Fourth Day
Feels partly like attempting to herd feral kittens… partly like scientifically-based creative cognitive developmental exercises.
And I’m completely exhausted.
But, I’m recognizing the need for structure and consistency for my students. It’s difficult, though, because the school itself is unstructured and inconsistent in its policies and procedures. Then again, the system, in its entirety, is the epitome of disorganization and empty policy.
Although in the midst of the confusion, I found this link that might be super helpful: New Pacing Guides for DCPS. I know a lot of people are anti-textbook or anti-standards or anti-pacing guides. But when we are teaching children who have not necessarily learned or developed the skills they need for their grade level, the standards/pacing guides do give us a framework within which we can plan effective lessons. I don’t like Houghton Mifflin (and don’t even get me started on Everyday Math and the uselessness of the curriculum when I don’t have all the manipulatives or materials). But by using the Pacing Guide as a reference, and the standards as an outline, and using Houghton Mifflin when needed, and using other resources when needed, it is surprising - it actually works.
This is not to say that I won’t stop mid-lesson to have a conversation about how Obama was not exactly elected president last night (I can understand the confusion! Looked like it was a party on TV, people were saying “our next President, Barack Obama!” etc…). I love the spontaneity that exists in my classroom. I love that my students are not afraid to ask questions or take risks in their learning. That kind of confidence does not come from completing Student Practice Book pages each day. It comes from the genuine desire to find out more and experience more and being supported in their learning and their development. I believe that support comes from more than the texts, and that the curriculum should include standards that are not limited to the children’s (standardized-tested) academic development.
Coming down off my soapbox, now. Off to plan and maybe even do laundry. The little things…
