Seeming to Fall Behind

I felt that at one point in my teaching career I was in the 'groove.' I felt that I had everything under control and that I was producing great lessons and staying on track with data and grading. That seems to have long since passed though. This semester, as I have returned from maternity leave, I know I have a plan in place but I still feel so overwhelmed. As I have been planning out lessons, I feel that I'm not using technology as effectively as I once was. This week, I used google documents to have my AP classes write a collaborative essay. In many ways it seemed to work, but I didn't feel as if the students were as invested in the process. It could be that lull right before spring break, but I'm not sure how to finish strong for this third quarter.

For my 9th grades, we have finished The Odyssey text and have been reviewing for their mid-term, but I'm not seeing the results I want. On Tuesday, I can review the data and I will have a better feel, I suppose. While they may be learning grammar rules and some basics in reading texts and pulling evidence, I don't feel that we're making progress quickly enough.

I really want to push their critical thinking skills, so next week I want to bring in excerpts from O'Brother Where Art Thou. I know from past experience, they'll like the excerpts. My goal is for them to recognize the story of The Odyssey. For a final project, I want them to create their own scene, a modern interpretation of one piece of the Odyssey. This is a daunting task, especially since some of them are struggling to do the paper "Body Biography" assignment that they are currently working on. The thinking that is required for a revision of a classic epic is something that prominent authors struggle with.

I don't expect the students not to struggle, and I certainly don't expect for them to create their own O'Brother Where Art Thou, BUT I do expect them to grapple with the text and to demonstrate some creativity as they try and show me that they have the capability for creative and innovative thought. I am also hopefully that they will enjoy the project because I want them to be excited about critical thinking and creativity. I want them to feel some pride in their work and really push themselves. Hopefully seeing what the Cohen brothers did will invigorate them!

A common face when I am trying to explain key course components