Balance:
There are a couple things in the chapter about Balance that are what I want to address this week. The first is "Balancing Instruction To Meet Different Learning Styles" and the second is "Balancing Life With Teaching." The first question that I have for you is on the Balancing Instruction To Meet Different Learning Styles section. I see lots of this going on in our classrooms. Kids are on the computer, working at the SMART board, doing things with manipulatives at their desks, over a a listening center with an iPod and headphones on, reading silently in a corner on a bean bag, reading out loud to a classmate, speaking out in the front of the classroom where they are expected to be the teacher. I know there are lots of great examples of this thinking that happens every day in your classrooms. I guess my first question isn't a question at all, but a prompt. The first think I'd like you to comment on is simply sharing something that you might think of as a normal, everyday, routine, run of the mill task that has to happen in your classroom, and how you have done something different to make it potentially more engaging. Here's an example...many of you have listening centers in your classrooms. This seems to be more prevalent in the younger grades, but that's not to say that it doesn't happen in older classrooms as well. Jen Davis has iPods that she uses for her listening center, and I know that Amy Klempa regularly is downloading mp3s from the Columbus library for her kids to listen to books. It may be done on the computer, or on an mp3 player or "the old fashioned" way of a tape or CD player, but it is a very effective way for kids to have a model for what good reading sounds like. Give an example of something that maybe isn't reinventing the wheel, but is made more effective because you found a way to change it up a bit. The second topic that struck me as critically important in this section was "Balancing Life With Teaching." I'm not sure that I really have a question per se on this one, but just that I want you all to know that I am keenly aware of the crazy amount of hours that you put in. I have long held the belief that elementary teachers put in far more hours than middle and high school teachers, (hopefully that doesn't offend anyone - I just believe it to be a truth) but one of the things that I think I need to try to do a better job of is to validate the work that you do. Linda Davis has told me on a few different occasions about the difference in the approach of our teachers at the Elementary when she came to us from the Middle School. Again, I hope no one takes this as me trying to knock someone else down, but I just want you all to know that I know how hard you work and I don't believe I could find a group of people who could "out work" you. You are amazing people. I guess the comment that I'd like for you to share, which could be a quick one, is share some of the ways you deal with the work load and still maintain a relatively healthy home life. Example which may or may not be real: I only stay till 9:00 on Thursday nights, every other night I leave by 5:00...or, I come in every Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 while my husband is watching football. :-) I guess what I am really getting at is: What are some "rules" that you put in place that allow you to maintain your sanity?
Compassion:
Reading this chapter has caused me to do some soul searching about the job I am doing as a parent. I think I am at times too hard on my own kids. I am guilty of pointing out the things that Nathan does that are hurtful to his sisters or when he talks back, how that is disrespectful to either myself or Allyson. I realize a great bit of it is just siblings being siblings, but I hope to learn some parenting ideas from this as well. It got me really thinking about how and why things for me, seem to be very different at school vs. at home. I think, Ron Clark is really right on when he talks about being clear with kids about what we will and will not tolerate regarding the behaviors in the kid to kid relationships that we try to help foster in a positive manner. I do think we are going in the right direction with both Second Step and the whole Wildcat Way thing. The point of both, obviously is to point out the way we expect things to be, and help give kids the "ammo" for when things don't go that way so that they can handle themselves with using their words to make something that might have been a negative experience into a positive one.
There are, however, a few students (you can probably name them at your grade level) who don't seem to "get it" as far as applying what we are trying to teach about being socially conscientious and compassionate, productive members of the "society" that we are building within our walls, and obviously, we want that to transfer beyond our walls. For those tough kids that saying a pledge or getting a sticker doesn't seem to ring true for more than keeping their behaviors where we want them to be - in the moment - share some ideas that you have either through years of teaching experience, parental experiences, or otherwise brilliant insight that you might have that teaches kids to be compassionate. I believe this is going to be a hard one to try to address, which is why I put it out there. I was speaking with a teacher the other day about how she is able to get kids to want to please her, and specifically kids who don't seem to have that same care for other teachers that they work with. I want you to be really analytical with this one. Think about some of the tricks that you have in your bag that helps you reach kids that maybe someone else might not have had success with, because, despite what that teacher I was talking with the other day said, it isn't just "magical." There is something or a process, or a relationship that is built, etc that allows you to be successful with a student that is one of the tougher cases. I believe it starts with us being compassionate and showing our pride in our kids, but maybe together we can hash this out and really get onto something that is hard to quantify. What is it that you do that makes kids WANT to do the right thing?
Sorry I was late last week. I know I wrote a lot this time, so I wanted to give you as much time as you might need to respond. Have a fantastic week!
Dave
I think that validating a kids' feelings when you can talk with him/her on a one to one basis has helped me to reach a boy this year. He has been known for lack of attitude, laziness, and behavior problems. He was kicked out of the MAPS testing in Sept. for the extreme amount of interruption. After the testing was done, he came back to get his books. I was still there. I asked him what was going on. He told me that reading is stupid (dagger in my heart!). I told him I understand that it is hard for him and that he doesn't like it, but it isn't stupid. He feels stupid because it is hard for him and he doesn't "read fast enough like everyone else". I made a deal with him. I told him that if he would try his best, I would do my best to help him. I would make sure he understood what I was asking him to do in each assignment and would listen to him read out loud so we could see where he needed help. He agreed. He scored in the Beginning Reader category on the MAPS test in Sept. He has tried to do most of his homework and tried to keep up in class. Eventually he let me tease him kindly in class and we have built a semi-relationship. He won't let me in very far to "his world". This MAPS round, he scored in the 26%ile. I was so proud of him for simply TRYING the test. I know it is not still a good measure of what I think he can do, but he at least tried and did a better job. I am hoping for more success in the spring. I know he still doesn't like reading, but he is at least trying. Not sure there is any "magic" in that, but it has worked with him so far.
