After the Workshop

It’s Monday, the day after attending a Daily 5/CAFE live workshop. My head is spinning with brilliant ideas waiting to be implemented in my classroom. Now, where to start. It’s similar to grocery shopping . . . So many yummy treats: which one shall I pick? (This week, chocolate-covered pretzels are calling my name.)

One slide that Gail and Ali showed is resonating. It said, “‘If your lessons are too long, you’re trying to teach too much.’ —Lucy Calkins.” Wait a minute: have they been hiding in the corner of my classroom? How did they know that in my fervor to fit it all in, I have developed some bad habits? What to do?

Here’s my plan. I’m going to be hyper-aware of my lessons this week. How many minutes am I talking? What is the level of engagement of my students? Are all eyes on me or are some children fidgeting? I need to take a closer look.

Next, I will turn a laser focus on my lessons. One—only one—concept should be taught per lesson. I’ll extend this to meeting with small groups and conferring with individual students. Keep it short and simple, but relevant. I will use my data and what I know about each student’s interests to determine their best path. My goal will be to narrow things down to manageable bites that a child can master.

I am also going to try to give myself some grace. Each year, more is assigned and expected of teachers. Never is one task subtracted from our to-do list. We are all running as fast as we can and trying our best. Simplifying lessons seems like a welcome task that will help not only the students but teachers as well. It’s a win-win. Let’s give it try. Now . . . where are those chocolate pretzels?