No student, no class, no school is the same, so unlike grandma's secret non-flop chocolate cake recipe that works every time, there is no recipe to follow to have the 'perfect' lesson. There will always be challenges and as a teacher, you have to roll with the punches, you need to adapt and change the 'recipe' each time. The recipe has more success though when it is shared with the students, the recipe works wonders when injected with love and passion. And, facing some challenges, well that helps along the way. I was recently asked to MC an event of about 50 people, I didn't hesitate to say 'Yes' (After reading something on Twitter last year sometime to say yes and think afterwards). I surprised myself, mostly because usually whatever I want to say falls out my head, along with any vocabulary and I usually shake. I was surprisingly calm, relaxed and in control. I decided that in order to grow, I need to accept challenges and I did, and it was worth it :) Maybe next I will try be the person who owns the room... ;)
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
No recipes for teaching #28days Day24
There are people who walk into a room and own it. They have an air of confidence, something that captures the crowd. I am not that person. I am an introvert, public speaking scares me and alone time gives me the energy I need to recharge. Your personality doesn't define your teaching ability, your passion does. Your desire to learn, grow and the ability to change and meet your students needs are also paramount. There are times that I feel I fail my students, but as I reflect, I am able to learn from it and as I develop, I can address these areas and continually improve.
Monday, 23 February 2015
Teachers who define us. Part 2. #28days day 23
When just one teacher believes in you, it can change your world. My grade three teacher certainly changed my life. From a mediocre performer, she saw something in me and sparked a flame. She challenged me, inspired me and believed in me. I don't remember all the details, what I do remember is her telling me to try harder levels of maths and phonics, she encouraged me to find answers without her help. She didn't neglect me, but what she gave me was the confidence that I could figure it out on my own and feel the satisfaction of accomplishment. She helped me see that if I kept trying, I could come to a solution. She showed me that patience and determination are a strong combination in success. In essence she taught me about grit. Furthermore, I remember her being there when I was stuck, giving me clues and when I was really stumped, she showed me step by step until I understood. She showed me that she valued my education and that although she was the teacher, that I was as much part of the journey as she was. She made me feel loved and valued as a child and as a student. She was animated and funny, she was passionate and kind. I remember her often embracing kids who were crying, I remember her smiling and laughing, but most of all I remember that when I looked at her, she seemed to be enjoying herself and that in itself was contagious.
Before grade three I saw school as a place I had to go, but Mrs Hoy made me love school and learning. I was the top of my class for the rest of my primary school years, not because I was the smartest, but because I loved to learn and absorb the world around me. No teacher will ever compare to her. She gave me a gift that year, a gift that I have held onto my whole life. She showed me that I mattered, that your attitude to learning is what counts (you can choose to enjoy it) and that kindness and passion can never be 'too much'.
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Teachers who define us. Part 1 #28days Day22
High school was a totally different experience to primary school. I loved primary school. I loved learning and I loved my teachers. Then I hit a thousand plus all girls high school. We were not allowed earrings at all, wearing jumpers was not permitted outside the school property unless we had a blazer over it, we had badges that needed to be worn always (including a school crest and name badge in the colour of your house) and detentions were always looming. Detention not only included picking up litter after school, scraping gum from underneath desks, sanding desks and and cleaning toilets (to mention a few), it also involved having your name called out in assembly (parade), walking onto the stage and standing in a line with fellow 'detainees' while the whole school looked on.
I found high school intimidating. Teachers made me nervous and I had very little desire to put much effort in. Having a positive encounter was not often and none of my teachers really took the time to get to know me. I felt as if I was on a conveyor belt, knowledge was pounded into me and if I didn't understand I was simply left behind. The only teachers who seemed to be vaguely interested in me as as person, allowed me to explore ideas and opinions were my English teachers. I had amazing English teachers all through high school. I was still lazy, but I felt that doors opened beyond school. I especially remember my grade 8 and grade 12 teachers, they were frank, honest and pushed me to see the world through my eyes, not theirs. I felt connected, we discussed current events from newspapers, we analysed poetry, seeing how many different ways it could be interpreted, we engaged with texts that they made us relate to our own lives and present issues.
These teachers taught me that despite the constraints of a curriculum, passion and relevance are great tools in the classroom. They were the first teachers who actually shared who they were with us. I felt that I knew them a little more and felt inspired as a citizen of the world. I was still naive and innocent, but I felt that my world had been opened up and that I could contribute to the world as an adult. I felt that I could safely share an idea in class and it would be valid. I felt that I would not be mocked or laughed.
