Ever noticed how, just when you really settle into your summer groove, it's suddenly time to go back to school? It always, always seems to sneak up on me, with the last two weeks going by in an unappreciated blur.
However, this has been a great summer. I got to spend time with family, catch up with friends, get reasonably fit again, read loads of good books, watch movies with my kids, cook, walk and find romance again - not bad going for five short weeks!
In addition, I was really pleased with the results of my students - all except one achieved their target grade or above - what a motivation to work even harder with this year's cohort! I am actually (hate to admit it, but it's true) looking forward to getting started again. It's just the INSET days I am dreading.
Am I the only one who thinks starting with INSET is a bad idea? You can see everyone trying to look as if they are focused, meanwhile all anyone can think of is the pile of stuff to get ready before the new classes storm through the door on Thursday. It's particularly relevant this term, because our school was off limits all summer, so I haven't even been able to go in and unpack the boxes I moved from my old classroom in July.
Unlike last year though, when I was new to the school and the profession, I now realise that the world won't end if my classroom displays are not perfect on day one. Instead of panicking, I plan to have a relaxed atmosphere for the first few days (relaxed - not undisciplined or chaotic!) and take some time to get to know the kids. I intend to make them feel that my classroom is a good place to be - that will hopefully make them more receptive to the subject!
Some of this "inspiration" has come from reading the autobiography of Frank McCourt (author of "Angela's Ashes") of his teaching career. It is an entertaining and at times startling read - the way he admits to his failings. It's called "Teacher Man" and I recommend it.
Monday 31 August 2009
Monday 24 August 2009
My greatest teachers: part 2
Last post I mentioned family who have taught me valuable lessons. I have also been blessed with some very special friends and colleagues who have helped to guide me on life's journey.
I have know T since we were 9 years old. We have been through it all - being best friends as kids, not speaking for a couple of years in our teens, then reconnecting and staying friends ever since. We've shared our thoughts and feelings on first love, parents, siblings, other mates and the meaning of life (not only the Monty Python version!) We have laughed together, toasted each other at our weddings, cried over our break-ups and revelled in the joy of being parents. The reason I value this relationship so much is that I can always rely on T to be honest with me. She tells me exactly what she thinks, but she is always on my side - even when she disagrees with me. From her I have learned the value of loyalty.
I emigrated away from my homeland for a variety of reasons, which meant needing to make new friends. I could never have predicted that S would be as special as T - she is a friend with whom I can share so many things - a love of reading, walking, animals and our children. Although I have known her for a far shorter time, she is my rock - I have learned to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, cooking for my family and maintaining a sense of wonder at life's endless possiblities.
As far as my career goes, there have been colleagues who have taught me the skills I need as a teacher - planning, being organised, classroom management etc. But none of these has helped me as much as two people - D, a quiet, gentle man who never needs to raise his voice in the classroom - he instils a love of English in his students, and the rest seems effortless! I hope to emulate his wonderful calm manner.
The other special person is CD - her sense of humour has helped me keep the job in perspective - even on our worst days, students seldom suffer or inflict any lasting damage, and we live to teach another day. Without this ability to switch off from time to time, I believe even the most dedicated professional would burn out too quickly. And I hope to teach for a long, long time.
I have know T since we were 9 years old. We have been through it all - being best friends as kids, not speaking for a couple of years in our teens, then reconnecting and staying friends ever since. We've shared our thoughts and feelings on first love, parents, siblings, other mates and the meaning of life (not only the Monty Python version!) We have laughed together, toasted each other at our weddings, cried over our break-ups and revelled in the joy of being parents. The reason I value this relationship so much is that I can always rely on T to be honest with me. She tells me exactly what she thinks, but she is always on my side - even when she disagrees with me. From her I have learned the value of loyalty.
I emigrated away from my homeland for a variety of reasons, which meant needing to make new friends. I could never have predicted that S would be as special as T - she is a friend with whom I can share so many things - a love of reading, walking, animals and our children. Although I have known her for a far shorter time, she is my rock - I have learned to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, cooking for my family and maintaining a sense of wonder at life's endless possiblities.
As far as my career goes, there have been colleagues who have taught me the skills I need as a teacher - planning, being organised, classroom management etc. But none of these has helped me as much as two people - D, a quiet, gentle man who never needs to raise his voice in the classroom - he instils a love of English in his students, and the rest seems effortless! I hope to emulate his wonderful calm manner.
The other special person is CD - her sense of humour has helped me keep the job in perspective - even on our worst days, students seldom suffer or inflict any lasting damage, and we live to teach another day. Without this ability to switch off from time to time, I believe even the most dedicated professional would burn out too quickly. And I hope to teach for a long, long time.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
My greatest teachers: part 1
In my humble opinion (yes, I'm being ironic!) good teachers like to teach, but great teachers like to learn. How can you inspire anyone to learn if you don't have a passion for knowledge yourself? (I want to be a great teacher, but I will need another couple of decades of learning first!)
