It was a really good day in the classroom today. It's days like this that remind me why I'm a teacher. Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't a perfect day, but it was a really good day. That being said, I'm sure you're wondering why I chose the label of one of my favorite wines as the image for this post-- isn't it the bad days that warrant wine?? But, because it was such a good day, the only thing that could possibly top it off would be a glass or two of my favorite label and a good book. :)
See, I have this student that I'm kind of worried about. He's very smart and is an amazing writer; he just doesn't seem to care all that much about school and is thinking about dropping out. Today was different, though. We're learning about persuasive writing in his class, and I was trying to show the real-life relevancy of the skill. As we started talking about it, his apathy seemed to evaporate right before my very eyes. We even connected for a moment as he realized I was actually trying to help him, not teach him some bullshit fact or skill that he'd never use again. For the first time, he was the one drove our lesson with his questions and made it ten times better than I anticipated. I can't tell you how awesome it was to see this kid have this kind of moment-- now I just hope he sees the same potential within himself that I witnessed today.
This my friends, is what us teacher types call a "teaching moment." It's when everything we work so hard for suddenly pays off-- our message gets through, and the students "get it" -- not just a school "I get it" but a real "I get it." These moments make it all worth the effort.
With that fuzzy thought and a big glass of ten spoon to keep me cozy, I'm going to curl up with Eat, Pray, Love (the new book I'm falling in love with) and relish in the moment.
3 comments:
I'm very glad to hear you had a really good day. And I agree about wine being for the good times, too! LOL
Your post reminded me of a student I once had...I never got through to him. I didn't know how, and didn't figure it out till he'd already graduated and I had moved on. I think I could have been a positive force in his life. He had such untapped potential.
Good luck with your student. You both have found something he cares about; that's a big first step!
Congrats!
Sometimes students find meaningful engagement in learning is addictive. Sometimes, when I see an "Aha" moment happening for a student, I'll pause and ask... "How does that feel? Savor it. Ahhh... Now be careful, success is addictive and you've tasted it. Good job!"
One of my best friends says of a certain junior high teacher, "She saved my life."
It happens, especially if you aim for it. Good job Teach!
how have we never discussed the fact that i too LOVE cherry wine?
on the shopping list for new years eve...
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