Observations

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2005 : June : 4

Observations
By Leslie

Hi, Joanne!

I am also elementary certified, but with a specialization in math and have taught 8th grade for the past 21 years.

My main observation over the years is that things cycle in and out. It's kind of like clothes...and
when retro styles come back into popularity! :-) Approaches to teaching, emphasis on testing vs. students FEELING successful...all that comes and goes through cycles.
Kids have changed a lot over the years in terms of attention span (tv, video games, computer, fast food) and wanting to be entertained more. Things that were whispered about even in high school years ago (who smoked

in the restroom, who *GASP* might be pregnant)...all that barely holds a candle to what goes on even in middle school these days. What is a popular teaching method now will probably fade away, but come back into popularity 10-15 years from now.

But what has remained the same? Kids sill need your love and attention. They still for the most part want to learn and achieve.

I think you just have to realize there is no magic formula and no one right way...learning keeps changing. In some ways the kids do, too, but in many ways, they don't. That's why every year is different from the one before.

Best Wishes!