For this reason, I like my students, all hundred and something of them. And while any seasoned teacher would advise otherwise, I want my students to like me. I want their recommendation on the best Colombian junk food. I want them to laugh at my jokes. I want more than the conditioned "fine thank you" when I ask how they are doing. I want to absorb their kid-ness. Beneath their untamed energy, determination beams from their wandering brown eyes. I owe it to them to be awesome, to give them a reason to want to learn English.
I feel quite distant from this proclamation. Why I struggle to understand their Spanish, eye rolls and sighs are of a universal language. In spite of my diligence of planning, my cardboard visuals and hyperbole demonstrations are drowned in their doodles and whispers. I want my teaching to leave more than the stroke of a dry erase marker. I want to inspire. I need to convince these kids that English soars beyond the concrete confines of their classroom. When did this "Teacher!" become so lame?
I got to figure this out, I have 10 months to do so. For those of you teachers, help me out (or if you are a non-teacher with a strong opinion, that is fine too). How do I inspire? How do I win over Pokemon and One Direction? Please keep in mind that I am teaching with limited resources. Also, if you ever felt like the "Teacher!" who fell short, I'd like to know I'm not alone. :)
The Movie "Stand By Me" so well illustrates the spirit of kids. It reminds me of my students. Except for the 3 days in the woods, dead body, and USA. |
Use your passion for teaching to incite their passion for learning. Try and touch one mind everyday, inspire one child each day, excite one of your students about the subject each day, and your job will be accomplished. Under no circumstance should you equate your ability to teach with their ability to learn. Some people, kids included just do not get excited about learning, and that is not your fault.
ReplyDeleteBe passionate, be creative, be fierce. That will show up in your teaching.
Thanks Gibson. Good piece :)
ReplyDeleteYou're doing better than know.
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