Back again, it's been awhile! Things just get so hectic and I haven't had a chance to sit down and really reflect and record. Looking forward to the term ahead, am getting a little panicky at how much there is on this term and how much i have to get through this term! So reflecting on this and thinking about what happened last term i have decided to really step back a bit on my expectations on how much the kids can do and how much i expect of myself also. I need to remember that it’s important that the kids produce quality learning rather than a huge quantity of work. I think in some areas i’m remembering to slow down and let the kids explore and take their time – for example the kowhai art that we have just completed, i gave my class time to explore working with the pastels and spend time shading and experiment, and before they did their good copy. The result being that each child created a fantastic piece.
I need to remember how successful this was in other subject areas, such as writing for example. Last week i really rushed though a lesson that was supposed to be fun, and that i thought the kids would enjoy. I had to rush because due to one thing or another, my writing instruction time was only 30 minutes long. Instead of breaking it over two weeks i rushed to finish it in the 30 minutes, resulting with the children not producing very good quality writing and myself feeling disappointed in the result.
So for this term i really focus on taking time with my lessons, and not to rush through the learning tasks because we have to go to production practise or cross country training etc.
Hi Elysia
ReplyDeleteYou make some very important points in this reflection! I agree, sometimes we sacrifice quality for quantity too much. I like that you are considering the balance, knowing what you have to contend with this term. Being aware of these issues will certainly help you to maintain a balance and be fair to yourself as well as your learners!
Myra
Hi Myra,
Deletethanks for your comments. i appreciate you recognising the need for balance, your so right, balance is essential, not only do you need balance within the classroom but in your home life too. I am trying hard to ensure my workload at home is balanced between 'playing' in my new house, and completing things that are necessary to complete for students learning. Am feeling alot more relaxed and happy because of this.
Hi Elysia
ReplyDeleteI agree sometimes our need for completion overbears the need for quality. I agree this applies not only to the classroom but also at home. My vegie garden is a mess at the moment so I'm obviously not balancing myself at the moment. quality vs quantity, food for thought.
Asri