There really is no purpose for this blog update except to have word throw up.
You've been warned.
Being a teacher is HARD. (Again, I am not putting down other jobs, or saying mine is tougher than anyone else's, etc, just. venting.) There is no instant gratification in being a teacher. I feel that if you care about making a difference, and truly want to help kids, it is HARD. I constantly second guess myself if what I am doing is the right thing, or if I am doing everything I can to help these kids. I love these kids. I care about these kids. I think about these kids all the time. I lose sleep over these kids. I just don't know if it is actually making any difference. Some days I just wonder if it is all for nothing. It would be so much easier to go to a job everyday where you don't have to take it home with you. You just do your thing, go home, and not ever worry about it. Would the kids even notice or care if I didn't?
We as educators try so hard to make our lessons relevant and engaging, and are constantly changing our classrooms and methods to keep up with the "flavor of the week" ideas that come across. Sometimes I just wish we got some instant gratification from teaching. I just wish I knew that all this hard work was making a difference. I want my kids to leave my classroom better people. Smarter. More educated about the world around them. Critical thinkers. GOOD people. I hope that someday when they are asked about a teacher that made a difference in their lives, they remember their English class.
Okay. Enough self pity. I do want to focus on positives.
While in the process of writing this post I had my English 9 students, who are currently reading Hunger Games. I had a freshman boy, who has seen the movies, tell me that he is enjoying the book MORE than the movies, and asked if he could read ahead. Game changer. I'm hoping I can also get some of the kids to keep reading the books, and then maybe even similar books after that. I really do believe that Hunger Games is the gateway drug to enjoying books
Peace, Love
Ms. A
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Are teenagers overworking themselves?
As some people know, I am in the middle of directing the school play right now. It is the first time in a very long time the school has decided to do a fall play. There were supposed to be fewer conflicts with scheduling, etc. So far, it has worked out OK, but there is a part of me that feels guilty the amount of time we ask from kids. They are being pulled in so many different directions, but then on the other side of the coin, they signed up for the commitment.
Just yesterday during our advisory practice, one of the students missed his cue because he was out in the hallway. I used my stern director voice when yelling for him. He came rushing back onto the stage, clearly flustered, and just exclaimed, "I'm sorry! There is just so much going on.." and proceeded to list about five different things he was supposed to be at during this advisory time.
This is something I struggle with as a teacher/coach/advisor. How much should we be asking of our kids? It seems like students these days are running themselves into the ground. With school, work, sports, clubs, teams, youth group, friends, dating, it just never stops for them. I don't think I remember being that busy in high school. I think I chose 2 or 3 things to really commit myself to, and then just left it at that. But it seems students these days are spreading themselves too thin. They are up late, trying to get to multiple different activities in one night, and then having to finish school work. Is it really beneficial to kids to be involved in so much? Is it hurting them more than helping?
I really have a hard time answering either way. I start to agree, and think that kids need to take a step back, and just be kids. But then I look at some of my play cast. I have football players, art club kids, choir kids, and kids who this is the only thing for them. I think it is so amazing that some of the leaders of the football team went out for the play. Or that the kid who is quiet in class and doesn't say much, wants to step out on stage and do that. How can I say no to any of those kids? How can I say that those football players being involved in the play isn't a good thing for them?
So then maybe it means we need to expect less in class. I don't think that is the answer either. I think students need to be challenged, need to have that rigor, otherwise they won't be prepared for life after high school.
So what is the happy medium? I think if we are going to encourage students to get involved in so many things, we need to be more aware of teaching them how to manage their time, and how to stay true to commitments, and most importantly, as teachers and coaches I think we need to help kids recognize when they just need to say "no" to that one more activity. We need to encourage them to take that time for themselves, and to be kids.
With that said, since I referenced the play..here's my plug..
Come see our play! Nov 7...Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
The kids have been working SO hard and they crack me up every day in practice!
Just yesterday during our advisory practice, one of the students missed his cue because he was out in the hallway. I used my stern director voice when yelling for him. He came rushing back onto the stage, clearly flustered, and just exclaimed, "I'm sorry! There is just so much going on.." and proceeded to list about five different things he was supposed to be at during this advisory time.
