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Tag: Lessons

I'm *that* kid!

Posted on 17/06/201426/10/2020 By Mrs. Wilson No Comments on I'm *that* kid!
Teaching

A couple of weeks ago, I spend a week in professional development training for a couple pieces of software I’ll be using with students this fall. On the last day, we were able to take exams to become certified users of the software. And from my experience this week and with the exams, I’ve realized once again who I am in your classroom.

I’m *that* kid!

You know the one I’m talking about. As students, we all knew of one or two of these kids in our classes. As teachers, we see them every year.

That kid who you watch pick up new concepts in the blink of an eye.

That kid who sees once and remembers forever.

That kid who always seems two steps ahead of the rest of the class.

That kid who barely studies, races through a test, and gets good marks.

I’m *that* kid.

During my week at PD, I’ve also seen what it’s like to not be *that* kid. I saw the struggles for people when things don’t come easily. I saw people take different approaches to learning. And I remembered that all of these students are in our classrooms.

A lot of times we focus on the struggling learners or the average learners in the class. I understand, and I’ve done that, too. However, the opportunity for learning needs to be afforded to all students in our classrooms. Challenging *that* kid can be is a challenge. However, I think it’s just as important to push *that* kid as it is all the others in our classrooms. Plus it would benefit the entire class to see *that* kid find an appropriate struggle. The other students in the class wouldn’t feel inadequate, and they would see that struggle is necessary for growth and learning.

Why do we need to challenge *that* kid? Because one day in the future, *that* kid won’t be *that* kid anymore. They will meet a true challenge, and whether or not they are successful depends on past experiences. This lesson is easier to learn early in your school career. In my sixth grade gifted science classroom, I often found my students in their first grips with struggle. In my experience, I have found that the students who adapt to middle school the easiest are the ones who have had to struggle and learned to be successful in the past. Learning to persevere through struggle may be even more important than the learning objective.

So please, don’t forget *that* kid in your class. I promise he or she wants to be challenged, too. (Although they might not know it yet!) You can trust me on this because

I’m *that* kid.

(Except in college organic chemistry, and I wish I’d experienced the struggle sooner.)

The Great Rock Mix Up: NSTA Edition

Posted on 15/04/201426/10/2020 By Mrs. Wilson No Comments on The Great Rock Mix Up: NSTA Edition
Teaching

NSTA: the National Science Teachers Association holds conferences each year: three regional area conferences each fall, a large national conference in early spring, and a STEM forum in May. This year, I had the chance for the first time to attend a national convention and to present (twice!).

I have previously shared my Great Rock Mix Up lesson, an approach I use to bring inquiry to my classroom from the first day of school. I modified some of the information I have previously shared and added some details including the inquiry based rock cycle lab. Whether you looked at the original lesson or not, I invite you to download the resources and use them in your own classroom. I would love to hear how it works for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

 NSTA Great Rock Mix Up

Here are a few photos from the presentation. It was so exciting to see my presentation room fill up before the session began. I thought I was being optimistic planning for 40 participants, but before I knew it, I was out of handouts. By the time I got started, there were almost twice that many people! I encourage you to think about sharing your favorite lessons at conferences like NSTA. It is a great experience, and it it wonderful to share with fellow educators!

The room is filling up before the presentation begins
The room is filling up before the presentation begins
Teachers participating in the rock activities
Teachers participating in the rock activities

 

First Day Jitters

Posted on 07/08/201326/10/2020 By Mrs. Wilson No Comments on First Day Jitters
Teaching

firstdayFirst day jitters – do you get them? I’m pretty sure most if not all teachers do. The excitement and anticipation of meeting 130 plus students for the first time can be a little overwhelming. Plus, I want everything to be perfect so that my students have a fabulous first day experience. And I try to plan an exciting, hands on, problem solving activity so my students get a clear picture of what class with me is like.

But you know what? I always forget a detail and scramble to find the supply I need. And it’s okay and never turns out to be a big deal. Why is that important? I want my brand new students to see that we all have the first day jitters. I teach the sixth graders, and starting middle school is a BIG change. Some students are very anxious about navigating the hallways, changing classes, and having lockers. At the end of the day, the first day of school is just about helping us all get to know each other and settle in. Don’t sweat the details! Instead, make beautiful memories with your students – since we only have one chance to make that first impression.

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