ReplyDeleteOn the parenting side of things, Dave, again, no expert here, but words like stupid, dumb, shut up, sucks, etc. are not allowed at home. When the kids were little, they used to have to apologize to each other and give a hug. I have often said to kids who are airing an issue with each other, in the end of the conversation, that they need to shake hands that they can be friends again and move past the present issue. When they hesitate, I say what I said when mine were little, "Shake hands or I'll make you kiss and hug!" They always end up laughing at that prospect, and shake hands. Apologizing needs to be done with eye to eye contact. They don't need to apologize to me or to the floor, but to the person offended. We explained that when you say you are sorry for something, that you are going to try to NOT do it again...ever. Every now and then, they thought on that and sometimes you could see them trying not to do it again! It takes a lot of practice too! We found that because Christopher was tall and eventually big and tall, that we expected him to behave better than his age. He was bigger than most of the kids his age and very smart, so we expected more from him...better decisions, better behavior, not to forget his homework, etc. But, we had to be reminded that he was the youngest in his class and sometimes immature...not the big kid he was physically. They need to make mistakes and learn from them. I do things in my classroom the same way. I have to step back on occasion and realize that they are 10, and only 10. But DISRESPECT IS NEVER TOLERATED! At home or school.
Great questions and I hope to hear some great ideas...I know that I have to be prepared for the next day of school before I can leave so that I can let myself have a more relaxed family time...I find ALWAYS being prepared for the day or two ahead keeps me going. I find myself thinking thinks through to get prepared and soon I am in a schedule routine of when I do certain things to stay ahead of the day. I know things don't always get accomplished and we have a messed up the routine, but I do the best I can and don't stress the small stuff any more. I think that comes with more years of teaching. I know with my own children, people come up to me and said how well behaved my children are or how polite they are to others. I often talk to Ben and Bre about treating others they way you want to be treated and not to think of yourself as better than anyone. I taught them to speak to adults and use the proper language for addressing them. I would not tolerate disrepect at all either, Patti you got that right. In my classroom, I try to always model the correct behavior to the kids and point out the students who are good examples for the others. The Wildcat Way has been a valuable tool this year in many of my conversations with my class. I really stress that you must get along and behave because that is what is expected of you when you in everyday life. We all have to learn to get along or we have big problems in our lives. Even kindergarteners understand that...but they need to be lovingly reminded often which way is the Wildcat way!
ReplyDeleteOn maintaining balance my situation has definitely changed since coming to the elementary (as Dave mentioned). When I taught middle school I was usually out of school by 3:30. I cooked supper every night. Now that I am on a later schedule my husband agreed to help out with meal preparation. Most nights I don't get home until after 5:00. Last night, I had planned to cook and had ingredients out on the counter. Ended up not getting home until 5:30. My husband had gone ahead and made dinner. I think my marriage has lasted 27 years because we help each other out like that. We are a team!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen my own sons were in sports I set boundaries. I didn't miss their sports events because of my job duties. Now that my sons are grown, I don't have near as many conflicts with home life. I really respect my coworkers family responsibilities.
As for parenting. When I was growing up my sister was extremely cruel to me. She made fun of me, called me names and sometimes beat me up. I hate to say it but I hated her. My parents never did anything to stop it. They always thought when we got older we'd get along. Well, even to this day I don't have much to do with her. When my children were little Sharon Comstock was my babysitter. Her boys got along so well. I asked her how she managed this. I'll never forget her telling me her sons weren't allowed to fight. It seems so simple but from my background I had never even thought this possible. I did not let my sons fight. Like Patti said, there was no name calling in our house either. To this day, I never remember a time my sons fought or even got mad at each other. They are so close. To all of you parents of young children, I recommend a zero tolerance for bullying between siblings.
1. Adding technology to those everyday things we do in the classroom always seems to motivate and differentiate for learning styles. Today's kids are digital and spend alot of time doing so and there are so many programs, etc. that can work with a kid at thier level. And kids enjoy working in the digital world.
ReplyDelete2. With that said- as far as compassion I believe this hard to teach and is getting harder to teach and compassion is getting lost due to the digital world we live in. I think just having social interactions and the experience of differennt social interactions can and does teach alot of compassion for others. By sitting in front of computers, video games, tv, ipods, etc. you do not have to interact and therefore you do not know how to interact on a personal level. Role plays are always good and our 2nd Step does a nice job of this through lessons but for a person to be truly compassionate they have to experience first hand. I also believe it is hard to teach that only at school. No matter the life or relationship a kid has with thier family they watch and learn from thier families. I try to teach compassion to my own kids by example. My husband and I have helped many people over the years. And even shown compassion on others in various situations we have gotten into by showing mercy. These are not things I will specifically share because I do not do them to show. I will share a Christmas tradition that as my kids get older are getting more involved that I believe helps them experience compassion. (We also do this at least one other time during the year) Each Christmas we go and buy gifts, food, daily living items, etc. and make up gift baskets and wrap up presents for a family. We include things for male and female- adults and kids then we drive around Christmas morning before we open our own gifts and we look for a house or an area of town that looks like it might need some help for Christmas and we all get out and go knock on doors and hand out the baskets. We even leave them on doorsteps if no answer. I have seen my kids learning compassion through acts such as this. My kids have seen all sorts of places where others live and the conditions. Kids don't often realize until it is experienced. Dave gave a great example of beginning to teach compassion and that is correcting your kids and explaining what to do different within interactions with family members. I think some of the projects we have done at school are great teachers also. Compassion comes from experience and being involved.
