Sunday, August 28, 2011

A WHOLE NEW BREED OF ALLIGATOR


CONFESSION TIME....

I have been feeling very overwhelmed lately and it's not just because it's the beginning of a new school year. I have been putting too much pressure of myself to know how to do it all, when in reality this all new to me.

I figured after 20 years I should have this all down, but then realized that middle school kids and curriculum are a whole new breed of alligator for me. It's ok for a veteran teacher to ask for help. I was feeling very guilty for having issues that I didn't have the solutions for.

This week I need to back up and s..l..o..w down with me and the kids. I need to do some review and be sure they really get the routines, expectations and the curriculum. I was trying to push through topics too quickly without covering them well. The curriculum map I was given is great, but it was stressing me out and I was putting too much pressure on myself to stay exactly on schedule and to do it all.

The model for the Connected Math components I am expected to follow is great, but as I have NEVER seen it done, I have just been winging it. I will ask the math coach to come in and model a lesson for me.

It's amazing the insights you can have, when you're wide awake at 3 a.m.

1 comment:

birthmothertalks said...

My youngest son started middle school this year.It's a different world than it is in grade school. I am sure you will do great!