Today was my second day back at work. The students haven't started yet. Their first day is next Tuesday. At this time next week, I will have met my new students. I looked at my class list yesterday, and again today. I studied my new students' faces. None of them are familiar to me. A new class. Not my old class from last year. I let myself be sad for a moment. I loved my class last year. I swallowed hard. I took a deep breath. This is the new group that I will love. As much as I loved last year's group. I have a lot to think about as I organize my classroom. I make sure that everything is in its place. I lay out the flexible seating choices. I think about the first day. The first week.. The first month. I sit at my desk - yes, I have a desk - and look out across the room. I can see the cozy reading area - two couches, two chairs, an individual desk against the wall (to give kids...
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