studies and Mr. Meade.  It was a fun experience and the students were so awesome!  Mr. Meade and I met and talked about what we would do.  The students have been studying Israel and Palestine and the conflict over land.  The students were going to have to pick a side and then write a persuasive essay.  It sounded like a challenging assignment!

First, I began the lesson by asking students what they knew about the conflict between Israel and Palestine.  They knew some good facts!  They talked about the fact that both consider themselves long-time inhabitants of the land.  They discussed the end of World War II and how the UN divided the land.  It was refreshing to hear students really on top of their game and understanding one of the biggest on-going conflicts in the world.

Next, we talked about a persuasive essay and what that might look like.  They knew the basics.  We reviewed those and then I showed the funniest video that Mr. Meade had given me.  They thought it was both funny and exasperating!  Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=DqjIKS82UNI

After we watched the video we broke down the different parts of an essay like the students in the video did: a hook, background information, thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and conclusion.

The students were ready to go and spent the rest of the time working on their outline.  It surprised me that students were quick to pick a side.  I would have thought that would take a longer time.  We did talk about how the number of years they have lived on the land might not be the strongest argument because both sides would try to make it.  We talked about how the arguments have got to be convincing.  And we discussed how if you have more than one rebuttal arguments, you might want to look at the other side.  Students asked some great questions about both the conflict and writing an essay.  And they were very conscientious students wanting to know when the paper would be due.

This was a fun one for me.  Being back in a social studies classroom felt so comfortable.  I really enjoyed myself and saw our amazing students really working hard and putting their knowledge on display.  I was so proud!  And then I showed the video one more time.  Everyone groaned! 😊

Embracing all students - November 14, 2016

I struggle with what to write and what to say as we end an emotional week following a monumental Presidential election.  In our own city, a family receives a hate mail note on their door telling them to leave the country.  Students at both high schools walk out to protest our new leader.  And I have met with two sets of parents today who feel like actions of other students at school have targeted their children because of their religion.  This is a sad and scary time.

I want to make it clear to all of our students and families that Northwest Junior High is a safe place.  We are proud of our diversity and welcome all students and their families.  We recognize differences of opinions and marvel at our democracy.  Our amazing teachers and staff are here for each and every student that walks through our doors.  We respect all races, religions, genders, and political beliefs.  We have the responsibility to maintain an academic culture and instill positive self-worth in every student.  We care about all of our students.

The most important thing that we can do now is promote peace.  Reach out and do something nice for someone else.  Spread kindness to others.  Help a fellow student, parent, or colleague.  Smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day.  Move over at the lunch table to make room for someone who is alone.  Ask someone to join your group.  There are so many simple ways to make the world a better place.  And our Viking Virtues apply just as much outside of school as in: be safe, responsible, and respectful.

Where does the time go?

Another week has gone by.  Another opportunity for guest teaching has past.  I know I'm not alone when I ask the question, Where does the time go? Our school year flies by, quicker each year.  The daily needs of students, collaboration with colleagues, meetings and emails from parents, school activities and fundraisers, and all other pieces of school make for a very busy life.  As much as I would love to be able to get in a classroom each week, it just isn't always possible.  The past two weeks have been filled with state assessments, the school fundraiser, and a spirit assembly.  And the end of the trimester is just 7 school days away!  I'm sure the teachers are questioning the time as much as I am.

So how do we manage this?  I don't have an answer.  But I do know that it is important to keep your goals in sight.  I have reached out to several teachers and hope to have some guest teaching lined up for the next few weeks.  I haven't lowered my standards, I have just had to adjust to reality.  I think this is an important lesson for teachers and students as well.  Don't give up.  Don't lower your standards.  Adjust and attack each goal.  Speed isn't always necessary.  Quality and balance are important too.

Students remember how you encouraged them during those difficult assessments.  They remember that you pumped up your homeroom and encouraged them to sell products for the fundraiser to support the school.  They remember the excitement and silliness of the spirit assembly.  So, although those things may make the adults adjust their goals, they are what makes school memorable and meaningful for many of our students.  I'm looking forward to my next guest teaching assignment.  And I will make the time for it!