Every year, every time in August ... I wish that I had a magic pill. This magic pill would allow students to retain all previous grammar knowledge. Every 2nd grade lesson throughout their last years at Central or wherever. All of this knowledge would stick to their brains like the back of a bandaid. Since it is a magical pill, I would also like to have my own personal pegasus and cure world thirst/ hunger. Not necessarily in that order...
However, I am now awake. The magic has subsided, and the reality harkens. Fact: the retention of grammar is pretty much nonexistent. A Harvard study was conducted a few years ago that basically stated that the average adolescent mind is not mature enough to comprehend all of the ins and outs of the grammar world. So... this is my struggle when I read these things because I do... why does it appear every year on every course of study, common core standard, college and career standard or whatever new buzz word that the department of education or federal government decides to adopt as our newest objective. I digress. So, until there is a change, I will continue on fulfilling my duties as the public servant that I am. I get it. I see the importance but the number of standards and the amount of time given do not exactly equal a logical point of reference in the average middle school psyche. As not to end on a completely doom and gloom note... Here are a few insights. These were all conducted by the Harvard Business Review over a five year span among professional and trade positions alike. 1. People who understand grammar pay more attention to detail. 2. People who understand grammar are more critical of thinkers. They are able to see beyond the surface. 3. People who understand grammar have a higher intellectual aptitude. #gogrammar
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The last two days have been a blur. But, I have loved almost every second of it. When I think about this new year, I think about new beginnings. New beginnings are like endings before you know it... they are gone.
I really am so blessed to work at the " Best Middle School in America". People really should have to work other places to truly value what it means to be a Pirate! However, I have decided after spending several days with adults that the classroom is where I always want to be. Kids are easier:) Also... funnier. In class today, we discussed what it means to really be good at something. How do we get there? Are some people born smart, talented, etc...? The responses were overwhelmingly different with each class. However, the kiddos came to the same realization that I believe that most adults would as well. Successful students, adults have one thing in common. They keep trying. They move forward. Standing still is not an option. I have watched my students this week overcome hurdle after hurdle. They have switched classes, managed lockers, sorted through a middle school lunchroom like champs. Taking each step in long, mostly confident strides. If that isn't moving forward, I don't know what moving forward is. We all could stand to learn from them because this week... they make moving forward look... well, easy. |
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