On Teaching Adults

Tags

adults, classes, Conversation, Education, English, language, Madrid, teaching

Yesterday, I taught my first ever class to a room of adults. The University I work with in Segovia has decided to put me in charge of weekly English conversation classes for some of their staff. This includes the Director of Res Life, and higher ups from IT and Finance departments, to name a few. Needless to say, I was intimidated. My goal was to provide them with something they’d find truly beneficial without ever coming off as condescending. Overall, I think it went pretty well.

Initially, it was suggested by my “bosses” that I start with some ice breakers. They even provided examples of ones I could use. I felt a little iffy about using such ice breakers with adults (aged probably between 30-55?), and once I gauged the group I decided to trust my instincts. I’m glad I did. I could tell a lot of them were wondering about me and about the class already, and it would have been too forced to jump into awkward ice breakers intended for a younger audience anyway. Also, I really dislike ice breakers. Really.

Instead, I had them go around and tell me their names/departments/reason for interest in English conversation. I made it clear this was for my benefit, as I realized most of them already knew each other. I learned that many of them feel they do not speak English well enough to use it in professional settings, and that some can speak it fine but struggle with listening. In order to practice both conversation and listening skills, I think I will continue to play some sort of video in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, I played them a video by Sir Ken Robinson which was an RSA animate done about Public Education Systems. It was a lot of information, so I next had them summarize the video with a partner sitting next to them. I was next going to have them discuss relevant questions with the same partners. However, I had started to notice that they were speaking at different levels and mostly sitting with the people they knew best. We also had plenty of class time left, and I know no one wants to be sitting around discussing questions with the same person for 40 minutes! So, the teacher in me kicked in and I asked these adults to please stand up.

Several of the questions I had were debatable, so debate we did! I asked a question, they chose the Agree or Disagree side and then had about 3 minutes to formulate arguments with people on their side. I even dusted off my iPhone timer for this! It was legit. Then, they got to debate. All in English of course. This way, they got to discuss heavy topics (education system in Spain) with a mix of different people, and practice their English! Class time seemed to speed by after that. They made some jokes, trying to get people from the other sides to switch over and any awkwardness anyone felt initially had certainly dissipated.

At the end of class, I let them know I had noted certain areas they needed help with and would create mini-lessons for future classes (focusing on things like singular/plural, past tense, subject-verb agreement). This is the next challenge now – planning instructional lessons, rather than conversational, for adults. They seemed interested in that (I got a lot of affirmative nods), and a couple even came up afterward to let me know I shouldn’t hesitate to correct them! Of course, I still will….But it was nice to hear, and good to have on my radar for future classes.

All in all, success. Here’s hoping for similar sentiments next time around!

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Thou Shalt Not Choose Favorites (oops!)

Tags

Education, Middle school, students, Teach For America, Teacher, teaching

Among the many things parents and teachers have in common comes this rule: thou shalt not choose favorites.

As with any rule, it is breakable and I am no Saint in this matter. Over the course of my two years of teaching, I have met and worked with some truly inspiring students. While I do believe every student has something to offer, there are those few who I know will stand out to me when I think back on this time in my life.

Most teachers have success stories – the kid you were able to reach out to, transform in some way and form a better relationship with than the one borne from first impressions. I write this now because I want to make sure I remember this kid.

My “impact kid” started off as my first “trouble kid.” I still remember calling up his dad several times in the first month of school to let him know the student had earned detention in my class. He was quietly disobedient. His head was constantly down, eyes averted. It was clear to me that he was mostly checked out, and it was frustrating.

I don’t know how things changed. I’m not sure what happened to flip the switch in this kid’s mind. I don’t know how the same kid who kept his head down in the first couple months of school, turned into the kid who always had his hand up high with a smile on his face. I don’t know how he became the kid to lead my other students in the cheesy cheers I came up with to celebrate small moments in class.

I wish I could remember what I did, if I did anything. Because I do know that this kid attributed a lot of his gains to me. From the notes he wrote me at the end of last year telling me I was the source of his newfound confidence in English. From the letter he wrote me, as a 7th grader at the beginning of this year, telling me I am his role model. From the conversations he let me overhear this year of him telling other students why I am a good teacher. I have no clue why he let me in, let me become that teacher for him. I am humbled by his words.

