After 3 long weeks of supporting a textbook adoption across our district, it was time to get back into the fun role of helping teachers. Today, I was welcomed into three different math classrooms and was able to take ownership of one as I walked them through a Desmos activity in exploring absolute value graphs. It takes a lot to invite another educator into your class. It takes even more to hand over the floor and let someone else teach your students for the day. Today, I remembered how much I miss teaching kids.
One of the big takeaways from Twitter Math Camp was Glenn Waddell's call for more High Fives. I've always been a high energy teacher, but not overly enthusiastic about a right answer; kids need to earn it. However, I tried Glenn's approach today, giving a high five for clearing the smallest hurdle. The result? Kids love high fives. This was my "yeah duh" moment of the day, even as juniors and seniors were reaching up top, waiting for the imminent approval of a stranger from the district office who gave out high fives like Oprah gives out Vitamix blenders.
One of the big takeaways from Twitter Math Camp was Glenn Waddell's call for more High Fives. I've always been a high energy teacher, but not overly enthusiastic about a right answer; kids need to earn it. However, I tried Glenn's approach today, giving a high five for clearing the smallest hurdle. The result? Kids love high fives. This was my "yeah duh" moment of the day, even as juniors and seniors were reaching up top, waiting for the imminent approval of a stranger from the district office who gave out high fives like Oprah gives out Vitamix blenders.
Smiles. Happiness. Yeah, I get that at times as I'm working with teachers, but it isn't the same. There's something heart-warming about a kid "getting it". You know, the one where they spend 20 minutes struggling with a concept, then finally look out of the corner of their eye to see if you're paying attention, realize you are, then the side of their mouth cracks an ever-so-slight smile, as if to say, "I've got this." Two girls were finished with their explorations early, so I challenged them to "match my graph". Not only did they accept the challenge, they completed it. That felt awesome today.
Steps were aplenty today. Translation: teachers walk a lot. I know that there are some who are tracking their steps and sharing on Twitter, and I totally buy into that. Here's a step challenge: 8,000 during the school day. Not only does it help your calories burned and your long-term health, it also shows your students your mobility and desire to be within reach at all times. Walking a maze during class is counterproductive; I'm talking about objective paths to reach all students, every single period, every single day. It's tough, especially with the classes of 39 I got to work with today, but it's very possible.
One of the few things I have to cling onto from my teaching days are the relationships with my students. As I was helping the third teacher on my schedule for the day, a former student walked in as a TA. It was so nice to catch up and see that she is doing so well. At the end of the period, happily conversing and reflecting with the teacher, I proclaimed that "this is why I love teaching."
Her reply from a few feet away: "Then why'd you leave us?"
For that, I have no answer.
Happy "Heart Always Being In It For The Kids" Fishing
One of the few things I have to cling onto from my teaching days are the relationships with my students. As I was helping the third teacher on my schedule for the day, a former student walked in as a TA. It was so nice to catch up and see that she is doing so well. At the end of the period, happily conversing and reflecting with the teacher, I proclaimed that "this is why I love teaching."
Her reply from a few feet away: "Then why'd you leave us?"
For that, I have no answer.
Happy "Heart Always Being In It For The Kids" Fishing
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