scheduling everything in

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Home : 2002 : February : 28

scheduling everything in
By Carolyn

I am one who likes to get it all in. I scheduled my day carefully, so that I could do this. However, my principal threw in the monkey wrench last spring by telling us that we were going to have to "raise scores" by taking
our children to the computer lab three days a week to do math and reading. Okay, so I now had to make time for science, social studies, reading, writing, math, computer lab, and whatever else comes along in a day that already seemed too short. We have assemblies from time to time which take up the afternoon, the time in which you teach those subject areas. I am just so glad that we

don't have to do those "samples" that you spoke of.

I didn't want my kids to miss out on learning geography and about their country's history. This was what I learned in school, and I felt that the kids had a right to learn it, as well. So, what I do is assign a reading section of the social studies text to read on Monday. It is due on Wednesday, along with the study guide they complete on the reading section. We go over it on Wednesday, then finish the lesson on Friday. I have been able to complete a lesson a week each week this year doing this. We also find the time to do activities on those days, in lieu of the reading. I lowered my expectations for covering material and decided that I wasn't going to sweat it. I looked over what I could realistically cover and decided that I would only cover two units of social studies this year. Once we are finished with the Civil War (Unit 2), I will have to devote my time and energy to helping the kids do test-prep. Hey, this is what my administration wants, so this is what they are going to get.

I do science every afternoon after recess. It may only be for 20-25 minutes, but I feel that that is better than not doing it at all. I have state standards to follow, and as long as I am completing them, I feel that I am doing okay with science. Fortunately, we are not expected to cover the entire book in science. I know I couldn't do it.