Slicing every day in March! I've been wondering a lot about my triggers lately. What makes me happy? What makes me sad? What discourages me. What gives me hope. And, much to my chagrin, many of the things that produce a strong emotion in me are extrinsic in nature. I seem to get my value from what other people say about me. I can turn on a good word and, just as easily, buckle over someone's carelessly, or carefully, worded comment. These changes in mood are often related to my perceived professional worth. This is a hard way to live. It's unpredictable and totally dependent on the person giving the compliment. And, of course, it's completely random and unreliable. Here one day, gone the next! So, during this month of slicing, I am pledging to notice and document daily successes - big and small. Today's noticing is about the tempo in my classroom. Yes, tempo! The rhythm of a group of 5th graders who when given a choice about whether or not to participate i...
This blog is a place to ruminate on the problems of teaching. If I am thinking thoughtfully, my posts will hopefully raise more questions than answers. By problematizing teaching we reflect on those questions that are constantly behind, in front, and at center of everything we do in the classroom. Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear what other teachers are thinking about on these and other issues. Cheers! Elisa