This is something I struggle with as a teacher/coach/advisor. How much should we be asking of our kids? It seems like students these days are running themselves into the ground. With school, work, sports, clubs, teams, youth group, friends, dating, it just never stops for them. I don't think I remember being that busy in high school. I think I chose 2 or 3 things to really commit myself to, and then just left it at that. But it seems students these days are spreading themselves too thin. They are up late, trying to get to multiple different activities in one night, and then having to finish school work. Is it really beneficial to kids to be involved in so much? Is it hurting them more than helping?
I really have a hard time answering either way. I start to agree, and think that kids need to take a step back, and just be kids. But then I look at some of my play cast. I have football players, art club kids, choir kids, and kids who this is the only thing for them. I think it is so amazing that some of the leaders of the football team went out for the play. Or that the kid who is quiet in class and doesn't say much, wants to step out on stage and do that. How can I say no to any of those kids? How can I say that those football players being involved in the play isn't a good thing for them?
So then maybe it means we need to expect less in class. I don't think that is the answer either. I think students need to be challenged, need to have that rigor, otherwise they won't be prepared for life after high school.
So what is the happy medium? I think if we are going to encourage students to get involved in so many things, we need to be more aware of teaching them how to manage their time, and how to stay true to commitments, and most importantly, as teachers and coaches I think we need to help kids recognize when they just need to say "no" to that one more activity. We need to encourage them to take that time for themselves, and to be kids.
With that said, since I referenced the play..here's my plug..
Come see our play! Nov 7...Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
The kids have been working SO hard and they crack me up every day in practice!
Friday, August 28, 2015
Online High Schools
Lately on the radio I've been hearing ads for these online public high schools that have been popping up. There is one here in Des Moines specifically, Iowa Virtual Academy. (http://iava.k12.com/)
I've explored the site a little bit, and what sticks out to me the most is the fact that they offer the individualized learning for each student. This individualized learning is a big part of an initiative that our district has picked up, and we are really striving for. How do we reach each student? How do we make sure that each student is being challenged and is doing the learning that is best for them?
This online high school can offer just that. The website says they have over 150 course options, ranging from basic core classes, elective classes, honor classes, and then they even offer AP classes. Just looking at their catalogue for English classes, they offer the basic Comp classes, British Lit, World Lit, American Lit, Honors for each of those, and then two different tracks for AP. Students also have the option of taking Journalism, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, or Gothic Literature. Now, this would be comparable to any larger district, but for our kids at Baxter this about five classes more than we currently offer. I mean Gothic Lit? How cool is that. I try to put a little Gothic Lit into my Adv English class, but a whole semester of it? And the Honors and AP classes are invaluable. That is something they can't get at Baxter.
So by looking at this, it would seem that this would be the better alternative than sending your student to a small Iowa District. They get to tailor their learning to exactly what they need. Students can take Advanced English classes, but more generalized math classes, etc. And it is all online! What better way to get our kids college and career ready!
But. As much as I believe our students (esp the kids at Baxter here specifically) should have more options, I stand firm that I do NOT believe that online high schools are the way to go. Students may get more content, but they are missing out on so much more. I believe that the high school experience should be so much more than book or academic learning. To be fair, I am sure the teachers at IVA have some GREAT project based learning they do with their online students. They probably have more flexibility and can really tailor the lessons for their students. BUT. What about the face to face discussions? What about the relationships? What about the activities? What about the friendships? Again, people may argue the "social" aspect of high school isn't for everyone. What about the introverts? The kids who aren't involved? BUT. Those same kids I believe benefit even more from sitting in my classroom everyday. I think being in a school building, and building relationships with peers and teachers, and learning about academics and life skills, and being pushed outside your comfort zone are all crucial for students.
I am not against online learning. I encourage many of my students to take online DMACC classes to get college credit and to have more options for classes. These students are still in school. They take just as many classroom classes as online.
I know our world is becoming more and more digital. Everything is online and virtual, and our students do need to be savvy in those skills. I just think those skills should be attained in the social environment of a high school setting.
