Reclaiming the power

I start anew.

Another continent. Hence the pause in my posts as I have been adjusting to a new culture.

I have started work in a school with a distinct culture of its own. As a teacher, my aim is to make my students enjoy learning, and in the process, become confident thinkers and self-directed learners. If I spend my time contemplating how things are done differently and worry about how they should be done, then a lot of energy and time is wasted. It is not fair to the school nor to the students. This time could be better deployed. Blend in with your surrounding community and once you have found your footing, do what you do best. And in the process, if the school likes what you do, they will embrace it.

As an individual, I enjoy reflecting on my actions. I think things through (um, often) and try to engage in conversations with others in order to clarify my thoughts. I carefully choose my PLN. I choose not to engage with people who are set in their opinions. What a waste of time! Having said that, I recognize and cherish ideas that are different from my own, especially the ones that push my thinking. This I try to bring into my classroom.

Today I look around me and see the clean, sparkling, well-organized classrooms next to mine. Mine, I admit, is a bit messy at times, though we do clean up at the end of the day. What I like about my classroom (and I don't really mind if it does not look as pretty as the class next door), is that children's' work lace my classroom walls. These walls invite the students (and any visitor) to look more closely and engage with the displays. They are student-driven and showcase unique individual's work. Their feedback on post-it notes reflects a growing understanding of what constructive criticism looks like.
Hardly any laminated teacher prompts can be seen unless necessary.

I like the fact that the students have become active learners in the classroom. When they walked in the very first day, they waited for instructions for almost everything. Today, in just one month's time, they realize they can make their own decisions and waste less time waiting for the nod from me or my co-teacher.
If you happen to meet my Grade 3 students, you will be floored by them. They are funny, endearing and great to talk to.

I am lucky to be back in the classroom so soon!

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