27 February 2009

compare/contrast

Yes. I am now solidly an eighth grade teacher. (Embarassingly, I did have to spell check the word 'eighth.' Who qualified me to teach??!) Today I kept using words like compare/contrast, reading strategies, literacy standards. I'm weirded out at how normal it is for those words to flow out of my mouth.

So here goes with my compare/contrast. In class, I told the kids to journal. "Think reflectively! Ask yourself questions and the explore answers. Ok, write!!!" Amazingly, they scrunched down in their chairs, chewed their pencils and began to write! I started writing, too. As I wrote I realized that I swing back and forth so much. Like yesterday I wanted to quit everything because it just felt an overwhelming amount of pressure, but a month ago I was longing for some meaningful activity. Oh man. Wouldn't somewhere in the middle be lovely...? I wish. I wonder if it's possible. And I guess the bigger question is--would it really come about by a change in circumstance or will it come about as I learn to live in peace, rest and power?

Oh, man. Thoughts??

10 comments:

Živa said...

Embarrassed is spelled with two rs :D

Anna Beth said...

HA HA!!!! Oops!!!

Sarah said...

I don't have any profound comments to leave on your blog.

I like you!

I love you!

Looking forward to your visit later this month!

Love,
Sar

Lori Jackson said...

Hmmm! Sounds like you are thinking!

The Ashmens said...

Congratulations on your (new?) job. I think you would be my favorite teacher if I were in 8th grade. Can you have visitors at your school? I understand the swinging back and forth as I miss family back home and learn the art of loving those around me well. But it seems to me that contentment is wanting what you have.

Živa said...

I'm so sorry now to post such a thing though. It's kind of insensitive. Sorry again :(

Libby said...

Congratulations on your job! I bet your kids love you!

steps said...

Yay for Ziva to correct a spelling! :)
Remember "For Him to see me mended, I must see Him torn"? I keep coming back to realizing that my "mending" is a daily need as circumstances and life change around and in me. Your last phrase (or is it a clause?) tells the story. I love you Anna!
Mom

David and Katka said...

I just miss you..that's all!

BK said...

oh i just LOVE the picture of you having them write--makes me smile!!!