#wobbledance

And so the wobble continues!

(1)  Having started a new program with a curriculum that I helped write, it is safe to say that my wobble now has become a dance of sorts.  None of the lessons I use are similar to what I used last year.  In fact, the goal is to create lessons for four years, with each year composed of different lessons, especially when considering the fact that the students in my social skills group will see me throughout the entirety of their high school career!  I now am at a point where my wobbly dance is so great that I have started to stress myself out more so than usual, primarily because I try to integrate as much connected learning as I can, while also finding ways to keep my kiddos engaged.  

(2) My boyfriend and I recently participated in an “Escape the Room” adventure, which then made me think of how fun it would be to have my students perform a similar task where they “Escape the Classroom”.  Well, thank goodness for Pinterest because I started getting overwhelmed with the idea of trying to put together this entire activity on top of my every day duties.  Pinterest led me Teachers Pay Teachers, where Pathway2Success already has an “Escape the Classroom” bundle for purchase!  Who better understands the wobble of a teacher than another teacher??

(3) Amy introduced an article about designing the classroom to maintain an air of openness while also pursuing inquiry.  I must admit that this seems to be a very daunting task, especially when we (at least in my district) are faced with students that outright and openly tell us “they don’t care” and that they are okay with getting zeroes.  Ideally, the open and inquiry based classroom is the ideal classroom, but how do we get there when we constantly battle this “I don’t care” mentality??

(4) John Spencer brings us the following video where he explains the concept behind inquiry-based learning.  I especially LOVE how he incorporated Harry Potter into the video.  Not only did the Harry Potter reference make the video more relatable, but it touched a special place in my Potter-loving heart. ❤️

(5) Pinterest led me to an article on “How to be a Great Teacher.”  The last point really hit home for me as it reminds readers to be grateful to one’s own teachers.  Working in the high school from where I graduated, I daily see teachers I once had when I was a student.  I recently had one of these former teachers tell me how nice it is to have me as a colleague.  All I could think was how I would not be here had it not been for them.  So, for the teachers who taught me, for the teachers I with whom I work, and for the teacher who I strive to be...this all is for you!  Thank you!

Always,