I often wonder if I only enjoyed English because it was my own passion, or if it was because of the teachers. Perhaps it is a bit of both.
PS in case you were wondering I got a detention once and vowed it would be the last time. Some grade 8's (including myself) failed the prefects test - we had to memorise the names of all the prefects, if they were also house captains, had academic colours etc and know the school hymn and prayer by heart. A prefect could be a house captain or vice captain as well - and both had to be noted if that were the case. I was so nervous and certainly did not enjoy the consequences. I knew the hymn and school prayer but all those names were just too much.
PS in case you were wondering I got a detention once and vowed it would be the last time. Some grade 8's (including myself) failed the prefects test - we had to memorise the names of all the prefects, if they were also house captains, had academic colours etc and know the school hymn and prayer by heart. A prefect could be a house captain or vice captain as well - and both had to be noted if that were the case. I was so nervous and certainly did not enjoy the consequences. I knew the hymn and school prayer but all those names were just too much.
Friday, 20 February 2015
Make or break - social media #28days Day21
Due to ill health, I unfortunately missed a week of #28 Days:( My last post was about how the media broke my heart and what I learnt from the experience. Jen English recommended this article to me
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?referrer=&_r=0and it really got me thinking and reflecting on the human race and that we can learn from incidents such as these, and start developing a way to address these issues in the classroom.
Several issues caught my attention. You never know if something will go viral and thus any controversial statements should only be delivered if you are aware what the consequences may be and feel that you are able to deal with these consequences. It reminded me once more that media relying on sensationalism, have very little regard for a person. A tweet may be made in jest, taken out of context or be as a result of a bad day and in a moment your life is no longer your own. An audience of people who do not know you wishing and waiting for your demise.
Our situation was by no means as harsh or life altering as Justine Sacco's, but I certainly learnt that my best interests are not close to the hearts of strangers. Once posted on Social Media, opening with a question and leaving the public to comment, was a sure way to get a response. And it made me realise that we say we are kind, but this proved the contrary.
I am absolutely for social media, if exercised with kindness and respect. Unfortunately through the ages, as a human race, we often lack kindness. Love is kind, so I am afraid that the main missing ingredient in our lives is love. I am not talking romantic love, I am talking the kind of love where we empathise, we look to help people meet needs and when people make mistakes we don't attack it like vultures, but rather suggest why we are in disagreement and show them a loving alternative. Yes, it probably wasn't the best tweet from Justine, but who of us can say we have not said things we regret. It is when it is capitalised upon and we feel part of a group mentality to publicly humiliate another person that I feel saddened. It is a good opportunity to help me keep a check on myself, that I do not fall into the trap of degrading another human being.
It is atimely reminder that my role as a teacher is to instil in my students a deeper understanding of social media, both in being mindful about what they post but also how to interact with others and to act with kindness, love and respect. And finally, something I subscribe to - do not get involved in arguments on social media. There are some interesting topics that come through my newsfeed and people immediately jumping in until it becomes a bitter mess. I don't take the bait. I refuse to enter into a duel with a person (or person's) I do not know. We are entitled to our opinion, we all have them, but we need to share them with love and know when to walk away.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?referrer=&_r=0and it really got me thinking and reflecting on the human race and that we can learn from incidents such as these, and start developing a way to address these issues in the classroom.
Several issues caught my attention. You never know if something will go viral and thus any controversial statements should only be delivered if you are aware what the consequences may be and feel that you are able to deal with these consequences. It reminded me once more that media relying on sensationalism, have very little regard for a person. A tweet may be made in jest, taken out of context or be as a result of a bad day and in a moment your life is no longer your own. An audience of people who do not know you wishing and waiting for your demise.
Our situation was by no means as harsh or life altering as Justine Sacco's, but I certainly learnt that my best interests are not close to the hearts of strangers. Once posted on Social Media, opening with a question and leaving the public to comment, was a sure way to get a response. And it made me realise that we say we are kind, but this proved the contrary.
I am absolutely for social media, if exercised with kindness and respect. Unfortunately through the ages, as a human race, we often lack kindness. Love is kind, so I am afraid that the main missing ingredient in our lives is love. I am not talking romantic love, I am talking the kind of love where we empathise, we look to help people meet needs and when people make mistakes we don't attack it like vultures, but rather suggest why we are in disagreement and show them a loving alternative. Yes, it probably wasn't the best tweet from Justine, but who of us can say we have not said things we regret. It is when it is capitalised upon and we feel part of a group mentality to publicly humiliate another person that I feel saddened. It is a good opportunity to help me keep a check on myself, that I do not fall into the trap of degrading another human being.
