Focus on the good!

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Home : 2001 : January : 2

Focus on the good!
By Julianne

I've been meaning to reply to this post for some time. I guess I just got into the holiday spirit and didn't want to think about ANYTHING school related. But I go back tomorrow and it's a good thing to reflect on what's
gone right so far. So here goes:
This is my first year back in a regular classroom. I've been in a special program for six years where I had incredible freedom to pick and choose what to teach. I was afraid going back to the regular classroom would be stifling. Instead, I've found that I really enjoy finding creative ways of teaching core subjects. Our school is in a very low income

area and a high percentage of the students are ESL. I was worried about this, but it's turned out to be one of the aspects I like the best. Just before the break my one little Bosnian student spoke her first full sentence in English. And as we gave away gifts on the last day of class, one child we believed couldn't speak a word of English came out with quite a little speech about what she wanted and why. It made me want to give her a standing ovation! These youngsters may not learn everything on the standardized tests for first grade, but by the time they leave in the spring I'm confident they'll be speaking and understanding English. That is a huge step toward getting an education in this country.

Finally, I have been inspired by my co-teachers. These people have taken on one of the most difficult schools in our city and they could be jaded, dispirited and unmotivated. Yet, every day they bring to school with them smiles, interest and energy. I have developed a new set of friends among them that continually help me see the positive side of this school and these children. They have an new idea when I have run out. They share their time, talent and concern with me and I really, really appreciate them.

So, that's what's gone right this year. I hope you get ten more posts before February because I want to read them!