3. Whoever has the answer to balance let me know! I do spend many hours but I would have to say the way I find some balance is once I go home I truly do not do alot of school work there. I chose a profession that takes my time and my family understands this. I chose teaching because of my love for learning and helping kids not because it was a 9-5. My own family knows the hours I put in are to help kids. I think some helpful answers to balance are a husband who shares in the kids and house stuff equally, leaving work at work, limit the hours on the weekend, and McDonalds! At the end of the school day I walk out and say' "It will still all be there tomorrow."
I think the wildcat way is GREAT. Alot of these kids don't know what respect is so we have to teach them and that's ok that is why we are in this profession. I do many things beyond what I "have" to do, we all do. I beleive our kids see that and they learn from watching us. We just need to remember patience and understanding.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to leave things here. Not necessarly do I take work home with me but I take the emotional stuff with me. I don't think I could ever change that.
I agree with Danae that kids live in a digital world and we try to teach them with old fashioned methods, we will not make the progress we need to make. I try to do as much with technology as I can in my classroom, but I wish I had more time with each of my groups. My day seems to be a constant rush to get from place to place, but we do the best we can.
ReplyDeleteThe rules I use in my classroom are “Work Hard and Be Nice”. I read somewhere a long time ago that if you use these two rules in your classroom, everything will be covered, kind of like the Wildcat Way covers many areas. I think that if students think a teacher or adult really cares about them, they will go out of their way to try to please that person. A couple of years ago I had a student who was extremely difficult to motivate, hated school, had a terrible home life, and showed little respect to adults or to teachers. The only thing that seemed to make a difference to him was being told that I cared about him and wanted the best for him, and I continued to remind him to work hard and be nice.
I love Danae’s example of demonstrating compassion by giving Christmas presents to needy people. This is a wonderful way to teach her children what compassion means. Kids learn so much from watching their parents and I know from experience it is not always easy to demonstrate admirable behavior, but as parents and teachers, we need to be constantly aware that our children are watching our every move and learn from whatever we do, every day.
As far as keeping balance between work and school, I have to say I don’t know how you all do it with little ones at home. When our kids were little, I stayed home with them. I didn’t go back to work until they were in middle school. Having an understanding husband who helps and is willing to eat supper out on the spur of the moment occasionally is a wonderful gift. :)
I'm always trying to create new ways to teach concepts in my class. I love incorporating technology because students seem to be more motivated to learn when a computer, iPod, ELMO, or iPad is involved. One of my latest loves is the Fluent Reader from LBD. I had a fluency center with passages on cards and students were responsible for keeping track of their words read independently. I found the students struggled with counting their words and some weren't being very honest about how many words they read. The Fluent Reader allows students to listen to themselves read and keeps track of their progress. I can also listen to the students reading passage and conference with them regarding any praises or concerns. This is an absolute necessity in my class and is a weekly center. The kids can't wait to get onto Fluent Reader.
ReplyDeleteI love Danae's idea on giving presents to a needy family at Christmas. I am involved in several organization that do the same thing, but never involve my children. I have always wanted to serve at a food pantry or nursing home with my children, but we have often felt they were too young or crazy! However, I don't think you can ever be to young to learn how to be compassionate. At home, we often apologize for disrespecting others. We don't allow name calling or hurting others feeling. It is so funny how they are so different. Owen is my most compassionate child. He loves everything and everyone and is crushed if he has hurt you in any way. The other two, I'm not sure what went wrong, LOL! In class, I really enjoy the Second Step lesson. I really reminds the students to be compassionate and learn how to solve their problems in a productive manner, while thinking of others in the process.
Balance...? I know I don't have any balance in my life and I am so thankful for my husband because he has carried the load for me since I decided to return to work. Just tonight my son had a friend over and he asked, "Where's Mrs. Davis," and Hudson said, "She's never home. She's always at work." Ouch! I told him I would make more time at home, but I know that will be difficult knowing my personality. I have been better this year; I try not to go in on weekends:-)
My students love the Classroom Library station. There is nothing unique there other than books. They love the idea that they can lounge around with a good book. They also get excited and motivated because I swap books, genres, authors, themes in and out of the library to constantly keep things fresh.
ReplyDeleteTeaching compassion -
I think the 2nd Step program has been wonderful. The kids really enjoy it and they refer to it when they are having trouble with a peer. Most importantly, compassion is taught through role modeling. Someone said that children's eyes are always watching - this is so true. They see how teachers interact with one another and how teachers deal with stressful situations and they remember that and try to use what they see us do all the time. Like many others have said, compassion is best learned through the experiences we create for our children and/or students. I remember as a child always reaching out to others through church activities. These activities I did as a child are now things that come naturally to me as an adult. When I have children, I hope to create those same experiences my parents created for me. This is the best way to teach compassion.
Balance -
The only way I can have balance is by setting rules for myself. I TRY and leave by 5 (but not always the case). I take work home with me but I MUST be finished in time so I have an entire hour to do whatever I want to do before I go to bed, whether that is reading, watching tv, etc. If I go into work on the weekends, I set time limits. I am also a list maker and that makes me feel like I have accomplished something each day. If something is left on my list, I remind myself I can do it tomorrow. A rule for me is: my list must be complete by the end of the week. I like to take large tasks and break them into smaller ones. This helps me keep balance and helps me be a happier person too ;)
I am amazed at how our teachers with young families are able to get their school work done, and be good parents. The pressure and amount of work that has to be done in today’s educational world has consistently increased. The five years between my two children there was a big change. With my first child I could get most of my work done at school and still get home at a reasonable hour. The last ten or more years there has been so much more to consume time. I remember when my son was still playing high school baseball I had a certain place I could park my car so I could see the game and do school work. During basketball I would do school work in the car all the way to away games. Later, when I was traveling out of state for his games I worked all day, all evening, and all weekend. I carried work in the car, and on the airplane. I worked at school until 9:00 or so at least one night every week. This was when my children were almost grown I truly feel for those of you with children of school age. Jen how did you coach??? Wow, just to bottle that energy!
