As I began reading the book Reading Essentials, by Regie Routman, I was totally making connection after connection. The quote that fascinated me the most was “If we want our students to be excited about literacy, they need to have teachers who love coming to work, who are literacy learners themselves, who find ways to make curriculum relevant to children’s lives, and who can put high-stakes testing in perspective". (RR 1) " If schools are not nurturing, exciting, and safe places for teachers, we teachers cannot create those enviroments for our teachers." (RR 7) So many times, I have been sad, stressed worried or just tired but have tried to be an actress in the classroom so that my students will have a positive experience that day. I have come to the conclusion that we may be the only positive they see all day. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the curriculum that I feel I am so pushed to get this and that done in a given amount of time. I have decided to let go and relax with my children. I am taking more time to just learn to simplify my teaching as Routman discussed. I feel as if I know my students best and I know what they need more than anyone else. Instead of focusing on the "what's right" and or "what's the best way" I'm focusing on what is the best thing for this group of students. Each class is different and we have to take different approaches with them.
This past weekend, I drove around Jonesvillle, S.C. and saw where many of my children are living. I can promise you, they need us to be happy and positive for them, offer them a chance at an education designed appropriately for them, provide them with many forms of literacy, and to give them something that nobody can ever take away.... an education. My goal is to complete this book, as I love the things she helps educators realize. What better way can you think of to educate a child than in a classroom where happiness radiates from everyone?
Jenni, I love your actress analogy. We do bring our own emotions, experiences, and backgrounds into our classroom every day, and sometimes this can help our kids--and sometimes it might accidentally hurt them. I love how Routman uses her text to inform but also as almost a "therapy" session for us! Your last paragraph is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this post!!
ReplyDeleteI loved your personal connection to this book. I agree that we all must prepared to teach emotionally everyday. I can't wait to read further into the book. I was disappointed by chapter 1 and 2. I just feel we have not improved as school systems or educators...still to much to do with not enough time to do it in. We forget we are people and need the"therapy" sometimes to be the best we can be.
ReplyDeleteI love reading how you work to try to give your students the best, most positive experience while in your class. It is so crucial to provide students with a positive experience during the day, because sadly this may be some students only positive experience during the day. We do not always know the issues these students deal with, if we can hopefully give them some positive experience this is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteJenni-Isn't it an eyeopener to see where your students live? I live about 3 miles from my school so I often see my kids at the gas station or Dollar General. I agree that we need to be real with our kids and that includes letting them see how to handle yourself when you are tired, etc. My mama is a retired teacher and she always says, "Nod at them and then close your door and do what you know is right." And it's right to bond with your kids!
ReplyDelete