But I think what you are saying becomes more understandable > with experience in teaching. I know that I didn't totally get this > picture > when I first started teaching. Maybe that's why I don't want to retire-I > just now feel that I'm really seeing the big picture and understanding > what > it is all about. Really good teachers use it all and apply as needed. > The > ultimate goal is a child who is a self starter and hopefully will feel a > passion for learning. >
Yes it does come with experience, but with groups like this listserve, I think we help one another to gain experience via the actions and stories of others. I try to teach my kids to look at the big picture (Where are you going to be 5 years from now? What kind of reader will you be? ), and it helps them to see what lies ahead. I think when teachers look at the big picture instead of weekly lesson plans or state scores, then most will "get it" also. It's been a long time since I've started a year and not known what my goals were for the end of the year. Our state has started curriculum maps and require essential questions for all classes, but no one has taught the teachers the purpose of essential questions so few see their value. It's a shame since the essential questions give a look at the "big picture" but many teachers are just doing it to satisfy the state and not doing it to help the kids. Once again the state and district have incorporated a new program, told everyone we're going to do it, but has failed to explain WHY we do it. I was a middle school trainer for years, and it was great when teachers finally understood what middle school was supposed to be about, but this year we've finally caved in and are a middle school in name only. We've gone back to junior high scheduling with no teams and it's hurting the kids... Bill _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