We start learning as soon as we become sentient, and I want to pay tribute to everyone who has taught me valuable lessons.
From my dad I learned how much I love calmness, and stoicism. He always made me feel secure and confident in my abilities. Where some people might think to themselves, in a tricky situation, "What would Jesus do?", I think, "What would Dad do?"
My brother R has shown me what true strength of character is. He has had to go through a lot, but he has always remained honourable, kind and loving. He really does turn the other cheek. He was, to be less rose-tinted about things, a bit of a tyrant towards me when he was a teenager, but boy! Did that teach me to stand up for myself! Then he became my best friend and confidante when I was a teenager.
My sister S is the sunny flipside to my often sombre personality. She has been the one to help me lighten up when I need to, and keep things in perspective. She gathers people about her like a flower attracts butterflies, and they depart happier for the nectar of her open and friendly presence (not to mention her yummy food!)
I have also gained wisdom from some of the things my relatives taught me NOT to do:
We start learning as soon as we become sentient, and I want to pay tribute to everyone who has taught me valuable lessons.
From my dad I learned how much I love calmness, and stoicism. He always made me feel secure and confident in my abilities. Where some people might think to themselves, in a tricky situation, "What would Jesus do?", I think, "What would Dad do?"
My brother R has shown me what true strength of character is. He has had to go through a lot, but he has always remained honourable, kind and loving. He really does turn the other cheek. He was, to be less rose-tinted about things, a bit of a tyrant towards me when he was a teenager, but boy! Did that teach me to stand up for myself! Then he became my best friend and confidante when I was a teenager.
My sister S is the sunny flipside to my often sombre personality. She has been the one to help me lighten up when I need to, and keep things in perspective. She gathers people about her like a flower attracts butterflies, and they depart happier for the nectar of her open and friendly presence (not to mention her yummy food!)
I have also gained wisdom from some of the things my relatives taught me NOT to do:
- Ride a motorcycle very fast while drunk
- Jump off a roof with an umbrella as a parachute
- Eat millipedes
- Ride a bicycle before learning how to stop (or steer)
- Drive Dad's car around the neighbourhood without a licence
- Toss empty aerosol cans into a bonfire
- Go on a long international holiday by car - without your passport
- Borrow money
- Cut your toenails with a razor blade
- Drink tea over your laptop
- Do a backflip off a swing
Mostly, my family taught me that there is a bond between people who love each other that cannot be weakened by separation in time and distance. Sadly, I have also had to recognise that simply being related does not equal being connected.
"The Class"
The other night I was on my own and I started browsing the movies available on demand on TV. I stumbled across a surprising little gem, a subtitled French film called "Entre Les Murs" ("The Class") about a young teacher in a large comprehensive school in Paris. It is semi-autobiographical, written by Francois Begaudeau, who plays the lead role. Check out the link:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068646/
The reason I enjoyed the film so much is its honest portrayal of teachers and students. It was weirdly comforting to see situations in a classroom in another country that were so familiar! Unlike the "inspiring" films about teaching like "Dangerous Minds", "Take the Lead" and "The Dead Poet's Society", there are no magic wands here. I always finish watching those films on a high, feeling that if I could just find the key, I could transform even the most cynical student into one who will soak up knowledge like a sponge, and start thinking independently. It takes only a day or two back at school to remember that this is not likely.
What comes across strongly in "The Class" is the teachers' passion for learning, along with their all-too-human failings. The apathy of many of the students is real and saddening, as are the glimpses into their personal circumstances, that go some way to explaining their attitudes. At the same time there are endearing moments when the divide between teacher and student is bridged. Some of the kids are genuinely funny too, and very smart. Very humbling, and that is something every teacher out there has experienced.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068646/
The reason I enjoyed the film so much is its honest portrayal of teachers and students. It was weirdly comforting to see situations in a classroom in another country that were so familiar! Unlike the "inspiring" films about teaching like "Dangerous Minds", "Take the Lead" and "The Dead Poet's Society", there are no magic wands here. I always finish watching those films on a high, feeling that if I could just find the key, I could transform even the most cynical student into one who will soak up knowledge like a sponge, and start thinking independently. It takes only a day or two back at school to remember that this is not likely.
What comes across strongly in "The Class" is the teachers' passion for learning, along with their all-too-human failings. The apathy of many of the students is real and saddening, as are the glimpses into their personal circumstances, that go some way to explaining their attitudes. At the same time there are endearing moments when the divide between teacher and student is bridged. Some of the kids are genuinely funny too, and very smart. Very humbling, and that is something every teacher out there has experienced.