I wonder if he realizes the impact his words and his transformation have had on me. I wonder if he understands that in the moments I truly doubted my abilities as a teacher, his words provided the encouragement I needed to inspire other students. I wonder if he knows he is the one student I know with certainty I will never forget. He is the student I will especially be sending good wishes out to, because though he has come a long way he still has a ways to go. I wonder if or when he will understand that students can be just as influential, if not moreso, on their teachers than we may be in their lives.

I only have about a month of teaching at YES left. Unfortunately, this student of mine made a silly decision as of late and is no longer at my school. I cannot explain the pain, because it is a different kind of loss. I worry about what this means for his future, and sincerely hope he makes his way back to our district in which college acceptance is guaranteed. At the same time I feel as though a beacon of my teaching career has gone out. I know it might be silly. I know it doesn’t make sense to only think of my impact on this one student, when I teach 75 kids a day. Of course there are other success stories even from this year, and students who I am proud of. The difference is, my first “impact kid” gave me something back. I took inspiration and encouragement from this, the first student who somehow transformed during my time as his teacher. It’s difficult to top that and difficult to let it go.

While I know I do not plan on teaching here in the coming years, my plan has always been to come back and watch the first group of students I ever taught graduate and go off to college. I wanted to see my “impact kid” do the same. Now, as I reflect, many of my students from that first year are already gone. How many will I recognize when I come back in 2018?

I suppose, just as my life is laid out before me, my students have their own life paths to follow. The best, and really the only thing I can do now, is send out good vibes and pass on the inspiration I’ve received from my students to others.

Forever Free

Tags

Books, Education, literacy, low-income, poverty, reading, teachers, young adult

Frederick Douglas said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

I know what you’re thinking. This girl hasn’t said a word since 2013 began, and now she’s throwing out quotes? Cliche!

I know. In my defense, my life has gotten slightly more…interesting? You want updates, and I will get them to you soon but right now I’ve got a bit of an agenda, if you will. 

As you may know, from my excessive posts about it, I am an educator. I teach 6th grade English in a low-income neighborhood. And, I need your help (no, not because I’m an English teacher starting sentences with ‘and’). 

You see, I have this class library. Only it’s filled with tattered and out-dated books. Fortunately, some of my sweet kids have taken it upon themselves to contribute to our library. Unfortunately, those who are donating rarely have more than 1 book to bring in. Sweet, sweet children. 

They deserve books. They want to read. And while I wish I could buy them the entire YA section of Barnes&Noble, I can afford no such thing. So I’m turning to all of you. 

Ever heard of Donor’s Choose? Maybe it’s a teacher thing. Anyway, I’m on it. I spent days finding all the hip YA books I could. I’ve found a variety – books for low readers, high readers, girl readers, boy readers. There’s a book out there for everyone and I want to help my kids realize that reading doesn’t always have to be a chore. 

The best part? YOU can help. All you’ve got to do is mosey on over to: http://www.donorschoose.org/ms.farishta and donate. ANY amount helps. Plus, until 2/18 (limited time!) you can double your donation by using the match code HEART. 

I want my kids to be free. Free from illiteracy, free from poverty, free from limitations. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity, and for your time. 

On Loving Books

Tags

Books, Education, Outsiders, Teacher

There’s something about a book. Well, about a story really but when I think about it the format does matter.

It’s the reason I spent one out of two recesses in kindergarten reading, and why I’ve been a bookworm ever since. Books offer much desired escapes into whole worlds of thrilling adventure, sweet romance and deep reflection into the human soul.

Every book I read is like a true companion with whom I share some part of my life. When I first pick up a new book, I examine the cover thoroughly. I allow my first impressions to form before turning, sometimes slowly and sometimes fervently, to read the opening lines. I begin to meet the story, the characters, the setting. I barely keep myself from falling in completely at this point.

Later, when I have undisturbed time to call my own, I settle down to become better acquainted with this new presence in my life. Sometimes a friend who understands my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes a lover who knows all the right things to say to make my heart melt and my hopes soar. Sometimes a firm yet compassionate teacher, guiding me through inner reflection. Sometimes a test to ensure all of my emotions, from laughter to anguish, are still functioning properly.

I love every journey a book takes me on when I allow it to. I love progressing through the pages and seeing how far our relationship has come, as the pages shift in thickness around my mental bookmarks.

Recently, I read The Outsiders. I am ashamed to admit that my first time reading this novel was as a 20-something, middle school teacher. This raw, tear-filled journey had me shaking my head in affection, disappointment and sorrow. And when I finally arrived to the end, it was too beautiful to put down. It took all my energy not to begin at the beginning again for another ride.

