Lesson Planning and Teaching New Material

I currently have 3 preps-two different art classes and one science (Astronomy). One of my art classes is only on Fridays, so I only have to plan that once a week. Usually I have to plan twice a week for each of my other preps. Not right now though. For the past week and a half my Art and Astronomy students have been working on projects. In the long run, I think the projects are going to be extremely beneficial. The kids are getting into them too, which is exciting. However, there's one small problem-I'M BORED! It's nice to NOT have to plan a new lesson or two every day, but while I'm in class I'm stir crazy. I spend an hour and forty minutes making the rounds from student to student to make sure they're on track and the assignment expectations are clear. The kids are doing well, but I'm anxious to teach them something new...I wasn't anticipating that. I guess I thought I'd be more comfortable working on the same thing for several days instead of having a new lesson. I'm not though.

Teaching is such an interesting career field. It's in a league of its own really. I honestly find it to be the most rewarding and frustrating job I've ever had. I love seeing the students learn and grow and meet their potential. When they're having bad days and acting out and nothing seems to work-that's when it's frustrating. But I think it's the challenge of getting through to these kids and learning new things myself that drives me. I need to be challenged to grow, just like they do; maybe that's why I want to move on to a new subject.

All and all though, I feel like my kids are engaged in what they are doing and enjoying their projects as they develop. That's a good feeling-it means I've given them assignments that are engaging and provide a little workout for their brains. Maybe I should just enjoy not having to lesson plan right now...

I-touches and such

Last week our staff got out some I-Touches and spent some time in professional development playing with them. I've played a little bit with my friend's I-Phone and like it quite a bit. I'm thinking about getting one myself and can see why they have become so popular.

The I-Touches are really engaging and I'd like to find a good way to work them into my classes. I think they may be a good resource when we get onto the next LTT in Astronomy-learning about the life cycle of stars. I just feel really feel fortunate to have the access to all the technology I've been able to explore in this district.

Flying By...

It's hard to believe that the third trimester is almost half way through! I'm looking at summer on the horizon-I have to squint to see it, but it's there! Part of me is excited for the break and the relaxation, but not all of me. There's a lot of uncertainty in the next couple of months.

Right now I'm focusing on all the good. My lesson plans are taking less time to create and seem more natural. My students are engaged in the material and I feel as if the various balls we all must juggle as teachers are staying in the air. Perseverance pays off!!