The worst part of teaching is trying to meet the needs of many children at once because invariably there's going to be more needs than time or attention now and then, and this is one of the most trying parts of teaching.
For example, today I tried to help a few children with deep needs with regard to a single topic--others were a bit off task so I could not concentrate with the quiet and attention needed to support the children. It was frustrating.
Tomorrow the students and I will talk about the need for everyone to do their best, stay focused, and use polite behavior so every students gets the attention they need when they have a question or require greater support.
I remember what it was like to be lured off task in class--the social tug of jokes and talk is a big pull for your learners of all ages, but as I told the students, the best gift I can give them is a good education, and everyone has to do their part.
Teaching a large group of children is a joy when all are engaged and focused, but it's not always as fun during those messy teaching times--time when some ease through a concept and others need greater support. We do our best to keep everyone engaged everyday with both collective and personalized menus of study, but there are better days than others. Onward.