Like so many of the books I complete, for a while I had to simply hold it dearly to my chest while my heart wished it farewell.

You Are Exactly Where You Are Supposed To Be

Tags

chocolate, Dove, Education, Houston, Lesson

The other day my Dove wrapper tried to tell me, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be.”

Really, Dove wrapper? THIS is where I am meant to be? Miles away from my family teaching English [and playing mother] to a bunch of 6th graders? With a day-to-day that leaves me exhausted to the core? Without enough time to devote to a gym to build my core?

Those were my first thoughts, as I smirked at the wrapper before satisfyingly crumpling it up and slamming it into the trash.

It never ends there though, does it? I continued to reflect on it because that’s what secretly sage sayings on chocolate wrappers make you do, dammit.

Thinking all the way back to before I even moved to Houston, I remembered something a less hardened version of myself said to my mother.

Bright-eyed and optimistic, I turned to my mother and said something along the lines of, “Just think – down in Houston there is a group of students destined to be mine. Our paths are meant to cross and I will be their 6th grade English teacher, and they will be my first true students ever. How amazing that we are meant to all know each other in this way.”

I recalled my belief that everything happens for a reason. If this is the case, as I believe and yet often forget, then yes Dove wrapper you are ever-wise.

Then, there is a reason I am here in Houston. I am, at least  at present, supposed to be here. I am supposed to spend hours lesson-planning. I am supposed to be found in a classroom day after day. Sometimes laughing with my students, sometimes disciplining them. Always teaching. My life is supposed to intertwine with the people around me here.

I am supposed to question, daily, my actions and personality and direction in life. I am supposed to actively promote the healing of my own heart and the development of my mind and hopefully soon, spirit. I am supposed to doubt myself, I hope, until I can doubt no longer. I am supposed to be scared and act despite my fear. I am supposed to remember while trying to forget. I am supposed to ache for what I want and use it to fuel my journey. I am supposed to question, then realign my priorities.

I am supposed to learn true and continued gratitude, and the power of mind over matter. Slowly, but surely, I realize.

I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

For now.

Lessons I Hope I Taught

Tags

Education, Educators, Lesson, life, Middle school, Sixth grade, Teacher

As a 6th grade English teacher I spent the year trying to improve my students’ reading and writing skills, and instill a love of literature within them. Along the way, I hope I also taught them the following life lessons:

Focus on the Big Picture:

So you forgot your homework at home for once in your life. So you earned a mark or a detention. So you’re grounded for a couple weeks. So what? It’s not the end of the world. Life goes on, and in the grand scheme of things your detention won’t define who you are as a person. I know it’s hard to believe, but there is more to life than the short-lived wrath of a parent or teacher.

Work Well With Others: 

Whether you’re the slacker or the overachiever, group work never goes away. You will work on teams in middle school, in high school, in college, at work, on sports teams, as a camp counselor, at a game night. Team work lives on for life, so you must learn to embrace it. You must learn to value others’ opinions and contributions, you must learn to match teammates with tasks well-linked to their strengths. You must learn to influence team members to do their share, and well. You must learn how to communicate with others and work toward a common goal. You must.

Listen Closely:

When you don’t listen you may end up doing more work, or not enough. You may hurt someone’s feelings. You might miss out on a life-changing opportunity. You might annoy the heck out of someone you don’t want to annoy the heck out of. Always keep your ears open and clean.

Attitude is Everything:

Life is like a roller coaster, or a box of chocolates, or a bag of jellybeans – there are pleasant moments, horrifying moments, boring moments and thrilling moments. Good luck trying to extract one from the other. It simply doesn’t work that way. What you can control though is how you face each moment. If you have a bad attitude, you feel bad and others feel bad around you. If you focus on the positive, you automatically feel better and others feel happier in your company. Whether you whine or smile, the moment is there. Might as well smile through it and feel the best you can!

Actions Speak Louder:

It is not enough to say yes ma’am or insist that you are a trustworthy person. if your actions don’t back this up, no one will believe you. If your eyes are rolling and your shoulders are slumped you are being rude, even if only ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are escaping your lips. If you plagiarize or lie, then verbally vouching for your own honesty is meaningless.

Fighter

Tags

change, Education, Gym Class Heroes, inspire, life, Student, Teacher

This post was initially titled Survivor. In my mind I was thinking back to Destiny’s Child and Gloria Gaynor’s survivor songs, talking about how they pulled through and didn’t give up and survived what others and life threw at them.

