It was a tougher than usual day in the classroom. Absent teachers, drizzle, test prep and the lure of the holidays led to the challenge. We're at the final leg of the math unit, and this is the time for finishing up, solidifying tough concepts/skills, and persevering. I know students are capable of learning the material, but some are more up to the push than others, and one can only push so much as you don't want to push students too much.
In the next few days, I'll really support those who are willing and ready to push forward to achieve on the unit test. All will work at their comfort level on completing the material, and if other teachers are available I'll ask them to help those that need it most.
I continue to find myself on the fence when it comes to the standards. To teach the standards well demands lots of time, attention, and a push--there are a lot of standards and to know them well is a stretch for a fair amount of students. Large classes and a diversity of skill level creates a challenging atmosphere with which to reach these standards. On one hand, to help students achieve a strong foundation of math learning gives those students wonderful capacity and confidence for later learning. Yet, on the other hand, this isn't the kind of passion-based, highly engaging learning that we know creates lifelong learners and lovers of math--in many ways it's too shallow, fast-paced, and less meaningful and relative than other ways to teach. Right now, however, to reach the expectations set by state and system, there's no choice but to teach all these standards with as much depth, meaning, and engagement as possible.
I'll continue on the path set, yet I'll be aware of that "just right push" forward--a push that motivates, but does not stress students out. Onward.
