The response has been good so far. The kids mention that if they have any concerns, they can just post a comment. Among the various comments I got, I'm happy about 2 things that came up that I probably wouldn't have been aware of otherwise. Here's one:
I'm never angry or frustrated when kids ask questions. At least I'm never outrightly frustrated. I know I scrunch up my face or have a set look on it sometimes, but that's just me thinking of another way to phrase some explanation or it's me concentrating on what the kid is asking. Now after this comment, I've been making sure to reiterate that I totally need them to ask questions and to know that my expression is not a reflection on my frustration.
Here's another comment:
In the mornings I'm rushing around and scrambling to get ready, so I was JUST having tutorings in the afternoons. Well, I got enough comments about kids being in band every day and not being able to make it, that I started tutoring one morning a week.
So all in all, I'm glad I implemented this this year. Here are 2 other posters I like in my room (made them from old calendars and cut out or hand written extras):
Great idea! Let us know if other great comments come in during the year - I'm guessing many will be comments other teachers might benefit from hearing as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I'm totally going to steal it!
ReplyDeleteDo it! There's a template for the cards in box.net (look at the top of the page). If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't include the "lines" for writing. I'd just leave blank space.
ReplyDeleteMs. Cookie
I am a Junior pre-service Math teacher and I have read your blog for quite some time now. To help you being your day with a lift (I hope) please know you give me endless inspiration with your honest reflections of victories and failures in the classroom. I tutor several students on the side and have implemented a homework sheet that explains what they have tried because of your form. It is helping greatly.
ReplyDeleteYour incredible for dozens upon dozens of the virtual students out here you have no idea your helping and you deserve to know that.
Yay! You DID make my week. I'm glad others find things useful here. A former student who's training to be a teacher asked me (for an assignment), "what's your least favorite part about teaching?". My response was, "the stress, the lack of sleep, and the feeling of never feeling you've done a good enough job to teach a concept."
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
Ms. Cookie
Ms. Cookie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I am going to pass this along to many teachers and use it myself. This allows for us a educators to become more effective with our students and learn so much about them. I also feel this gives the opportunity to show them how much we care about them as well as their education. This action is showing such a commitment to students. I hope that you see improvement in motivation from your studetns and an increase in true relationships with them.