It is atimely reminder that my role as a teacher is to instil in my students a deeper understanding of social media, both in being mindful about what they post but also how to interact with others and to act with kindness, love and respect. And finally, something I subscribe to - do not get involved in arguments on social media. There are some interesting topics that come through my newsfeed and people immediately jumping in until it becomes a bitter mess. I don't take the bait. I refuse to enter into a duel with a person (or person's) I do not know. We are entitled to our opinion, we all have them, but we need to share them with love and know when to walk away.
Friday, 13 February 2015
The day the media broke my heart part 2 #28days #day13
Let's just say that a lot of processing took place after the media destroyed my reputation, but through it all, I saw a light. The people who know us came to our rescue with kind words, heartfelt love, some even defending us on social media. I bumped into a friend who reminded me that a person's opinion is a reflection on them and not me and another who took my hand in prayer. And despite the misery I found silver linings were everywhere.
What did I learn? I learnt that the media certainly hasn't got my best interests at heart, I learnt that people can be mean, so mean. I learnt that people who know nothing about IVF are pretty insensitive and I learnt that although there are bitter, angry people in the world, there are people who may not agree with the cause, but defend a person they don't know.
Apart from the media letting me down, the human race certainly fell short too. I felt a sense of sadness for people who must be negative based on their own life circumstances, and like my mom says, they really just need prayer. I wonder if these people knew me, if they would say the same thing or if they would actually say that to my face, as a stranger, but still have the guts to tell me in person?
Social media can be used positively, but in the same way we show respect to fellow human beings in society, the same respect should be exercised on social media. As a teacher, I hope that I can teach my students about respect, respect in all areas. A human in 'cyberspace' is still a person and we need to use the same skills, respect and kindness whether we agree or not, in all arena's. There is an unwritten etiquette that we are responsible to share with our students if we want them to contribute positively as digital citizens.
Hiding behind a screen sprouting negativity has no place in my world. And even when you are subjected to ridicule, bitterness and unkindness, rise above it and don't merely become a reflection of these people. Criticism certainly helps us grow. We can change if we see room to improve, but don't let it break you, let it make you stronger and better.
What did I learn? I learnt that the media certainly hasn't got my best interests at heart, I learnt that people can be mean, so mean. I learnt that people who know nothing about IVF are pretty insensitive and I learnt that although there are bitter, angry people in the world, there are people who may not agree with the cause, but defend a person they don't know.
Apart from the media letting me down, the human race certainly fell short too. I felt a sense of sadness for people who must be negative based on their own life circumstances, and like my mom says, they really just need prayer. I wonder if these people knew me, if they would say the same thing or if they would actually say that to my face, as a stranger, but still have the guts to tell me in person?
Social media can be used positively, but in the same way we show respect to fellow human beings in society, the same respect should be exercised on social media. As a teacher, I hope that I can teach my students about respect, respect in all areas. A human in 'cyberspace' is still a person and we need to use the same skills, respect and kindness whether we agree or not, in all arena's. There is an unwritten etiquette that we are responsible to share with our students if we want them to contribute positively as digital citizens.
Hiding behind a screen sprouting negativity has no place in my world. And even when you are subjected to ridicule, bitterness and unkindness, rise above it and don't merely become a reflection of these people. Criticism certainly helps us grow. We can change if we see room to improve, but don't let it break you, let it make you stronger and better.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
The day the media broke my heart. Part 1. #28days Day12
In an earlier blog post I mentioned that I was going to write about a media incident that recently threw our lives into a bit or turmoil. Well, my life hubby is not as affected by such things as me. He is stronger than me when it comes to matters of the heart. I take more personally things said, I need to analyse and do a full check of myself before I can move on. It was a tough week! Here's the first part of the story:
A few weeks ago, The Project on channel 10 contacted us about a doing a story on the high costs of IVF, especially if you experience several unsuccessful rounds in your journey to trying to have a baby. Anyway, a few months ago hubby set up a crowd-funded page for friends and family overseas who had indicated they would like to donate some money so we could do a fifth and final attempt to give our little girl a baby brother or sister (she regularly asks me to grow a baby in my belly and also prays for a baby, a 'real one, not a pretend one'.). The Project came across this page and that is how they made contact. The premise for the interview (that would be televised nationally) was a focus on the high costs of IVF and making people aware of these high costs and that the gofundme page would be mentioned briefly if someone felt the desire to donate. No pressure, no expectations. Well that is how I understood it.
