The third quarter is in the books. I tried a lot of new things this quarter and I have say, by and large, I am glad of it. The biggest changes started as a result of a conversation I had earlier in the year about why I didn’t have standards of the day posted. MyContinue reading “3rd Quarter is a Wrap”
Author Archives: Wmarkhall
What Are We Doing Today?
You would think that after eighteen years in the classroom I would really be zeroed in on what my curriculum is going to be one year to the next. You might think I have this big file cabinet full of project outlines, or binders full of project ideas. When I started teaching all those yearsContinue reading “What Are We Doing Today?”
Where is my chair?
A couple of years ago I got rid of my classroom desk. I overheard a student talking about a teacher, saying that “teacher just sits there behind the desk all day…” I didn’t know if they were talking about me or not. I knew that they could be. I knew that I spent a lotContinue reading “Where is my chair?”
About those quizes…
Yesterday we held our annual SkillsUSA Regional Competition. For those that don’t know, SkillsUSA is a national student led career and technical organization. Students compete in career or leadership related events. Welding students, for example, are presented with materials and drawings and asked to produce the piece depicted in the drawing. Leadership students might present theirContinue reading “About those quizes…”
Vocabulary
The topic of teaching vocabulary has been coming up a lot in my circles lately. The conversation goes like this: Teacher: “These kids need to get motivated. If they don’t want to try I can’t do it for them.” Me: “Well, what are you asking them to do that they aren’t doing?” Teacher: “Like vocabulary.Continue reading “Vocabulary”
The Daily Objective
I had a couple administrators walk through my classroom the other day. It was no big deal, the principal was just showing her new boss around. We chatted. It was nice. Then I was asked why my daily objectives were not posted anywhere. I gave my standard answer; after about a month into the schoolContinue reading “The Daily Objective”
Being proud and actually saying it.
I was able to attend Fall Cue this year again. It was, as usual, a great experience. It was a little different this year in that I didn’t come home with a great new tool. Usually I learn of a great tool that is new to me; an app, a web site, or a gadget.Continue reading “Being proud and actually saying it.”
Is it Good Enough?
Something different is happening in my classroom this year. To start with my students are moving along faster, doing much more complicated work than I have ever had happen before. They are working through difficult technical issues with good, positive attitudes. Lots of “well that didn’t work, lets try this” types of things are happening.Continue reading “Is it Good Enough?”
Yea, About That Charter School Thing.
Let me start by saying that I have never actually worked in a charter school. I have spent my whole career in public schools in high poverty urban settings. I have always spoken out against the charter school concept. It appeared to me that they cherry pick kids. If they don’t get to pick theContinue reading “Yea, About That Charter School Thing.”
Mom’s on the phone
This year our school district changed a policy concerning cell phones used by students. While there seems to be some contradictions, my understanding is that it is ok for students to have and use cell phones on campus, as long as they do not disrupt instruction. While some teachers are still taking phones from kidsContinue reading “Mom’s on the phone”
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