ReplyDeleteLinda you had an opposite experience with you sister mine was the best big sister and to this day is my very best friend. She has lots of grandchildren, and tells me when something good or bad happens I am the first one she wants to tell. I don’t think my parents were overly strict, but there was a lot of respect in my home. Dad cooked, cleaned, and helped maintain the household evenly with my mom. There was a huge amount of extended family support. There was a high standard of expectation from my parents. As parents they upheld their high standards, and I think as teachers we must have high expectations of academics and behavior. I think it is important to show kids we care in our actions every day. We have to work hard to establish and nurture relationships with our students as a whole, not just those in our own classrooms. I think I have always been tuned in to how kids treated other kids, and I have tried to never tolerate even the smallest put down. Actually, in reflection maybe I didn’t let kids work out their own problems enough.
We do live in a digital very technological world, and North Union has done a great job keeping abreast of these trends. Although, I saw an article this weekend that insinuated kids were missing out on specific developmental skills by using too much technology and not enough physical writing. That is part of what keeps us working so hard-how do we get it all covered with not gaps?
Compassion: I think with my first child, I was young, and learned alot from reading books, and watching my friends. Glenn and I were really hard on Wes as we expected alot from him. He was an only child for a long time(10 years) and we taught him to be respectful of adults, as he was with us alot. Then when MacKenzie came along, it was hard for him at first, because he had been our whole life, and now he had to share us with his sister. Glenn and I thought the best thing we could do for him, was to let him pick out his sister's middle name. He chose "Malibu". NOt sure where this came from. He wanted his sister to be named MacKenzie Malibu. This didn't fly, so very gently we asked him to choose another name. He finally came up with "Lee" so that is her middle name. They have growing up rarely fought. He has always been very respectful of her, and has also shown her the rights and wrongs in the Edgar household when parents werent home and he was babysitting. She has her moments, but overall, she is also a great girl.
ReplyDeleteBalance_ This is extremely hard to do, when your daughter is in 2 sports, and your husband coaches. Depending upon the day, I try and get home by the latest 5:00. IF it is a game night, then I leave earlier, and then I am up late gettting work completed. If it is not a game night or practice, then we all sit down for supper. MacKenzie and Glenn help with supper if I'm not home in time. Everyone has to give a little. If we can all sit down and eat supper together, it is a good night!
I agree with Danae also, in that these kids live in a digital world. Whatever we can do to get them to get more involved digitally, than this is good!
To be honest i never had a set of home/work rules to keep my sanity or have a home life. Depending on the grades you teach leads to how much work you need to do at school and at home. When I taught fourth grade I literally worked about 14-16 hours a day. I learned to cook all my meals on Sat. and Sun. because i knew I would never have time to make supper. Not only did I work every school night but I put a lot of hours on the weekends cooking all those meals. I did not have much of a life for a long time. But I never regretted it because that was what it took to get the job done. I guess I missed out a lot with my family but they never complained. The one thing it did do is make my daughter be sure she never wanted to be a teacher because of all the hours I put in. Now that I'm in third grade I find it a little easier and I don't have to put in as many hours as I did before. I can manage to have a life outside of school and it is nice after putting in all those hours I did before.
ReplyDeleteAs far as making a kid want to work for you, I think you need to show those kids repect and limits that you hold to. That way they know where they stand. If you are consistent in your dealing with a student they come to respect you and will want to work for you. Giving them praise when they need it and showing compassion to them helps a lot to. I have also found that some troubled kids need a little one on one time where they can just sit and talk to you about anything that's on their mind helps to relieve some of their tension which in turn relaxes them where learning can take place. I have also found that using humor goes a long way. I know Ron Clark doesn't beleive in teasing but I hAVE a special relationship with my kids where I do tease them in a fun way that makes them feel special. One of the lessons I tell my kids is that we all will do something silly at some point during the year, even me and we all have to learn how not to take things so seriously and learn to laugh at ourselves. This helps to relieve a lot of tension and makes for a fun learning environment.
I noticed that when I spoke about compassion, that I was mainly speaking of my home experience. As far as a teacher, compassion to me is nuturing my students especially the students who you know need it the most. My students know that if there is anything that they want to discuss with me no matter what it is, that I will listen to them. I still have several students who have graduated, or who are in high school that come and visit me and I'm hoping that is because they know I will still listen to them.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some "rules" that you put in place that allow you to maintain your sanity?
ReplyDeleteTo keep my sanity I always try and take at least an hour to myself a night. Which is best for me and my son, because if I had a rough day I don’t want to take it out on him because it was not his fault that my day was bad; so taking that breath and time away brings me back to reality. I try to leave all of my work until my son goes to bed, because I am gone all day and he is with the sitter, so I don’t want to come home and be busy at night. So I spend all my time at home with him until he goes to bed and then it is me time.
Share some ideas that you have either through years of teaching experience, parental experiences, or otherwise brilliant insight that you might have that teaches kids to be compassionate.
I always feel that children are compassionate they just don’t know how to show it or when to show it. Bring the situation into another light I feel works sometime, showing the kids how it would feel if something was switch around and it happened to them. My niece is 6 years old and sometimes she can be so hateful and mean, I always ask her now what if Aunt Lindsey was saying those things to you or being so mean to you how would you feel. She is only six but after talking with her she seems to realize that her way of action was not the best. My parents always taught me to take pride in myself and my work, and I have that same motto with son and my students. You are not only representing yourself but your school, class, parents and friends. As teachers we all know that students are going to go through changes and these changes are not always easy for us to go through but we have to think it is not easy for those children either. So showing the students how to be compassionate being the role model I feel helps too.
