I had already figured we would not get a Snow Day, this year, but this extra two-day break has been nice. Now that we've had a break, let's put winter behind us.
The transition of seasons just reminds me of the transition between the primary grades and the intermediate grades. I know there is a constant internal struggle in my fourth graders. Call it growing pains if you want. And students are all at different stages in the process.
When I walk outside, during our "snow" day, I see grass ready to grow and trees ready to bud. But I also see ice holding them back. I am confident that with time and energy the seasons will change. Winter, once again, will succumb to spring, just as third graders mature into fifth graders while in my care.
One of the first characteristics anybody lists for a teacher is patience. I don't always feel like I fit that qualification; in fact, I think patience can work against a teacher. It is more than simply waiting for something to happen; there is more to it. Patience must be balanced with motivation, and maybe even some friendly pressure to advance.
After 23 years, I am still amazed to compare what students cannot do in the fall and what they can do by spring.
The transition of seasons just reminds me of the transition between the primary grades and the intermediate grades. I know there is a constant internal struggle in my fourth graders. Call it growing pains if you want. And students are all at different stages in the process.
When I walk outside, during our "snow" day, I see grass ready to grow and trees ready to bud. But I also see ice holding them back. I am confident that with time and energy the seasons will change. Winter, once again, will succumb to spring, just as third graders mature into fifth graders while in my care.
One of the first characteristics anybody lists for a teacher is patience. I don't always feel like I fit that qualification; in fact, I think patience can work against a teacher. It is more than simply waiting for something to happen; there is more to it. Patience must be balanced with motivation, and maybe even some friendly pressure to advance.
After 23 years, I am still amazed to compare what students cannot do in the fall and what they can do by spring.
