I think…

As the new term starts I feel all refreshed and ready to go again- it feels nice to have some energy. In fact while I am on that subject let me reflect on energy. Everday across Britain in hundreds of school and thousands of classroom millions of students and teachers are investing their time and energy into their work. My question- why then do I not have a clue about what is happening in the classroom two doors down?

I was rescently discussing some poetry with my higher class, poetry that I taught last year and that countless other teachers across the land will teach this term. The work done in class was excellent and the pupils felt really proud that they were grasping the idea of analysis. “But Miss couldn’t that also tie into…” and “Do you think he meant…” echoed around the room. Now, being an effective practitioner I encouraged and egged my pupils on with positive praise of their hard work. What struck me afterwards was this diversity with which pupils responded to a poem consisitng of some sixteen or so lines. What some were adament about others cast aside in favour of their own line of thinking. It felt good to be so involved, so full of energy and yet how do I preserve it? At home that night how many pupils were asked what they did that day? How many said “nothing?” How many said “stuff”?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could share what we do in class? If we could have an open space to write our ideas and opinions? If we could generate discussions about the things that we agree and disagree about? A space where pupils, teachers and parents could all be involved and work together to achieve excellence. Well, such a space exists and it exists in the form of social media. If we are to equip students for “real life” then let them use the tools available in real life. It is time to share…

It is amazing how quickly Sunday night comes around. As we move towards the end of term it is time to take stock. The highs and lows of term time can really work on even the stong willed but as pressure builds and time dwindles away consider the following: “You can plan a pretty picnic but you cannot predict the weather.” My advice? work hard- but not too hard.

A wise man once told me that good things come to those who wait and well folks he was right!!! After much deliberation here I am shedding my technical virginity and joining the world on line. This years SET put a fire in my belly when I finally recognised the power that we have quite literally at our finger tips. My new years resolution? To take what I have learned and keep learning- the fact that I have started in September means that this resolution has lasted some nine months longer than my last- indeed I am still a slave to the chocolate digestive!! On a serious note – actaully I don’t need a serious note…Enjoy