When it comes to reaching students with a variety of learning styles, I try to use strategies in guided reading such as myself reading aloud, students reading aloud, silent reading, etc. However, I also agree with Danae that today's students do live in a digital world, and I am trying to become creative with technology. One piece of technology I plan to use very soon, is I plan to record my students reading using Audacity, and then have them listen to their read aloud. Then, I am going to have them reflect on what they think they did well and what areas they think they could improve.
ReplyDeleteCompassion- I also think that Second Step and the Wildcat Way are working very well in the building! As far as those hard to reach students, I try to use compassion, caring, and self-esteem builders in order to reach them. I usually can tell who that "hard to reach" students are going to be by the end of the few weeks of school. I really try to develop relationships with these students by telling them how much I care about them, and that I know he or she can "do it" and be successful. I find that when I take this approach, these students actually do feel remorse when they "disappoint" you. I believe that when these students know that someone cares about them and believes in them, it helps them create higher expectations for themselves.
Balance- When it comes to balance, I try to do the best I can by doing as much work at home as possible. Now that I have Jackson, I am having a much harder time balancing my life and teaching. I just hope that after the first couple of years it gets better. One thing that I am trying to do this year, is I try to do things like grade papers, write IEP's, complete assignments for my college classes, etc., during planning and when Jackson is either napping or in bed for the night. I find that this allows me to still get done what I need to get done, while spending as much time with him and my husband as possible. When it comes to balance, this year has definitely been the most difficult for me, but I'm trying my best!
Danae got it right when she said kids are in a technology based world. I think getting anything on the computer and/or smartboard is the best way to get them excited about what they are learning. I love doing the hand-on activities, but when it is on the smartboard, you can tell you've got them hooked.
ReplyDeleteAs far as balancing life at home, I'm still working on that. Being a newlywed, with a stepdaughter on top of that, it's been very hard for me to keep things at a balanced level between work and home. I try to come in early every morning to be ready for the day ahead, so that way I don't have to stay late every night. I do take papers home, but I try to limit it to only one or two nights a week. I must admit, I have a very supportive husband who knows when I am getting stressed out, and he know when to jump in and take the reigns. When we have a weekend without Kiley, that's when I try to get a lot more work related things done because then I don't have to give up my time with her. I guess, I just set my priorities and stick with them, and if something doesn't get done, then it doesn't get done.
As far as compassion, I also reflected a lot on how I treat Kiley as opposed to how I treat my students (and deeper, how I think I will treat my own children). I don't think I am hard on my kids. I was raised on a farm with strict parents who taught me how to respect others. I try to instill those same beliefs in my students. I know a lot of them don't have the structure at home, so when they come here, it can be an adjustment to deal with me and my rules. If a kid rolls their eyes at me (which has happened more than I thought it would) I can hear my mother come out and say "Don't you dare roll your eyes at me, young lady!" (with the finger pointing and everything!) But, I am also the one that if a student is having a bad day, I will take that extra time and talk to the student one on one and see what's going on with them. I also talked to my kids at the beginning of the year and told them that they are my family and nobody messes with my family. If there was any bullying, I wasn't going to let it happen. I feel like this made an impact on them. When we got a new student who has some physical deformaties, I was so proud when my students said to me, "other kids were making fun of ______ but we told them to stop because he's our friend!" I feel like they saw they really were like my family, so they took it upon themselves to look out for each other as well.
I can’t think of a specific example but I am constantly pulling questions from assessments to aid me in knowing more about my students for whatever reason. For example, I’ve used passages from Dibels as mini-comprehension or fluency checks, using my own standards.
ReplyDeleteI don’t allow students to leave their seat for any reason without asking. I know some teachers allow them to get up to get a drink or sharpen a pencil or use the restroom without asking but for my sanity I need to know where they are at all times. I subbed in a classroom once where the teacher allowed them to move around the room to change seats if they wanted or sharpen a pencil and I felt like I was losing students all day! There were at least two or three instances where I was a little panicked asking the class where a particular student had gone. I also have been interrupted by pencil sharpeners during important lessons one too many times!
At home, one rule we have is whoever cooks, the other cleans; whoever puts Karson to bed, the other does the morning routine with him. Kyle and I are also flexible with those rules if we know the other is not feeling well or has had a rough day. I’ve noticed that a lot of people here say they have spouses that are understanding and share the responsibility. I am also on that list and I think that is the key to balance: flexibility, sharing, and understanding.
I think teaching kids about other cultures that are less fortunate than ours is helpful. We have students in our district that have it pretty rough but that doesn’t mean they should be excluded from wanting to help others in any way they can. By exposing our kids to conditions much like the ones in Haiti after the earthquake is a good way to show students that we need to help others in their times of need; whether it be a monetary donation or a friendly letter sending well wishes.
Teaching with technology certainly does get their attention and I will use what I can, when I can. I'll admit it takes me a little longer to learn how to use some things. I just started using LBD Fluent reader and the kids think it's great! I'm not sure what, or if, I can get anything from it, but the kids are excited to read and listen to themselves. That alone makes it valuable to me.
ReplyDeleteHow do I manage my time and keep my sanity? I don't. But when I am not here, I do very little school work at home (so why am I on the school blog on Saturday morning?).
As others have said, teach compassion by showing compassion. I allow kids to have a bad day, take a break when they need one, or fall asleep if they need that. I tell the rest of the class that it's OK because it is needed. When a student shows compassion, recognize it in some way. On Thursday, I had a "coughing fit" come on suddenly in the middle of teaching. I couldn't talk and was coughing like crazy. As I stood at the drinking fountain I couldn't help but smile at the conversation going on behind me. Lot's of " Are you OK?", "What can we do?", "Do we need to get help?", "Are you sure you're OK?" and finally "Stop asking her. She can't talk right now." Once I was OK, I told my class how good it made me feel to hear their concern for me. Then the rest of the afternoon, they kept checking on me.