Sadly, my intrigue about appearing on national TV clearly clouded my thinking, that a controversial topic like this could potentially be a great hook for viewership. The interviewer was great. We covered plenty of information. The televised interview wasn't bad, though there was some parts of the interviewI would've not cut out. Anyway, the story did talk about the high costs of IVF though there was more mention of the crowd-funding than I expected. The panel were pretty positive about the cause though, in our interview the part where we explained that setting up crowd-funding made it much easier for friends and family to donate was omitted for the general public.
On their website and Facebook page things went absolutely crazy. All it said was 'Would you crowd-fund a baby?' Seriously? That is not the story I signed up for, but they capitalised in my life, my journey and made a media spectacle of my family. I am not impressed at how it was portrayed on the internet at all. I sent them an email but by the time the posts were removed all the bitter, ugly comments had already scarred my heart. The fact that they could use something so sensitive to promote viewership is beyond me. I really should know the media better.
I have learnt a valuable lesson and I will share more about this with you tomorrow. I hope you will follow my story of stupidity. Someone said 'Go big or go home', well this story of embarrassing myself certainly went big - if you are going to make a fool of yourself, why not do it nationally. (Hey, at least I can laugh at myself now, despite some lingering heart ache)
A few weeks ago, The Project on channel 10 contacted us about a doing a story on the high costs of IVF, especially if you experience several unsuccessful rounds in your journey to trying to have a baby. Anyway, a few months ago hubby set up a crowd-funded page for friends and family overseas who had indicated they would like to donate some money so we could do a fifth and final attempt to give our little girl a baby brother or sister (she regularly asks me to grow a baby in my belly and also prays for a baby, a 'real one, not a pretend one'.). The Project came across this page and that is how they made contact. The premise for the interview (that would be televised nationally) was a focus on the high costs of IVF and making people aware of these high costs and that the gofundme page would be mentioned briefly if someone felt the desire to donate. No pressure, no expectations. Well that is how I understood it.
Sadly, my intrigue about appearing on national TV clearly clouded my thinking, that a controversial topic like this could potentially be a great hook for viewership. The interviewer was great. We covered plenty of information. The televised interview wasn't bad, though there was some parts of the interviewI would've not cut out. Anyway, the story did talk about the high costs of IVF though there was more mention of the crowd-funding than I expected. The panel were pretty positive about the cause though, in our interview the part where we explained that setting up crowd-funding made it much easier for friends and family to donate was omitted for the general public.
On their website and Facebook page things went absolutely crazy. All it said was 'Would you crowd-fund a baby?' Seriously? That is not the story I signed up for, but they capitalised in my life, my journey and made a media spectacle of my family. I am not impressed at how it was portrayed on the internet at all. I sent them an email but by the time the posts were removed all the bitter, ugly comments had already scarred my heart. The fact that they could use something so sensitive to promote viewership is beyond me. I really should know the media better.
I have learnt a valuable lesson and I will share more about this with you tomorrow. I hope you will follow my story of stupidity. Someone said 'Go big or go home', well this story of embarrassing myself certainly went big - if you are going to make a fool of yourself, why not do it nationally. (Hey, at least I can laugh at myself now, despite some lingering heart ache)
Before Uni starts #28days day11
I have spent some of the evening catching up on one of my favourite shows 'Hart of Dixie' and now I just ordered my text books for this semester's Uni subject. Once I complete this subject I will be halfway through my Masters woohooo! Still a couple of years to go though, but I am finding studying again a worthwhile experience in achieving one of my lifelong goals, to be a school guidance officer/counsellor.
I do hope that one day when I pursue a job in this area that I will still be able to get into the classroom with students and work on areas such as resilience, self-esteem, kindness, respect, believing in dreams etc.
I think working with a group and individuals is a benefit to a school as for many students this could actually help prevent issues from arising if the skills are taught before landing up in a situation.
Anyway, 3 textbooks ordered and in a few short weeks I am going to be very busy in the evenings between school work and studying (no more Hart of Dixie) but that's okay :) I am content, happy and ready for it (though our healthier eating plan does not include chocolate, which is proving to be a little more difficult for me;))
I do hope that one day when I pursue a job in this area that I will still be able to get into the classroom with students and work on areas such as resilience, self-esteem, kindness, respect, believing in dreams etc.
I think working with a group and individuals is a benefit to a school as for many students this could actually help prevent issues from arising if the skills are taught before landing up in a situation.
Anyway, 3 textbooks ordered and in a few short weeks I am going to be very busy in the evenings between school work and studying (no more Hart of Dixie) but that's okay :) I am content, happy and ready for it (though our healthier eating plan does not include chocolate, which is proving to be a little more difficult for me;))
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