Lol, just kidding. Observing you guys at Lincoln was great. I have a difficult time picturing myself doing middle school. But you guys take it and you do it well.
Kortny: I don't know you that well, but, honestly, I pleasantly surprised at your presence in the classroom. It seems like you were blessed with that class I saw, but you also did an awesome job with it.
Jess: I love that system of management you have going on. And I loved hearing your success story with (the student who made all kinds of progress recently whose name I can't remember). And, of course, your passion for the content is great. It would take a bit more courage than I have to show myself performing a poem I wrote. Boss.
And Jackie: You weren't there. And then you try to take my spot with Susan. How dare you.
These groups of students are a whole different ball game in terms of relevance. I guess it kind of sucks that my students will accept "because it will be on the test" or "because I said so" as valid reasons. What do you guys do in terms of relevance? That's something where I'm in dire need of a change. I really liked what Greg had to say today at the cohort meeting and how he rolls with relevancy. Actually using real world examples (and literally using those examples) is sick. I really like that method. What do you guys got?
Thanks Jeff! I surprise people more often than not with my personality...in a good way of course. :) While I haven't been able to get over to L-S to observe yet, I understand where you're coming from regarding the differences between the two groups. I went to Manheim Central, which is a lot like L-S so my first week at SDoL was a bit of a culture shock.
I think "my" kids don't accept it just yet because of their age. In 6th grade they are still experimenting and are still reluctant to follow the rules just because. There are, however, a couple of students who will ask that dreaded question: Why do we need to learn this? My answer to my aspiring rap and pop stars when asked why they need to learn poetry is simple: "You like to write songs, right? Poetry and the elements can help you improve your lyrics and make you stand out from other artists." Of course it's not always that easy, but I try to find something they can relate to like that.
I'm still looking at real world examples for our advisory period for 6th graders, so when I come up with something I'll let you know!
Lol, just kidding. Observing you guys at Lincoln was great. I have a difficult time picturing myself doing middle school. But you guys take it and you do it well.
ReplyDeleteKortny: I don't know you that well, but, honestly, I pleasantly surprised at your presence in the classroom. It seems like you were blessed with that class I saw, but you also did an awesome job with it.
Jess: I love that system of management you have going on. And I loved hearing your success story with (the student who made all kinds of progress recently whose name I can't remember). And, of course, your passion for the content is great. It would take a bit more courage than I have to show myself performing a poem I wrote. Boss.
And Jackie: You weren't there. And then you try to take my spot with Susan. How dare you.
These groups of students are a whole different ball game in terms of relevance. I guess it kind of sucks that my students will accept "because it will be on the test" or "because I said so" as valid reasons. What do you guys do in terms of relevance? That's something where I'm in dire need of a change. I really liked what Greg had to say today at the cohort meeting and how he rolls with relevancy. Actually using real world examples (and literally using those examples) is sick. I really like that method. What do you guys got?
Thanks Jeff! I surprise people more often than not with my personality...in a good way of course. :) While I haven't been able to get over to L-S to observe yet, I understand where you're coming from regarding the differences between the two groups. I went to Manheim Central, which is a lot like L-S so my first week at SDoL was a bit of a culture shock.
DeleteI think "my" kids don't accept it just yet because of their age. In 6th grade they are still experimenting and are still reluctant to follow the rules just because. There are, however, a couple of students who will ask that dreaded question: Why do we need to learn this? My answer to my aspiring rap and pop stars when asked why they need to learn poetry is simple: "You like to write songs, right? Poetry and the elements can help you improve your lyrics and make you stand out from other artists." Of course it's not always that easy, but I try to find something they can relate to like that.
I'm still looking at real world examples for our advisory period for 6th graders, so when I come up with something I'll let you know!