But in light of the new Gym Class Heroes song, Fighter, survivor seemed too passive. Now, when I think of surviving I get the mental image of a goldfish flopping around with just enough water to keep it alive, but nothing more.

By these standards, I am not a survivor. I am a fighter, through and through. I’ve made it through my first year of teaching, and my first year of a grown-up job. And it was no picnic.

Unlike med-school or becoming a rocket scientist, teaching is not something you can become good at overnight. (Obviously this is a hyperbole and the best way I could think of to get across my point.)

Teaching is hard work and it takes time to become good at it. There are many factors that comprise teaching and you must become good at all or most of them in order to be considered a good teacher. Frustrating as it is, this is a long process. I am an impatient person when it comes to many things, including becoming good at something. Especially when my becoming good at something directly impacts others’ success. Especially when those others are students, many who have been wronged by the education system in some way shape or form already.

I was a mess first semester. I was still adjusting to living in a new state. I was trying to understand the school’s systems and procedures. I was trying to find a balance between being stern and being caring with my students. I was trying to teach my kids on to better lives.

I cried every single day, several times a day. I locked my door and cried. I turned the lights out and cried. I hid under my desk and cried. I was angry at myself. I was full of doubt and insecurity. I hated myself for not being an amazing teacher, for holding my students back. I toyed continuously with the idea of quitting. My rationale was that I just wasn’t cut out for this. My logic told me I was taking too long to become a good teacher, and that everyday I wasn’t amazing was another day my students missed out on the education they deserved. It only made sense that I should quit and allow a stronger candidate to step in, someone who could give my students the education they were entitled to, and had signed up for.

This is how I was already feeling most days by the time my 5 year relationship came to an end. My insecurities and sense of worthlessness multiplied 10-fold. On top of feeling incompetent I felt confused and angry and so very alone. My urge to quit grew stronger, as I began to feel physically incapable of doing anything but moping under my covers in bed all day.

I was in hell.

But I didn’t quit. Somehow, I made myself keep going. Instead of shutting down, I looked for ways to power up. I observed other teachers when I could. I reached out and asked for help. I actively pursued feedback and implemented any and all of it as quickly as I could. I let my guard down and got to know my students better. I started to care about them, not just as my students or my job, but as individuals. I let some of my coworkers become the mentors I so badly needed, both personally and professionally. I immersed myself in work and let it become the distraction I needed during the day. I got my work done to the best of my ability, and then drowned myself in televised distractions in the evening.

Throughout this process there were ups and many, many downs. And somewhere along the line, though I can’t put my finger on a precise moment, I changed. Perhaps it was when I said ‘oh hell’ and got a puppy despite my lifelong fear of them. Perhaps it was back in January when I purchased a groupon to go skydiving. Perhaps it stemmed from a simple compliment from my boss or colleague that fueled me with the confidence I needed to continue to grow.

Whatever it was, however it happened, I know that I am not the same person I was even just 5 or 6 months ago.

I see myself as a leader at work, as well as a team player and most gratefully a friend to those I work with. I finally feel like I belong there, like I fit in. I see myself as a teacher fully capable of leading students to success, and know I will never give up on myself or my students. I am more confident in who I am as a person. I am proud of my accomplishments and ever-humbled by the many obstacles I’ve faced. I feel constantly loved by those around me and grateful for all I’ve been blessed with, and am able to draw on these feelings when downer thoughts try to nag me.

This year I have grown more than I grew in the past several years combined. And I have learned, with solid evidence, that I can pull through whatever obstacles I am faced with. I have learned that the only limitations that matter are the ones I place on myself, and that these are never permanent – they are only waiting to be challenged. I have learned that happiness is a mindset that must be actively sought, and is worth pursuing.

I have learned that I am a Fighter.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” 
-Marilyn Monroe

Stop Screwing Up! Signed, Your Future.

Tags

Education, Future, insight, life, long-term, movies, plans, short-term, Student, wisdom

There are many differences between me and my students:  They love Spongebob, while I can’t stand that obnoxious little dish-enhancer. They play video games while I play Words With Friends. They thrive on sugar while I thrive on as many hours of sleep as I can cram in. The list goes on and on.

But repeatedly one key point of difference between their 12 year old mindsets and mine (double that) stands out. Although traces of this difference are constantly present, there are moments when it straight up bops me on the nose. Today, sitting next to a student who has adamantly pronounced himself to be above homework all year, I had one of those moments.

