Thursday, January 08, 2009

How lucky can I get??

Every now and again, I get lucky with little or no effort on my part. Tonight as I was planning for tomorrow's class, I was getting ready to save the power point file as a PDF handout . . . and remembered I had assigned students to create a personal Biopoem as a get-to-know-you activity but had not planned to use it in class -- big mistake [lucky I caught it]. At almost the same time, I remembered the Book Clubs. I need to get students together in their book clubs for at least a few minutes - students need to know which book to order and they need to decide how they will "meet" for their discussions. Voila! I can have students get into Book Club groups and share their Biopoems. Then it occurred to me that it would be great to have them create a coat of arms for their book club groups because it would provide a venue through which students can get to know each other and at the same time will show MAT students yet another way to begin to create a  supportive classroom environment. Of course, this will take time - so I had to carve off a couple of topics I had planned to discuss in class - but the trade off is worth it, I think. I sure have a packed three hours planned for tomorrow. Here's hoping it all works!

4 comments:

David G said...

I personally think adaptability, versatility, and quick thinking are essential skills any educator, but in the world of ADEPT police, how does one explain to them the "slight" change of plans when your lesson plan doesn't dovetail with the "altered" classroom presentation?

java junkie said...

Actually, I think the ADEPT "police" want to see teachers who change plans based on student input -- what is most important is the rationale you provide for deviating from the plans you made prior to the class!

Anonymous said...

This is off topic, but I wanted to say that when I see your Starbucks cup I am jealous if I don't make it there in the morning. The best one is Clemson. I got a white choc mocha at the one on Augusta Rd and was supremely disappointed! But I believe this is pertinent to the discussion b/c without coffee and caffeine, I will not be an effective teacher and will therefore look bad for the ADEPT police if I miss the morning boost I need. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! ADEPT is something I view as way out there in the future. I'm just trying to survive. I need to be refreshed and inspired! In fact, a good cup of refreshing coffe would be nice. Maybe we should have coffee in class.