Long ago, I performed at Flintsone Elementary.* My cooperating teacher was not much older, but she encouraged my performances. My thirty first graders, however, rarely listened in spite of Oscar qualifying performances. I wondered if their listening had been impacted by the constant din of the adjacent Capital Beltway traffic.
I really didn't think about the performing when I started this new chapter, but I did find myself, on a Sunday night, crafting a lesson plan, typing it up, and placing it in a zip lock bag (this part was new to me). I also checked my playlist (new to me) and did a practice run before laying out a new bathing suit (also new to me) and heading to bed. I was ready, but anxious, and I slept like someone awaiting a performance.
My palms were sweating when Happy Together began, but I was confident that my carefully honed playlist including Pretty Woman and Stop in the Name of Love would bring back memories of dancing and encourage moving. We stretched, kicked, bicycled and laughed in a somewhat familiar routine. I veered off my notes, at times, as a good teacher does in response to observations of student progress; however, it was clearly my students, who are also my classmates, who were performing, singing and motivating me with smiles and encouragement.
Afterwards, I reflected about the parts that worked and what I could make better. I found myself reminiscing about the days, long ago at Flintstone Elementary School when I really thought teaching was performing! Now, I know the sports world has a better model for encouraging others to do their best. These days, I know a lot more about engaging, motivating and coaching others. Afterwards, I found myself wishing I knew then what I know now.
to perform: 1) carry out, accomplish; 2) present to an audience
to coach: one who instructs and directs team strategy
* I really did student teaching at Flintstone Elementary School!
7 comments:
What a great piece! I love the movement from "now" to "then" and "now" and back to "then." I'd like to share this with every pre-service teacher I work with. I like the way you highlight "performance" so we don't miss the lesson. "I wondered, some days, if their listening had been negatively impacted by the constant din of the adjacent Capital Beltway traffic." Great line to show all the impediments that intrude in the learning environment. Loved reading this. (I'd like to take your exercise class!)
The deliberate us of "performance" made the slice fascinating to read and think about.
Boy, do I wish I what I know now as a beginning teacher. I coached speech and directed plays for numerous years, and your post brought back some fond and terrifying memories! Thanks!
Don’t we all wish we knew then what we know now. Reflecting is a big part of all lessons. I like your shift from performing to coaching. arjeha
There is so much enjoyment in this post! Yes, to be able to go back with the knowledge of now, in retrospect, would be so empowering. The main thing is that you are keeping the fun in the learning.
You remind me that learning is a lifelong process, and that teachers are lifelong learners, truly. I remember a mentor telling me I'd spend my first three years apologizing to students, but that they would learn anyway! I found your post so energizing.
You rocked this opportunity. Something tells me that you quit performing in the classroom years ago! Love that your classmates were having fun. You make me want to go back to water aerobics again!
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