This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Open mic
Wow, what a week! I honestly thought that it would never end. I'm not sure why, but I have been completely exhausted. Sometimes I get so worn out with my students when I try so hard to create "entertaining" lessons for them. I feel like I have to work so hard to keep them on track because they seem to think that lab time is play time. I also feel like I spend so much of my own money on supplies just to have the students waste them by being silly with their friends. I can honestly see why some teachers resort to using just lecture and worksheets. Boring, I know, but I get tired of feeling like I am wasting my time, energy, and money! I don't really want to resort to being that teacher, but right now I am soooo low energy. I'm sorry for the rant, I just felt like I needed to vent a little. Hopefully, I will feel better next week.
I know how you fell at times. I talked to a former teacher and he told me that the ride to work is time to think and prpair. He aslo stated that he needs about 15 to 30 min after work to let the day go. I have tried using this style and it really helps most of the time. Hang in their and look at it is a little pay back if you ever gave a teacher a problem when you where in school. Hang in their never give up.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tonya - have a great time trick n' treatin' tonight and you'll be re-charged for next week! Seriously, though, are there labs you can create that use cheap or free materials? Call Selina about how she does just that, and maybe Jennifer has some ideas as well. We never have enough money so really need labs that are inexpensive whenever possible. Are local companies donating equipment/supplies? How are your colleages at your school running their labs? Try to get some rest and keep brainstorming!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you are talking about. Last week I was thinking, "I know why so many teachers resort to worksheets and book work".
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you have computers in your classroom, but if so here's what I do. I have a handout for an interactive website that pertains to the lab activity. I divide the class in half, one half does the skill while the other half does the internet assignment. I always "pad" the internet assignment with extra assignments for the students who tend to finish early. An example of this would be having half the class practice handwashing and half the class complete an internet worksheet assignment I created to accompany the BAM! Body and Mind website's interactive tutorial IMMUNE PLATOON.
If you are interested in other websites just let me know.
Melissa