Now that I am feeling a little better, I can take two steps back and really LOOK. As I prepare to go to school this morning, I have an inkling of why my school day feels like a merry-go-round...
When I sat down to plan my day this morning, my lesson plan looked like this:
Even with THIS MUCH emphasis on literacy and math, I still have quite a few kids who are below grade level. Yet I am constantly telling them that "forward" is the goal. Everyone started the year at different places in different subjects. The key word was FORWARD on the very first day. And that has become my OLW as well.
I have a few kiddos who have slid backwards, but, for the most part, we ARE moving forward. It hasn't been an easy year, but with middle school looming in just 67 days, we just keep trying with each new day to learn the skills that will make our middle school experience more successful.
So... not a Pity Party, just an explanation. I love when I can make sense of the oatmeal in my brain. I keep looking for the good... and I keep finding it. Life is good!
With that, I have to gather the rock samples, the integer line-up cards (Thanks, Stephanie!), the shared reading text and questions, and the Book Club materials.
A new day awaits!
How I wish I had a box in your schedule . . . for us to chat and connect . . . here's to an out-of-the-box day!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
I am loving your "little boxes" but I can see why you are a little over whelmed! That sounds like a big task you are taking on but I am sure, from the sounds of things, that your class is moving forward :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
The Crazy Adventures of a University Graduate
Hi Kim!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are feeling better! I am in the same boat with trying to accommodate all of my kiddos abilities! We'll make it!
I think it's great that you're doing everything you can to meet the needs of your students! They are so lucky to have you : ) So many teachers do NOT differentiate and it breaks my heart. Keep going! You're doing fantastic, I'm sure of it!
ReplyDeleteKelli
talesfromatravelingteacher.blogspot.com
I feel overwhelmed just looking at that template!
ReplyDeleteWhew! Are you expected to turn one of those in every day?!?!?! That's crazy! No wonder you feel the way you do!
You're my hero!
❤ Mor Zrihen from...
A Teacher's Treasure
Teaching Treasures Shop
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for an award! Come check it out at my blog!
Molly
Lessons with Laughter
At least you are attempting to differentiate. So many teachers shy away from it because, like you said, it is overwhelming! You are doing all you can and I KNOW it is making a difference :)
ReplyDelete~Stephanie
Teaching in Room 6
Keep doing what you do! I think that many teachers are feeling that way as we fight for each individual student to be successful, while dealing with political education decisions that are shooting down at us. Love that you are so diligent in differentiating instruction.
ReplyDeleteHey Kim -
ReplyDeleteJust re-read this trying to find your "Words in those boxes" post and . . . if you want your class to SKYPE with John about rocks, we could arrange that. He's got his master's degree in geology and is SO passionate about rocks and landforms, especially anything space related.