Peace, Love
Ms. A
I've explored the site a little bit, and what sticks out to me the most is the fact that they offer the individualized learning for each student. This individualized learning is a big part of an initiative that our district has picked up, and we are really striving for. How do we reach each student? How do we make sure that each student is being challenged and is doing the learning that is best for them?
This online high school can offer just that. The website says they have over 150 course options, ranging from basic core classes, elective classes, honor classes, and then they even offer AP classes. Just looking at their catalogue for English classes, they offer the basic Comp classes, British Lit, World Lit, American Lit, Honors for each of those, and then two different tracks for AP. Students also have the option of taking Journalism, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, or Gothic Literature. Now, this would be comparable to any larger district, but for our kids at Baxter this about five classes more than we currently offer. I mean Gothic Lit? How cool is that. I try to put a little Gothic Lit into my Adv English class, but a whole semester of it? And the Honors and AP classes are invaluable. That is something they can't get at Baxter.
So by looking at this, it would seem that this would be the better alternative than sending your student to a small Iowa District. They get to tailor their learning to exactly what they need. Students can take Advanced English classes, but more generalized math classes, etc. And it is all online! What better way to get our kids college and career ready!
But. As much as I believe our students (esp the kids at Baxter here specifically) should have more options, I stand firm that I do NOT believe that online high schools are the way to go. Students may get more content, but they are missing out on so much more. I believe that the high school experience should be so much more than book or academic learning. To be fair, I am sure the teachers at IVA have some GREAT project based learning they do with their online students. They probably have more flexibility and can really tailor the lessons for their students. BUT. What about the face to face discussions? What about the relationships? What about the activities? What about the friendships? Again, people may argue the "social" aspect of high school isn't for everyone. What about the introverts? The kids who aren't involved? BUT. Those same kids I believe benefit even more from sitting in my classroom everyday. I think being in a school building, and building relationships with peers and teachers, and learning about academics and life skills, and being pushed outside your comfort zone are all crucial for students.
I am not against online learning. I encourage many of my students to take online DMACC classes to get college credit and to have more options for classes. These students are still in school. They take just as many classroom classes as online.
I know our world is becoming more and more digital. Everything is online and virtual, and our students do need to be savvy in those skills. I just think those skills should be attained in the social environment of a high school setting.
Peace, Love
Ms. A
Monday, March 30, 2015
Student Blogs
The past couple weeks my students have been working on establishing their "blog identity". Instead of just blogging about topics I gave them, I wanted them to create a blog presence, and to pick a theme that would the the umbrella for all their future blogs.
They worked really hard this past week, and then from here on out when we blog they will still be following their same themes...it has been fun for them!
Check them out, give them a read...even leave a comment for them!
1. http://bianchi06.blogspot.com/ (quotes and how she/you can apply these quotes your life)
2. http://mikaylaeslinger12.blogspot.com/ (inspirational quotes)
3. http://maddyhiney17.blogspot.com/ (DIY ideas)
4. http://annahummel.blogspot.com/ (life advice)
5. http://cadelewis98.blogspot.com/ (current events)
6. http://jennaohara.blogspot.com/ (advice/opinion)
7. http://msams1513.blogspot.com/ (ABCs )
8. http://schabilion14.blogspot.com/ (in the mind of a teenage girl)
9. http://unlimited96.blogspot.com/ (Fashion)
They worked really hard this past week, and then from here on out when we blog they will still be following their same themes...it has been fun for them!
Check them out, give them a read...even leave a comment for them!
1. http://bianchi06.blogspot.com/ (quotes and how she/you can apply these quotes your life)
2. http://mikaylaeslinger12.blogspot.com/ (inspirational quotes)
3. http://maddyhiney17.blogspot.com/ (DIY ideas)
4. http://annahummel.blogspot.com/ (life advice)
5. http://cadelewis98.blogspot.com/ (current events)
6. http://jennaohara.blogspot.com/ (advice/opinion)
7. http://msams1513.blogspot.com/ (ABCs )
8. http://schabilion14.blogspot.com/ (in the mind of a teenage girl)
9. http://unlimited96.blogspot.com/ (Fashion)
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