Thursday 13 August 2009
Spells I would like to cast
The title of my blog is no accident - I wish I were really a witch (a good one, obviously) so that I could bring about some magic for my students.
What spells would I cast? For starters, the Enthusiasm spell - how wonderful it would be if all the students had a love of, and thirst for, learning and knowledge! Just imagine - never having to hear "What's the point of this, Miss?" ever again! It's important to make school relevant to the students' lives, indeed, but then again, if all you ever learn is what you already know, how will you grow - intellectually, emotionally, spiritually?
My second spell of choice would be the Brief Glimpse into the Future spell. I would so love to be able to reassure the kids that, while bad hair days and spots might still occur in adulthood, they will have so little impact on ANYTHING that they are not worthy of all the angst!
With another potion, I would cast a Be an Individual spell. This would allow each student to express his/her unique style, without the fear of being judged by their peers (who are, in reality, so busy worrying that THEY don't fit in that they don't notice anyway!) This spell would need to be used alongside the Respect spell, so that no-one "expresses" their uniqueness to the detriment of everyone else.
A really useful tool would be the I Saw That spell. The next time someone lobs a ball of paper/wad of chewing gum/empty (or full) water bottle at a fellow student's head, this bit of magic would leave a bright red trail of guilty goo from the object to the offender's arm, as telling as the chemical that betrays the pool pisser with a blue cloud! It would also reverse the action, so that, like a boomerang, the hurled item would be returned to sender with satisfying results!
My personal favourite would probably be the Sticky Swear Words spell. Say the F-word (or worse) and potty-mouth's words will turn into vile-tasting toffee, making him literally eat his words. That would be more effective than my usual method, borrowed from Moss in "The IT Crowd" - saying "My ears are not a toilet!"
The ultimate, though, would have to be the I Love Reading spelling. I firmly believe that students who love reading could practically educate themselves - it's all out there, waiting to be discovered. Not to mention the hours of joy that reading provides! What a gift that would be - and I wouldn't even need to resort to writing saucy tales about my students, as one unfortunate teacher in England did!
What spells would I cast? For starters, the Enthusiasm spell - how wonderful it would be if all the students had a love of, and thirst for, learning and knowledge! Just imagine - never having to hear "What's the point of this, Miss?" ever again! It's important to make school relevant to the students' lives, indeed, but then again, if all you ever learn is what you already know, how will you grow - intellectually, emotionally, spiritually?
My second spell of choice would be the Brief Glimpse into the Future spell. I would so love to be able to reassure the kids that, while bad hair days and spots might still occur in adulthood, they will have so little impact on ANYTHING that they are not worthy of all the angst!
With another potion, I would cast a Be an Individual spell. This would allow each student to express his/her unique style, without the fear of being judged by their peers (who are, in reality, so busy worrying that THEY don't fit in that they don't notice anyway!) This spell would need to be used alongside the Respect spell, so that no-one "expresses" their uniqueness to the detriment of everyone else.
A really useful tool would be the I Saw That spell. The next time someone lobs a ball of paper/wad of chewing gum/empty (or full) water bottle at a fellow student's head, this bit of magic would leave a bright red trail of guilty goo from the object to the offender's arm, as telling as the chemical that betrays the pool pisser with a blue cloud! It would also reverse the action, so that, like a boomerang, the hurled item would be returned to sender with satisfying results!
My personal favourite would probably be the Sticky Swear Words spell. Say the F-word (or worse) and potty-mouth's words will turn into vile-tasting toffee, making him literally eat his words. That would be more effective than my usual method, borrowed from Moss in "The IT Crowd" - saying "My ears are not a toilet!"
The ultimate, though, would have to be the I Love Reading spelling. I firmly believe that students who love reading could practically educate themselves - it's all out there, waiting to be discovered. Not to mention the hours of joy that reading provides! What a gift that would be - and I wouldn't even need to resort to writing saucy tales about my students, as one unfortunate teacher in England did!
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Down time
I think it's very important to make the most of any free time you have as a teacher. Here are ten things you can do in 30 minutes to give yourself a well-earned break!
- Read that book you've been saving - preferably with a cup of tea and some chocolate.
- Go for a bike ride somewhere beautiful.
- Have a sauna followed by an ice-cold shower (if you are lucky enough to have access to one!)
- Stroll through an art gallery.
- Browse the latest funny videos on your local news site.
- Look at your favourite photo album - a short trip down memory lane can do wonders.
- Have a chat on the phone with an old friend.
- Lie with your feet up and listen to some music.
- Bake something delicious.
- Watch an interesting documentary on TV - for added benefit, do some yoga-like stretches.
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