I agree with everyone else about compassion. Teaching compassion is teaching by example. Children need to see everyday examples of kindness and tolerance in order to become empathetic themselves. I communicate with my students and make suggestions for compassionate behaviors to help. Like Kelly E said nurture them. Listen to each and every child. They have so many issues in their personal lives. They need to feel that a place like school where they are here for 8 hours can be a safe and compassionate place.I feel North Union does an excellent job. Tammy B needs to have a Wildcat sticker for all the support and compassion she gives to teachers as well as the student body. Dave I would like for you to recognize Tammy some morning during the announcements. I keep telling Tammy that she helps me so much with learning about the difficulties that some of my students face personally.
ReplyDeleteI have no sanity. I find myself always working from home and after school.It is so sad that some of us are still here on a Friday night until 6,7,8 after a long week. If someone has the secret ingredients to sanity please share!
After reading through your posts, it makes me want a smartboard that much more. Anyway, when it comes to teaching compassion, I am blessed to have a unique situation in the music room- students are interacting/collaboratin with each other all the time! They must listen to each other to keep rhyhthms and pitches aligned when they need to be, and we quite often do dances. I always find it interesting how often a student says "I'm not allowed to dance with Shaniqua- we don't get along." It hurts my heart to hear that, and it's also a pet peeve of mine. My response is always "Well, here's your chance to learn how to work together. You can do it." I have a rule that NO ONE is allowed to say "no" when someone asks to be their partner; they must say "Sure" to the first person who asks them- it actually works pretty well! If a student refuses, then I'll ask them to sit out and I usually am that student's partner.
ReplyDeleteAs for balance- hahaha. *Sigh*
Dave’s questions- Week #3
ReplyDeleteI love books- I could spend hours looking in a book store. I think that has spread to my own children. I find my son just sitting in his room looking at books, a mess of them around him, but so content. That is what I can’t wait to have in my own classroom. I want to have the usual book corner. But I would also like to add a station on the smartboard that the students could explore the books that they love. Whether it is through tumblebooks or just the pictures on the board and flipping through, but nothing is as simple or as wonderful as looking through a good book.
Rules- While I was student teaching, I had my children sit at the table and we did our “homework” together. When they were done, I was done... for the time. Once they were in bed that is when I finished. Even now, we will sit at the table and do our work, then I finish later on. Once I get home, I try to either focus on my kids or involve my kids. They are still young enough that my work is “fun” to them. I let them put stickers on my papers or my daughter may help grade with me. Whatever it is we wither do it together, or I put it off until they are in bed.
Insight- I truly believe that teachers are teachers for one reason. It is the gift that we are given. Then we also have to learn how to take that gift and use it the best way that we can. Each and every student is different and we all understand that. But that is why there are the teachers that are at the elementary, middle and high school level. We are all built differently to handle different behaviors. The second step and the wildcat way help guide our students to understand what is expected. Then as teachers, we each take a different approach at how to apply this is our classroom or even as parents. I know that I have always said that I have my 2 kids at home, but I have another classroom of kids at school. It is defiantly compassion that comes through with those tough students. As a teacher and a parent, you try different things to help guide behavior. Some works ... for a while, then you have to tweak it, then some things never work and you try and try again. It is and always will be trial and error, but seeing our own kids and classroom kids each day keeps me going and knowing that I am doing the job that I have always wanted to.
It seems to be a common theme that most of the people posting say that they have a hard time balancing their home life with their school life! I'm glad I am not the only one! I can't wait to hear more great ideas from those of you who have found the "trick" to balancing both! :)
ReplyDeleteCompassion = listening. Teachers tend to talk and want to offer solutions, but sometimes the best way to get through to a child is to stop talking and just listen. Some problems can't be solved, but letting students share can lessen the burden. I find I learn much more through listening than I do through talking.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe that when I went to college there were very few computers? Talk about a technology revolution! One of the most fun technology activities I have found is importing digital pictures into written assignments. It adds so much to the writing to incorporate a picture, and it reaches kids on a different level.
Balance - When Daniel was in 4th grade & the elementary just opened, he called the school "home," & home "that other house." We were here a lot, and like Debbie, I graded papers everywhere. I still carry my teacher bag to doctor appointments and other places where I know I might be waiting. I also agree with Danae that whatever doesn't get done today will still be waiting tomorrow.
Give an example of something that maybe isn't reinventing the wheel, but is made more effective because you found a way to change it up a bit.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that using technology to teach the standards has made my teaching more effective. As Danae stated, today’s students are digital. Using technology to present lessons, reinforce concepts and produce projects does allow me to meet different learning styles.
What are some "rules" that you put in place that allow you to maintain your sanity?
I’m with Kathy on this one. I was eager to read the responses to this question as I always wonder how some of the staff is able to leave so quickly after school. I wondered if people were just taking all of their work home with them or what their secret was to getting everything done.. My team stays late almost every day. By late I mean after 6:00. It is not uncommon to find the majority of us at school on a Friday night at 7:00. The sad thing is we all take work home too. I have also taken papers to dr. appointments to grade like Sharon, then entered them on Progress Book from my phone. What happened to leisurely reading a magazine while you're there? I feel like I'm wasting valuable time if I'm not multi-tasking. I do not do any school work during the week once I’m at home until Lexi has gone to bed. I have been known to grade papers on the floor on Sunday mornings with Lexi by my side, “grading” her papers and giving out her stickers! Today I took papers to grade on a two hour car trip to watch my niece play basketball. I am also doing this blog at 12:15 a.m. after Lexi has gone to bed, papers are graded, and lesson plans were typed. I often feel like I have one day off a week where I don’t do any school work. That’s Saturday…
What is it that you do that makes kids WANT to do the right thing?
