One child at a time

I know to anyone else it might not make sense, but I am excited about a little discovery I made Friday with one of my students. Our school has been reading and implementing the book, "Discipline with Dignity" this year. Recently, we had an in-service and we reflected about specific students we wanted to focus upon and to try interventions to help with their behavior.

I have "one" of those students who presents a challenge every day. Now, back to my excitement. Friday, I had a private discussion with my student and asked him to tell me what he needed to help him have a good day and to stay in his seat (since that seems to be an issue). He told me he wanted to sit at a table in a specific location in the room. At the end of the day, on the way to the buses, I complimented my student about the wonderful day he had. I asked him, "Why do you think you had such a good day?" He replied, "puzzles". "Puzzles?" I asked. Then I remembered that throughout the day when there were a few minutes during transitions, he would work on a simple board puzzle. Could it be that simple? I do not know, but this teacher went shopping this evening to purchase more puzzles!!! I can't wait to see what positive results they bring. I'll let you know what happens!

Life in the Classroom

Life in the classroom has been hectic, to say the least. Recently, I was teaching my students about something in writing when one of them made a connection with something taught in another subject to the current subject. I was so excited!!! My student was actually applying and connecting what had been taught. I know it was one student and one moment, but sometimes those little moments can fuel your drive and energy to keep pressing forward.

Recently, I attended a function sponsored by Teaching Fellows Institute and I felt that one moment inspired me to keep my drive going. It was ignited by the fellowship of other teachers and their testimonies. Teachers are constantly giving and reaching to develop their students, however, there are times when we need those small moments to keep us going.