Confessions from the Couch » Where have I been?

Where have I been?

I have been busier than a dog with flees!!!

I’ve been trying to catch up on paperwork. I feel like I’m drowing in it. Failure reports, lesson plans, parental contacts, conferences. . . it never ends. But, I have learned to organize myself a little better for it.
We’ve had report cards again and this time I was not shy about giving students what they earned. When they came back from Christmas, they were absolutely LAZY. And b/c I’m making the shift from a lecture-notes-tests-worksheets classroom to an interactive one, there is less homework/paperwork. And the students are not taking the activities that I ask them to do seriously. So there were a lot of zero’s to give out. Examples of in class work opportunies were: a collage describing the Middle Ages, a foldable of the vocabulary, group jigsaw readings to produce a graphic organizer–it is less of me and more of them in the classroom. They assumed that these activities were optional. They simply didn’t do them and I didn’t pressure or nag them to do them. I said nothing and helped the students that needed help. Example: An honors student received an F on her report card. She was upset; her parents were OUTRAGED. However, she admitted that she hadn’t done the work. And she admitted that the assignments were simplistic & easy, but she didn’t take them seriously. Therefore, passing the tests/quizzes couldn’t help her.
For the first time, EVER, in all of my 3 years of teaching my school’s instructional coach (IC) came by to observe my class. This was really interesting and shocked the “stink” out of me. When IC walked into my African American history class and looked for a seat, I almost went into cardiac arrest. We were studying influential African American during the revolutionary era, specifically, Benjamin Banneker, Phillis Wheatly & Crispus Attucks. I was explaining what Tri-Venn Diagram was when IC walked in and the kids were a bit rowdy b/c they were throwing out ideas at me. As an example, the students and I were completing a Tri Venn on the board using characteristics of three seniors who were in the class. So, I’m sure IC was shocked by some of the language that they were using to describe these girls–it may have been what drew IC in. Anyway, the students understood the concept. They broke up into groups, I gave them a task sheet for the jigsaw reading and venn diagram. I’ll attach it here for clarity on the assignment. After the class left, IC gave me a positive assessment. IC didn’t give me any areas for improvement. IC said that he was always impressed with the lessons that I designed for my students. IC was also pleased with the task sheet b/c it was organized and completely layed out what the students needed to do (I told IC I modified it from Team Teacher.) Even with my disclaimer, IC was very impressed. Apparently, I think outside of the box. IC “did something similar to this in a college class, but not as clear as you have made it here.” IC emphasized when the district supervisor did her walkthrough, they would be looking for activities & lessons like this one. Needless to say, I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day. YIPPPPEEE . . . By the way, IC told me not to worry about spot assessments like this one, they were designed to give classroom teachers help & it wouldn’t go in my file. Booohooo . . . Needless to say, I am feeling more confident about my teaching.
Also, I started WW and instead of spending my time blogging, I’ve been spending my time calculating points. . . but you can celebrate with me, b/c I’ve already lost about 10 lbs. I missed my weigh-in, but I know I’m down again b/c my clothes are starting to fit a little differently. I even went and worked out . . . so I’m doing pretty well.

Teaching Strategies, lesson planning, random school comments, students | Miss Teacha | March 15, 2008 6:56 pm

7 Comments

By David Fordee, March 15, 2008 @ 8:06 pm

Congrats on the weight loss! Awesome.

I think after you have taught about 10 years, the IC and AP walkthroughs don’t really get you very excited. It never even concerns me. In fact, I have invited the entire faculty, principals, parents even members of the community (when I have given speeches & volunteered). People rarely come in and take me up on it. But, I have an open door policy. People pay my salary – they pay taxes. And they have every right to see what I am doing in my classroom. I’d be 100% fine with a video camera in there as well.

But, I am crazy.

Again, congrats on the weight loss. You have inspired me to go for a nice long walk tonight
By Profesora de español, March 16, 2008 @ 12:11 am

10lbs?? Wow! Congrats! I’ve been working out for months haven’t lost more than 3 lbs (which I probably put back on this week w/ my inactivity). That’s amazing! Keep it up!

As for the people visiting your class, like the above commenter, I try not to get nervous when someone comes into my classroom (even if it’s during one of my worst classes). Pretty much, if they like you, they’ll always find positive things to say. If they hate you, they’ll find negative things to say, so it really doesn’t make a difference one way or the other. I’m sure you’re doing a fantastic job.
By Frumteacher, March 16, 2008 @ 5:57 am

YIPPPPPPPPPPIEEEEEEEEE!!!

Miss Teacha, if I were a cheerleader (which I am not) I would give you the biggest cheer possible, with lots of pompons. You are a winner!

The way you are doing in the classroom shows, what I already knew, that you are a very talented teacher. And the way you are taking on WW shows me that you love yourself and recognize that you deserve the best. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.
By Eileen, March 16, 2008 @ 8:03 am

Congratulations! And I’m really impressed with your lesson, too!

Eileen
Dedicated Elementary Teacher Overseas (in the Middle East)
elementaryteacher.wordpress.com
By Miss Profe, March 16, 2008 @ 9:39 pm

It seems you have been very productive in recent days – both personally and professionally. Keep it poppin’!
By Jennifer, March 18, 2008 @ 5:39 pm

Congrats with the 10 pounds! Keep working hard!
By Kary Ellis, March 20, 2008 @ 6:09 pm

Congrats on the 10lbs!!!! That is AMAZING!
Your lesson sounds like it was fun.