This is an interesting question, because I’m not exactly sure. Some things are intentional and some things just come about with the help of the other students. I have extremely high expectations for my class. By this, I mean ALL of my students. I don’t care who they are, whether they are all A students, IEP students or spent the majority of the previous year in the office. I have high expectations for them all of the time; when they’re in the classroom, outside of the classroom, with me and with other staff members. I have high expectations all day, every day, even when I’m tired and it would be easier just to ignore the behavior because I don’t want to deal with it. In the end, expecting only the best from them will pay off for me and for them. I think you need to be respectful and caring. I think students are more likely to do the right thing if they have a good role model. As their teacher, I am that role model. If I want the students to behave a certain way, I have to model that behavior myself. If I want them to walk quietly in the hallway without talking, I do it too. If I want them to be compassionate and use their manners, then I have to show them what that looks like. Another thing I do that helps students live up to their potential is fair treatment for all students. Students who get in trouble a lot are used to getting blamed for things. They are also very observant. A problem student is not going to respect or trust you if you have special treatment for certain students. If everyone in your class has to play by the same rules, those behavior students will see that you are not picking on them. I think most students will be compassionate if that is the climate of the classroom.
Okay, let me see if I can get all this in…
ReplyDeleteReinventing the wheel, WOW, I agree with Bethany, I wish I had a SmartBoard. Oh, and I also want Macs for every student since their art capacity outweighs every other computer tenfold. I do try to change things up with presentation and design in order to keep information relevant and new. I guess in a way I have an advantage because Art is constantly changing and evolving.
Sanity, am I supposed to have sanity? I am pretty sure I lost that back when I decided to focus in art instead of biological sciences. As far as rules, that is simple. Treat others the way you want to be treated and meet your own and my expectations. I have very high expectations and the students know that they are not finished until expectations have been met.
As far as compassion, the best form for me is still modeling. I am fortunate that students are able to create so differently in my room and differences are praised. I make it a point to show compassion towards my students and in turn, they hopefully share compassion with each other.
Balance – HA, that is funny. I know for a fact I do not have balance in my life, at least not the balance I would like. For me, like so many others, it comes down to priorities. I do leave around 4:20 every day, I have no choice, and I need to pick up my daughter by 5:00. I could stay until 8:00 daily and still not be caught up where I need to be with work. I do take some work home, however, the ability to take my entire work home is not practical for an art teacher, and some projects just do not go home. Once I have work home, I do NOT touch it until after Unie has gone to bed for the night. When I do return to school work, I like Lindsey allow myself at least an hour at night to do what I want. It is only fair to me and to my husband. Mike is very supportive of what I do and by no means should he carry the burden of my work on his shoulders by sharing my attention with school work. Family is my number one priority no matter what! Unie has taught me so much in her life about what really matters and taking time to slow down to enjoy the ones you love. I have taught myself that I am not a failure if I do not cross everything off my to-do list and in fact, one of my favorite quotes is “in order to find happiness, you must decide what it is you are willing to give up.” I am not willing to give up family time so I just work harder and more efficiently while I am at work.
What are some "rules" that you put in place that allow you to maintain your sanity? I don’t have any rules, because as soon as I make them, I break them. I can’t say that once I leave school it stays there. Even when I am with my own children or husband, I might think about my students, talk to another teacher on the phone, etc. But that’s okay with me. As long as I make quality time with my family and for my job, it’s all good. Sometimes I can do both at the same time. Ellie LOVES putting stickers on my papers as I grade them. She sorts them by letter grades and if it is a boy or girl (of course girls get flower stickers). Rylan does this, but the stickers are usually upside down or ripped!! Weekends are mostly for my husband and my kids (but it is okay if we go to school for a few hours, because when Chuck E Cheese follows, its all good!).
ReplyDeleteTeaches kids to be compassionate. For teaching compassion to my children…. with the recent loss of the Blevins home, the day I heard they were in need, I came home, and immediately went through things that I could give them. Sizes of clothing that my kids have outgrown were not needed, BUT I do have lots and lots of great clothes my sister has given me from her son and daughter. My children LOVE to wear the clothes that their idolized cousins once wore. They even like looking ahead at the clothes that are too big now, but will get to wear in the future. When we went to the basement to find things for the Belvins, my kids immediately thought they were going to get clothes for themselves. They were sad at first, but when I explained there was a family that needed our help, they immediately started going through the clothes with me and saying “I hope this fits” or “He will really like this!” Getting kids involved in helping others is something I try to do as often as I can. My kids have been a part of helping others at Christmas, giving toys to others, helping families at church, etc. They weren’t born with this compassion, trust me, it was learned-and they are still learning!! So modeling is very important. I think our school does a great job raising money or items for families throughout the year. As a teacher, I try to encourage students to donate if they can. I know others aren’t as fortunate, so that’s why I tell them to look in the couch cushions!! I know my own kids hit the jackpot when they do that!
In reaching kids, it is important to listen and not judge. If you have criticized a child too harshly, he/she will not trust you. If there is not trust, you may not be able to reach the child. I try to be understanding and show kids I care about them. Building the rapport on the first day of school is really important. It may set the tone for the year. Not to get off topic, but that is one of the reasons I don’t like “assessing” and starting strong with the standards. I would prefer to take a week developing relationships with the class and having them develop relationships with each other.
