Thursday, December 15, 2011

letting go

Currently in our Grade Nine classes, we have been working on the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.  Mr. Friesen, an outstanding Teacher Candidate,  has introduced idioms, imagery, and powerful themes.   My most difficult challenge during Mr. Friesen's time with us is "letting go".  This comment has nothing to do with Mr. Friesen, and everything to do with me.  I am a teacher who loves interacting with students.  Making class culture, in my mind, is one of the most important factors in my job.  It is my job to create an atmosphere in which students feel comfortable, relaxed, energized and empowered.  I love facilitating learning; outcomes, reading goals, writing structures, life lessons, personal achievments, and written expression.  If young people are going to write with critical thought and confidence, they need to feel confidence.  I love interacting with students, trying to create connections so that the student can "be their best".  In short, I love!  "Letting go" means that I feel a gap.  "Letting go" also means that I am allowing a wonderful teacher candidate the chance to make these connections himself.  Hearing student's feedback, I am reassured that Mr. Friesen is making great connections in his short time with us.  "Letting go" means different growth is evolving.  Kudos to all of us!

Linking to the beyond...click on the following words and explore.

Loneliness

Friends

Euthanasia

Dreams

Images that connect with John Steinbeck's book, Of Mice and Men.

getting started

A wise man once said to me "Don't over think, just write and post it!"  I am going to take these words to heart.  "It has to have purpose" is the phrase that has been ringing in my head; as I plan, as I parent, as I teach!  The idea has helped me  plan a great lesson on imagery and identify why my son is choosing to argue with his brother.  "It has to have purpose" is the idea that pushes me to spread my wings, open new windows, follow new paths and develop my teaching methodology.

I want to open my classroom to all the possibilities that lie beyond it's four walls.  This is a little scary, as I would not call myself a "computer savvy" individual.  It is my hope and goal to learn, grow and feel the world of opportunity before me.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Purpose

of this blog is to start a revolution in my teaching career.  It is through this site that I will learn, share, experience, communicate and connect with a larger community of educators and thinkers.