Hey, Mateys!

I am so happy that we were able to have a fantastic Pirate Day last week. It was so much fun to integrate a celebration into our language arts, social studies and read aloud lessons. The students were SOOOO into it! The costumes and food were amazing, and one of my students made handmade treasure maps for each class member and a treasure box filled with pirate-related trinkets and toys. Another student brought in a huge wooden "treasure" chest filled with pirate items including some things signed by that famous fictional pirate Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp). Oh! How I have missed students who take a theme and run with it to create something new and wonderful!

My standards-based research from last year has improved my lessons and assessment in math classes. I haven't done too much with my green, yellow and red light lesson ideas, but I have differentiated a lot within lessons. We completed the first math unit, and I am happy to report that my students love math and were very successful. The students focused on mindset, attendance and practice.

Right now, I feel excited like I did two years ago with my 3rd/4th grade class. Part of it is just going back to basics: I've tried for so long to be a team player, spend less time at school and up those test scores that I have strayed from what (I think) made me a good teacher. This year, I am really putting my time into making exciting lessons and activities, helping every student find success and fun in the classroom, and remembering that in the end I need to have my final self-assessment outweigh the feedback I get from my peers and bosses.

Reading, Working and Going Slow

I am reading a lot of books, slowly organizing my teaching world and trying to remember to go slow! Tomorrow we might even find some time to play Silent Ball in class which is an awesome game for both teachers and students. Last week I felt much more upbeat about teaching. As a result I was inspired to put in some extra hours throwing away things I will (probably) never use, and filing away all the rest.

Making a Difference

Yesterday, I received an email from one of my former students who I taught during the 1987-1988 school year. I could remember him exactly as he was in 8th grade, and now he has sons of his own, one of whom is in middle school!

We as teachers do not always realize the impact we have on our students. This year, for the second time, I was beginning to wonder if all the extra time and money I spend trying to make a difference was worth it. Along with some kind words I have recently received from former parents and students, the email made me feel better than I have in a long time.