Our students are short-term thinkers, short-term planners. They can barely see what lies ahead in the coming year, and the concept of college and being a grown-up is a distant, maybe-reality to them. My mind, on the other hand, is constantly flipping through the years that await me. What will I be doing? Where will I be living? What will I study? Who will I know? How will my life play out? What will I see and do and say and read and hope and love and aspire to?

I think back to when I was their age. Of course, it was hard for me to imagine that I’d ever outgrow my supes-awk sheltered self. I couldn’t believe that maybe one day I’d sit with friends at a coffee shop doing work, talk to boys other than at recess, go through a bajillion years of school only to return as a teacher, ponder my place in the Universe, hurt for people I don’t even know and even have the power to help them.

However, I did know the basic outline as far as – I would attend school every year, I would work hard, I would attend college, I would be someone. I saw that link, and some of our students just don’t yet.

And it drives me nuts. So, as I was sitting there next to this boy wondering how much more to push before calming myself with the ‘choose your battles’ mantra, I began to hope a funny hope. Which then turned into a this-would-be-awesome-hope. Which is in the process of turning into a would-it-really-be-awesome-though hope. Curse this beyond 12 year old developed brain.

I began to hope that 24 year old *Bobby would march right through the door, look 12 year old *Bobby in the eye and reality-check that little bugger. “Wake up!” he would shout, “These people around you? They’re trying to help you! And you need that help not next year, not the year you decide you need to apply to colleges, NOW. It starts now little buddy and let me tell you, it’s a rough world out there. The standards for excellence are ever-increasing and there is no ‘cramming’ for life. It starts now. So get your act together and shape up, because the future is always coming up next.”

And then, little *Bobby would have to understand. He would have to change his ways. What choice would he have? If he talked back, he’d only be arguing with himself. And if that were the case, who better to handle it than…himself?

*Sigh* If only.

Then of course, this got me thinking how awesome it could be to have open lines of communication between our future and present selves. I began to think of Future Me. Future Me could come and tell me what stupid things to not do or think or say. Future Me could lay out my options for me with the end in sight. Future Me could reassure me that I would find a place and purpose in the world to satisfy me. Future Me could tell me who to trust, who to encourage and who to forget…and how. Future Me could make Present Me a WINNER all the way through. Wouldn’t that be grand?!

(We could easily continue on into the technicalities of why it wouldn’t be grand, but really then you’d just be raining on my parade. You’d be akin to those people who like to point out every unrealistic thing to me in a movie. I already know it’s unrealistic. It’s a movie.  Stop ruining the moment.)

Yay for Future Selves!

*The name of this student, present and future, has been altered. 

Things I Do as a Teacher That Would’ve Driven Me Crazy as a Student

Tags

Education, Educators, Homework, K through 12, Student, Teacher

teacher and its importance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I was a young, school-going gal there were many things I loved about it and many things I hated. I loved seeing my friends and going to English class and getting things right. I hated friend drama, PE, busy work, homework and little annoying things my teachers did to ruin perfection. The following is a brief list of things I’ve caught myself doing that student-me would be appalled at, and that I’m sure my students aren’t thrilled by!

Not Erasing the Board All the Way

As a student I was constantly irked when teachers would erase the board, leaving just a smidge of writing lingering behind. To me, it was meant to make the teacher look carefree and too busy when the board wasn’t erased perfectly during a lesson. But, ‘it’s right there! no way does she not see that!’ I would think to myself. It annoyed me to no end.

Now, as a teacher, I often leave just a smidge of writing lingering behind. Not to appear chill, but because by golly it takes time for my arm to move back and forth erasing that board and I don’t have time to waste! The little smidgens no longer bother me, but you can bet  my students don’t love ’em!

Not Caring When Students Discover Typos

Ah the simpler joys of childhood, like catching a teacher make a mistake. Now, I believe my kids are plenty aware how human I am. At the very least, they know I’m scared of math, have trouble staying organized, and often trip over my words. I’m all for discussing or laughing any of these things off with them.

Something I don’t spend much time on though is praising students who discover Teacher Typos. I plan with 2 other teachers. Sometimes it’s their typos, sometimes they’re mine – all the time I find it unnecessary to point them out. Can you still tell what the word is? Great, then please let’s not lose another minute of time (time is so precious!)

