This year has been one for the record books. As a Canadian teacher, I am no stranger to snow days and snow banks, but both piled up like never before this year. It all started at the beginning of second semester and ended (I HOPE!) the week after March Break. The snow was not continuous, of course, but enough of that beautiful white stuff came down to result in fourteen days of missed classes due to one lane highways plugged with snow that had nowhere to go. Luckily we aren’t required to make them up; we just have to find creative ways to get everything covered.
After March Break, when we were off for three days for road clearing (what?), I started to stress about how I was going to get it all done: however could I do all that I needed to do with my students before exams in June?
1. Working with my students’ natural curiosity and desire to learn. We all have it, that innate drive to know and understand. With every unit I teach, I find ways to show them how what we are studying is relevant and useful to their lives. I think this is important, not only to get them to engage in the material, but also to show them that learning is fun. If they believe that, if they see that following their curiosity is a worthwhile activity, they will keep learning long after they leave my room. If kids don’t see a reason why to engage in the texts and assignments we give them, they usually don’t. I have found if I skip that step and rush forward into the material, I don’t get the buy-in that is so necessary for the next item on my list. Dropping the fun introductory activity you have for a new novel, for example, might seem like a great way to save time, but I’d argue that that lesson is probably the most important one.

So, the next time I feel a little stressed about the calendar, I’m going to take a deep breath and remember what really matters–getting kids excited about being life-time learners.
I agree about modeling – showing students where you struggled, what you found interesting, just the natural experience of learning teaches them so much.
I hope you're done with snow days too. I cannot imagine 14 days off!
"Getting kids excited about being life-long learners" – I totally agree with you Jackie! That's what it's all about!
You have had a crazy winter too! I live about 45 minutes from Boston. I teach second grade but I had to comment because so much of your post applies to all students, no matter the age. Thanks!
Bex
Reading and Writing Redhead
Thanks, Jackie. this has been a valuable reminder for me here at the end of the year when I start to worry about "covering" everything.
Leah
Leah,
You are so right about plugging into what interests your students and making learning fun. It's too bad other teachers (and our government) can't figure this out! 😉
I hope so too, Lauralee! I just wish it would all disappear. The grass is making a valiant effort to break free, though!
So true! If not, what are we here for, right?
Thanks, Bex!
You're welcome, Leah. I can't wait to check out the video you shared. Ironically, my first thought was "but do I have time…" It's hard to shake that ticking clock!
Agreed. Our government isn't as bad as yours, but we certainly have some teachers that could jazz things up a bit! I think your district lost a darn good one when you went on the road 😉
Great blog hop!
Jackie, I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who has failed when trying to "cut corners" because of time constraints. And modeling rather than being the expert is something that only a master teacher can do. I can tell that you are one.
Excellent hop! I'm learning so much! Thanks for inviting me 🙂
Darlene
ELABuffet
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am so glad I stopped by – this idea of what matters most has been on my mind A LOT lately. I appreciate all the encouragement I now feel! 🙂
-Lisa
Mrs. Spangler in the Middle
I;m so glad you stopped by too! Thanks for joining us.