Yesterday and today went rather well. I had a bad spell on Sunday and was dreading going back to school, but I slogged through tons of grading, did everything I could do to prepare and had a day where I again managed to teach two similar topics in a single 50 minute period, with the kids getting it. Not easy concepts either, but area of parallelograms and triangles.
Today was more potential dread, but I slept OK and went in early to prepare the math lab activity (making different triangles from lengths of drinking straws, and learning that the two shorter sides of a triangle must add to be longer than the third side). Planning period I met with the parents of the "asthma boy" from last week, and stayed calm and professional, and I actually liked them.
Some classes did better than others in small groups, but every class managed to "get it" to some degree, and we reviewed a sample problem on the theorem so they would know what it was about when they saw it. I know I can do a lot better next year, utilizing resources better and preparing the kids from day 1 for the test, rather than the typical cramming during the 3rd quarter. Yes, I said next year. If I make it through to the end of the year and they want me back, I will probably do it. Despite the anticipated 6 reviews, and the negativity being put on teachers. But I reserve the right to change my mind, maybe even several times between now and then.
I think I wore out my worry button, because I have been way too calm the past couple of days, and not been taking my usual lunchtime dose of Chemical X. Has my subconscious come to grips with the fact that I can be less than "perfect" and nobody will notice? Have I allowed myself to bask in a job well done, even if it means I didn't get a concept across to every student (even one is a success). Dunno. But I feel better over the past 2 days. And soon it will be April, a month that is mentally much better. And soon after comes May and the end of school. I should make it.
No comments:
Post a Comment