First I would like to comment on compassion. As a high school teacher, I try my hardest, to form my own relationships and opinions about students. It is so easy to have heard about a students reputation before they even reach the high school. This at times has been difficult because even as adults we tend to have very loose lips about students who have caused us some sort of problems in the past.
ReplyDeleteI try to treat all the students that walk into my classroom as someone with no past, per se. I also try my hardest not to let what I might have heard about a student cloud my own judgment about that student. I have had students in my classroom which I know have misbehaved in other classrooms, behave just fine in mine. I believe they respect me and behave, because I respected them not to hold a past reputation over their heads.
As far as balance goes, good luck! We may always be looking for the key to this situation. There have been many times in my life when I have overbooked myself that I felt so much pressure I thought it would all boil over. I have had to learn to say "no", when my heart said "yes" and hope that I wasn't hurting anyone elses feelings.
I have learned to make my family commitments over my work commitments or sometimes over things that I personally wanted to take part in. This is definately not always an easy decision. For instance, with my daughter Colleen it was easy for me to coach volleyball because she was a player and our schedules for that were the same. That is not the case for my son Nate. He is a football player and his games will conflict with volleyball games next year. Thus, I have given up coaching volleyball for next year. Yes, I am giving up something I love, but for someone I love more. There will come a time when I can go back to coaching, but for now he comes first.
I am also more than thankful and know that I am blessed to be teaching in the district that I live in and have children attending. I am able to blend Mrs. Curts, the teacher, with Peg Curts, the person at some of the events our school in involved in. This is important to me as an educator. I have been employed at a school district where I could not be more involved than just teaching and leaving for the day. It was horrendous for me. Of course, I am a people person anyway, but I didn't feel like I could form personal relationships with my students and their parents.
Family support is a huge part of balance also. A lot of you have already commented about how your spouse supports you in what you do. As my children grow, their reliance on me also diminishes. This makes it a little easier for me to balance work with life. Nate will be a driver soon (watch out I gave you fair warning) and once again his reliance on me will become even less. My family always has, and I know always will, support me in being a teacher. Without that balance would not be at all possible.
Honestly, now that I ponder compassion and balance they kind of both go together. Our families show us compassion when we feel we are pulled to be at the school for our students.
My final comment would be this, just remember when you feel that your life is completely out of whack because of balance, there are a whole group of educators in your building who have felt or feel the same way. Join forces and help each other! You are not alone!
I also really like what Danae said about whatever doesn't get done today will be there tomorrow (I say this as I am typing on the blog while holding Jackson on my lap) :). I know I work a lot at home, and I also take my "teacher bag" with me whenever I go. I hope that as the years go on, I will find a better balance. I am very thankful that we all understand each other, and like Mrs. C said, we are not alone!
ReplyDeleteBalance- I also wanted to add that this year I have a wonderful and reliable group of parent volunteers and middle school tutors that I am extremely thankful for! When I first started teaching I think I felt like I had to do everything myself to prove that I was a capable teacher. Now, I am extremely thankful for any help that my volunteers can provide from making copies, sorting papers, and intervention and enrichment for my students. I can ALWAYS find something for them to do and have no problems accepting help these days! If only I would have figured this out 10 years ago.... :)
ReplyDeleteI'm am so far behind, so as you can tell balance is an issue for me. I have found it very challenging professionally having a family. Before I was married it was just me and my dog (and some days I really miss that). Many days I would go home, take a nice long walk with Coop, have dinner with a friend and then go back to school to work, of course living in the same town as school made that part easier. No one cared when I did laundry, I didn't worry about money, so groceries vs. eating out wasn't that big of a deal. Then, boom-here I was with a husband, an old fixer uper house, and 2 adolescent girls. I mean, it was my choice, so I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but it's been a huge and stressful change. I love my family and I want to give them as much as I can, but I am so passionate about my profession, it's what I worked so hard for and really the one thing I am truly confident in. With that being said, I have tried to share with my family the need for us to work as a team, cleaning up after ourselves, starting dinner, etc. They haven't been fast learners...however, the one thing that has remained consistent since my second year teaching (the first year I just lived at school) is that I never bring home work on Thursdays. I don't remember how I decided that...maybe because that was my favorite night of TV:) At any rate, I still don't bring work home on Thursdays (unless it's a time crunch thing). It helps me to have one night off.
ReplyDeleteAs for compassion...I have done some research in that area, especially working with special needs children. Many disabilities and disorders impact a child's social skills, therefore, impacting how they are able to related or develop empathy for others. Obviously a person with autism isn't going to know how to comfort someone, not that they will not learn to recognize emotions, but their investment in others is going to be limited. Of course, everything that is out there suggests that compassion and empathy must be modeled and must be reinforced. “Empathy can’t be taught, but it can be caught.” Szalavitz concurs, “A child’s capacity for empathy can further be encouraged when parents model empathetic behavior themselves. When parents treat other people with compassion, selflessness, and a lack of judgment, children copy those behaviors.” is a quote from an article I read. We know, sadly, that we cannot always count a person's home-life to build them into the people we would like them to be. We are often parent, nurse, social worker, friend, etc. to so many children. The point is, they have to see it first, we have to show it to them, we have to be very deliberate in our actions. In preschool everything is overly dramatic, because it's more interesting and entertaining. So, when someone is feeling bad, we all stop and try to understand why...and then comfort them. When a child helps someone else or comforts someone else I go out of my way to brag on them. If I don't notice they come and point out to me that they helped and then I brag on them:) I want my students to understand community. In a time where everything is online and on TV and in the phone I don't think we are building community anymore. We may not really know our neighbors, we may not spend time as a family playing...social skills and developing positive relationships aren't as easy to foster as in the past. So, if I teach them while they are young to be part of a community, to take care of each other, then hopefully they will carry that with them into all their experiences.