Stapling Papers the Wrong Way

Again – time issue. In fact, it was going around stapling their quizzes the wrong way (with the stapler turned around so that the part where the staple hugs the paper is in the front instead of back of packet) that got me thinking about all the appalling things I do. Little angels, not one of them said anything, but I could see them cringe nevertheless.

Passing Papers Back Late

It used to drive me nuts waiting to get a test or other graded work back. I would ask the teacher every couple of days when I’d finally know my grade. I would think about how insensitive my teachers were for keeping us waiting on our grades for so long after we’d worked so hard.

I’m sorry former teachers. I finally understand. I understand now that I wasn’t your only student and that teaching wasn’t really your only job. I understand that you were a planner, an executor, a grader, a meeting-attender, a detention supervisor, a homework club supervisor, a conflict resolver, a friend, a daughter/son and oh yea – human.

Losing Papers

On this one I plead guilty with no excuses. Sure I get a million papers shoved in my face from many different students daily: permission slips, signed letters, parent notes, homework, makeup work – honestly the list is endless. But a great teacher would have some sort of system for this, right? I have a couple but hey, I’ve never been great at staying organized and try as a I might to avoid it, I have lost several student papers this year. Yes, they had to redo them. I appreciate my students greatly for being so cooperative with something so obnoxious!

Not Calling on a Student Who Has Something to Share

As most of the items on my list here, this too links back to time. My students are great – they ask questions and often raise their hands to participate when I ask a question, or even when I don’t. These little 12 year olds are filled to the brim with comments, insights and inquiries. I would love to hear them all, but it simply isn’t possible. It comes down to time and tangents. How much time is this going to take? How much of a tangent are you about to take us all on if I call on you? These are the questions I must ask myself before calling on someone.

Often, my students are stretching their arms so high they may rip off as they sit up so they’re just barely on their seats anymore. In a class of only 22 or so (thank God), they know that I see them. I remember how frustrating it used to be when I thought I had the most amazing thing in the world to share and my teacher would just not call on me! I remember thinking, ‘she/he has no idea what she/he is missing out on and making the class miss out on, I’m about to speak pure gold’ (or something like that).

In my short time as a teacher though, I’ve learned that often when kids are jumping out of their seats to say something it is going to take us on a tangent of some sort. Some days this is acceptable. Most days, we have to pass on their wise words.

 

It’s amazing how different things look from this, the other side of things. I’m beginning to wonder what other annoying things I’ve done as a teacher this year.  What did your teachers do that you couldn’t stand?

Test of Life

Tags

Education, Standardized test, Student, Tests, Texas, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

Standardized Test (Photo credit: biologycorner)

Yet another thing I didn’t understand about teachers until I became one: your students become your life.

Not in the obvious sense of how well you grow to know and love them, or how often you see them. More in the sense of ‘there’s a million other kids your age in the world yet my day-to-day revolves around you.’

The state and district tests are only weeks away and we have kicked it into overdrive. I’m talking benchmarks, countdowns, after school and Saturday tutorials, and a readjustment of daily schedule to add in even more tutorial time during school hours. I find myself constantly glancing at data (and I am not data people, folks) and trying to figure out which skill to reteach when. And how.

It feels like I am racing the clock to this test which is sort of silly because we’ve been teaching these major skills all year. But now it’s especially time to catch any students who’ve fallen through the cracks on various skills. I feel like my life is often fueled by preparing my students for this test, and sometimes I need to just take a step back and breathe.

When I do this, I am shocked at the reminder that these tests are not the main focus of everyone else’s life at the moment. The guy in the car next to me probably isn’t even aware when these tests are!! Ludicrous.

Students all over Texas are taking the STAAR. Students all over the country will take state tests. But my daily life is ruled by the upcoming test dates that apply to my students, and preparing them to excel. It is imperative they do well, though I don’t constantly recite the ‘why’ in my mind as I do the ‘what’ and ‘how.’

So in conclusion, there are 2 sides to me with 2 different feelings on this issue.

1. Serious and focused – it is ON with this test. We are going to practice and learn and rock this test. We are going to show that we’ve actually learned something this year. We are going to show that the students of YES Prep Fifth Ward can succeed despite where they come from.

2. There’s more to life – I am freaking out over a test. It is not the ACTs. It is not the SATs. It is not an AP test. It is a test that my students need to do well on because it is comprised of skills they need, to continue building the foundation toward success on aforementioned tests. Still. It is one group of students out of the MANY in the world. It is a 6th grade test. It is a state test.

Side 1 wins out again. Time to get planning!