I noticed a girl hiding herself in the middle of my classroom, playing with a label from her folder. She didn't think she'd even try. So, I called her out on it. I got down close to her desk and asked her, "It's still the beginning of the year, and I don't know you that well yet. I know some kids just kinda shut down when they don't understand something..." I didn't get to finish before she interrupted me, "I'm one of those kids." So I challenged her. "Well, I bet you would totally get this if you tried your best today. Will you at least try for me?" She agreed. We shook on it. Then, she tried. She succeeded. I felt like such a good teacher.
One kid has a little bit of a stubborn side. I haven't quite figured him out yet. I don't know how to motivate him. I don't know how to encourage him. He's a super-smart kid, but he's seemingly not interested in trying or working. Today, he gave up. Again. But, I talked away his excuses, and I actually got him to write something down. And wouldn't you know it, it was correct! Once he got over that first hurdle, he kept working. I was shocked. And pleased.
Another boy struggles. Even when he tries his hardest, he just doesn't get it. When he does catch onto something, however small, his face lights up. I spent some time with him, in a small group of students, pre-teaching what I planned on teaching the next day in class. He sorta got it. The next day, however, he totally rocked it. That kid was on fire! I could not believe how well he was doing. So well, in fact, that other kids were commenting. I was so happy for him!
These types of things keep me going during those times when I don't feel like being a teacher. What kinds of things motivate you at your job?
0 comments:
Post a Comment