A Fresh Start

     

.......................A Fresh Start?.......................

It has been a LONG time since I have written on the blog.  I even went back and deleted all of the old posts. (Although I continue to write daily in my 'morning pages').  I am looking to create a fresh start.  

First, a brief explanation as to why I have not blogged in years.  To begin with, I LOVE TEACHING!  I LOVE WORKING WITH KIDS!  However, the last few years have left me bruised and battered.   Why?  Although I tried to keep my chin up and stay positive, it had become a real battle to find something special to blog about.

  School has become much more stressful the past few years.  The obsession with "State Testing", and students that have convinced themselves that they actually are the center of the universe, has made our exciting and invigorating classroom into something entirely different .  Although the trend has continued into the current school year, I am determined to find a way to allow energetic learning to thrive.  Yet, more often than nought,  I find myself placating to the testing mandates, trying to ignore the obvious disdain directed my way, and playing Dr. Phil to 8 - 11 year olds' that truly believe the world is here to provide for their every whim.

A number of years ago a small group of parents, along with Steve and I, started a lunch time book club focused on educational reading and dialogue.  The group read The Game of School.  We had great discussions and were determined to "do what was best for the kids."  What happened?  Let's just say that many people feel threatened by change.  For some reason seeing the classroom and curriculum staying the same as it was over 100 years ago gives some a sense of comfort.  I don't get it. 

Since that time we have seen the continued effects of embracing of the "Game of School" has had on the students that flow into our classroom.  Incredibly short attention spans, satisfaction with mediocrity (all the while thinking mediocrity is actually extraordinary), and by far the saddest effect - a lack of desire to learn.

     Wow, I just re-read the previous paragraphs and realize that it paints a very bleak picture.  That is NOT my purpose or intention.  Instead, I am searching, searching, searching for the spark that lights the fire!  The fire that burns for fun, creativity, and an excitement for learning into our classroom once again!  

     

     So, this is the first of what I hope becomes regular blog posts about awesome things that are happening in DFTBA Academy!