Back to school reflections

Has your September and October teaching style generated curiosity, engagement, and opportunities for your students?

My usual introduction to my students went something like this: I hope you all had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful summer weather we’ve had these last few months. I am optimistic that the 2021-2022 school year will be one of safe, caring, and engaging. I am grateful as I will see all of my students in person and aim to engage them in their learning.

While reflecting on the first two months of school, teaching students is a job that evolves daily. So, I begin with an essential question. How can teachers create an environment within which students will motivate themselves? Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that some teachers are ‘stuck’ and do not see the enthusiasm in teaching as many of us do. I’m thankful that I have grown as a teacher over thirty-eight years and as a person.

One of the ways educators can create learning environments and assist their students with the desire to learn is to praise students’ efforts and acknowledge how they persevere to overcome their learning challenges. By doing so, we reinforce a growth mindset. Therefore, I aim to give feedback verbally or written in their writer’s notebooks. Some examples I have used include: it’s impressive that you have completed two writing drafts, and it’s incredible that you have put extra effort into your writing.

The first week of school, I read the children’s book LIFE by Cynthia Rylant. Students reflected on what and who they appreciated about life. The opening begins like this. “Life begins small. Even for the elephants. Then it grows.” The book generates many wonderings and thoughts about gratitude and appreciation, especially the more minor things in life. There is also a message about being hopeful when struggling with today’s challenges. As we know, life is not always easy. My grade 12 students reflect on the theme because it percolates many fabulous writing ideas. I thrive on reading students’ drafts in their writer’s notebooks and assessing their final writing pieces.

September and October flew by quickly. The weather was warm and delightful. I cannot believe we are already eight weeks in, and hopefully, it has been a great start to the school year for everyone. Additionally, it has been rewarding to get to know students, such as reading their autobiographies and memoirs. However, we must continue to ask thought-provoking questions to engage students further and sustain deep learning. In ELA classes, it’s pertinent to ask students to reflect and have conversations about what they are reading.

Our school has started voluntary extracurricular activities, and everyone is thrilled to welcome students to clubs and fall sports. As long as we can stay safe and get back to doing the things at school that we love, it’s the little things that make the day that much better. I tend to view each step in my growth journey as a piece of the giant puzzle.