Each of us has a reason for entering and staying in teaching. For me it was all about how kids learn. Each kid needed a slightly different trigger and each new skill needed a slightly different twist. I continue to love thinking about it, talking about it, writing about it.
And from the very beginning of my 30 year teaching career until June 2012 when I finally hung up my teaching cap, what I absolutely detested about teaching was planning for a substitute teacher! I complained about it from the get-go and dreamed about finding a solution: a ready-made set of worthwhile activities that someone else could put together for my kids.
Of course we all know there's no such thing because each of our kids is unique and their needs and skills change by the minute. And there's no such thing as a "one size fits all" daily plan for learning that successfully meets our kids' learning needs - despite what some of our leaders currently believe.
What I've begun writing for grades K-6 are theme-based full days of activities that I hope provide the next best thing to the individualized plans you could have written yourself. These plans may not fit perfectly into your routine, but I guarantee they provide a full day of learning. The activities are linked to common core state standards. There are options for delivery; from independent seatwork to pairs and small group to large group instruction. Directions and scripts are easy for even your most inexperienced sub (or student teacher). Most importantly there's something fun and worthwhile for each kid.
After 30 years of teaching, I love writing these plans and feeling like I'm still "in the game." My grandkids keep me informed of needed triggers and twists.
p.s. I'm certified in deaf/hard of hearing K-12 and language arts 6-12. I taught ELL in Japan for two years and d/hh in Chicago and Minnesota for the next 28 years. I got National Board Certification in 2000. Things I love: quiet time with my husband and dog, Annie Hall; canoeing, reading, long conversations with sisters and friends, and, most of all, grandkids.
No comments:
Post a Comment