Blog #8 :)

A: In chapter 7, Carol acknowledged that it is hard to care. She gives several reasons. Which reason is most validating to you, and why? If you don't really connect to any of Carol's reasons, explain what you believe your "reason" is.

The reason that are most validating to me are:
My first two reasons are incorporated, "Its hard to care because there are too many students to connect with" and "its hard because there is barely time to survive....". I feel that if there was not so much of a demand coming from the Core then there would be time to connect with every student. Because of the demand pulling us every direction it will be hard to help students learn the essentials and have time to connect with each of them individually.

I have mentioned in previous blogs that "it is hard because people at home need so much of us to". I am so excited to put everything I have into this class that I worry I will not make time for my family and husband. I think of the movie 'Freedom Writers', she did amazing things for her students but her life at home fell apart in the process. I think I will be able to find my balance.

B: Carol offers two final metaphors, what I call the "McNurlty Metaphor" and the "London Metaphor." Which one do you connect with most, and why?


I liked the two metaphors at the end of the chapter but there is a third one that struck me most. She quote Joan Cone who relates teaching to riding a bike. She says that you don't just study about riding and then suddenly know how to ride but you get on and practice. You fall down and get back up again many times. I think no matter how much I "study" and prepare it will still be like getting on a bike for the first time.

Read one or two blog responses from two or three of your classmates. Then, please give a brief message of encouragement to one of your classmates based on your reaction to their response that you read. Leave your message of encouragement on their blog as a comment (at the end of the particular blog your are responding to). Copy your message of encouragement and paste it into YOUR blog, telling me who you are responding to.

I commented on Rebecca Carson's blog #4 (although it does not show that there is a comment there?)
Here is what I said:
"Above you said that you want to be her and I as well would love to be her. Then I got to thinking about how amazing you are as YOU! You are so full of creativity, desire and knowledge. Your students will be so blessed to have you! I know they will be able to feel how much you care for them. I already know you will be amazing with morning meetings!!"

I commented on Tahnee Gregory's blog #7
Here is what I said:
"I agree with you on the subheading you wrote above. I like what you said about aiming high and I can see you being that teacher that thinks they are ALL smart and can do anything. You bring a very happy, calming presence to the classroom. You have a positive way of accepting everyone and I admire that. Your class will adore you!!"