Hello.
My reflections, on this blog, have faded over the last three years, but I have never stopped thinking, pondering, and challenging myself and the students I work with.
I feel blessed to have marked my 25 years of Teaching (from the early days in the Etobicoke Board of Education in September 1995 to now) with such a wonderful group of Students in 8A in the Learning Centre 4 network in the TDSB.
I could exhaust a list of reasons how this year was quite challenging but discovering, the more I think, about a few of the positive things that happened this year:
- finding virtual manipulatives online
- attending virtual field trips and watching films
- have engaging class discussions
- being able to do some Guided Reading work
- Students asking for help in the "Breakout Room" in ZOOM meetings
There were some very challenging moments, also. Not being able to see the class -- while they could see me -- created a huge imbalance in power and energy flow. It was often challenging to gauge how the students were responding to what was being taught. I am sure this has a lot to do with being 12 or 13 and the hesitancy to ask questions during the lessons for a fear of sounding stupid. Grappling with questions, though, is the key to understanding.
A new chapter begins in a little over a month. I am no longer a Centrally Assigned Teacher and will be back, I hope, in a school building and excited about my new start as a Grade 8 Teacher after 26 years of doing what I love. I remain grounded, humble, and open to the new learning ahead.
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