Yep, it's that time of the year again. It's a time of balance in the classroom. I've known the students long enough to recognize their limits and push them just a little farther. One look or flick of my fingers or hand can change their actions or behaviors. For some, I know the right words to say to push them to the edge, but also keep them productive and safe.
I love this time of the year. All of the work and effort from fall and winter are finally beginning to bud to display the fruits of the labor. While reading, students stop me to point out the similes & metaphors, or examples of alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia, etc. It's wonderful to have these discussions through the authentic experience of just reading a book together. Sometimes the discussions turn into debates about symbolism and themes... it's incredible.
And it's now that I can finally let down my hair. While reading I sometimes stop and have students fill in the word that comes next on the page (to make sure they're with me & earn silent speedball points). Yesterday I stopped after the word "artificial" and the students were to fill in the word "light." Well, one student wasn't paying attention and said "flavoring!" It was hilarious and I broke into one of those laughs where you begin to cry it's so funny. Whereas earlier in the year I may have skimmed over it and moved on, this time I let the students see my genuine joy at the humor of the situation.
Then today, we had a good laugh when a student was wracking his brain for a word we talked about yesterday- "haunches." When I told him the word he said, "OH YEAH, HAUNCHES!" And two students proceeded to beg me to again show the class how we squat on our "haunches." Once again the class broke into laughter at the fact that kids all around the room were squatting on their haunches.
It's been a joyous time.
Moments that earlier in the year would have taken minutes to get students back on track, now last a short period of time and the students are ready to persevere through the next page, activity, or assignment.
It's this time of the year that I look forward to in August & September. Each year we make it through and then we begin all over again. I think I would enjoy teaching in a school where teachers follow their students throughout a few of the grades. By the time I get to know my students, their passions and risk areas, I have to bid them farewell and start all over again.
For now I'll savor each day because, after all, it is that time of the year!
I love this time of the year. All of the work and effort from fall and winter are finally beginning to bud to display the fruits of the labor. While reading, students stop me to point out the similes & metaphors, or examples of alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia, etc. It's wonderful to have these discussions through the authentic experience of just reading a book together. Sometimes the discussions turn into debates about symbolism and themes... it's incredible.
And it's now that I can finally let down my hair. While reading I sometimes stop and have students fill in the word that comes next on the page (to make sure they're with me & earn silent speedball points). Yesterday I stopped after the word "artificial" and the students were to fill in the word "light." Well, one student wasn't paying attention and said "flavoring!" It was hilarious and I broke into one of those laughs where you begin to cry it's so funny. Whereas earlier in the year I may have skimmed over it and moved on, this time I let the students see my genuine joy at the humor of the situation.
Then today, we had a good laugh when a student was wracking his brain for a word we talked about yesterday- "haunches." When I told him the word he said, "OH YEAH, HAUNCHES!" And two students proceeded to beg me to again show the class how we squat on our "haunches." Once again the class broke into laughter at the fact that kids all around the room were squatting on their haunches.
It's been a joyous time.
Moments that earlier in the year would have taken minutes to get students back on track, now last a short period of time and the students are ready to persevere through the next page, activity, or assignment.
It's this time of the year that I look forward to in August & September. Each year we make it through and then we begin all over again. I think I would enjoy teaching in a school where teachers follow their students throughout a few of the grades. By the time I get to know my students, their passions and risk areas, I have to bid them farewell and start all over again.
For now I'll savor each day because, after all, it is that time of the year!
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Jim is home, safe and sound. He had a great time in Honduras! Pictures will be posted eventually. Right now they are all on his computer and he is at a night class from 5:15-9:30 PM. Hello Block 8(board review block)!
Still have soreness in my neck and a light headache; I feel like a broken record. That's why I don't write about it much anymore :)
Have I mentioned that summer starts at the end of May?! Yay!
Well said. You're right- this is the most fun time to teach. . . Thanks for the reminder. You're a good writer. I'm glad that you teach language arts.
ReplyDeletelove you!
MO
PS- I'm glad to hear the headache is lessening.
BEAUTIFUL BLOG. Proud to have you in the teaching profession.
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