We are headed into the fourth quarter
of the year. Once we return from Spring
Break, it’s “game time”. The students,
prepared or not, will take the state and district assessments and begin the journey
of discovery with their teachers. This
journey begins as the last test booklet or laptop is returned.
As a public school teacher, I’ve come
to realize that the most fun and educational part of the classroom journey is
the last quarter of the year. The
students and teachers are relaxed. Most
pacing guides have run out, the curriculum is in review and the time to
experiment and expose students is much greater.
This is the time of the year that you have the opportunity to teach
students, I mean really teach students.
Teaching occurs all during the
instructional year, but during this time, innovation without boundaries
occurs. The students have the benefit of
the curriculum under their belt and the teachers have satisfied the content
expected for the grade level. In layman’s
terms, this portion of the year is termed “getting ready for _____ grade.” I realized as a veteran teacher that this is
when I recognize the Aha moments and the students begin to experience the levels
of confidence that they need.
I encourage you to take a day during
this quarter and teach without boundaries.
You will be surprised how incredible the day will feel for both you and
your students.
