TeacherReads discussion

Q. 1 Are you a lifeguard or a swimmer?
Q. 2 Have you been frustrated when interacting with others who aren't as fully invested?
Q. 3 How could you transform a lifeguard into a swimmer?
Q. 4 Do you think students today are over-scheduled? If so, do you think it is ok for a teacher to suggest less after school activities? How would you do that?
Q. 5 Do you think programs should be followed strictly so that each teacher on the grade level is teaching the same content, activities, assessment etc? Does this allow for 'teachable moments'?

I would like to think I am a swimmer although sometimes have to fulfil the role of lifeguard, checking up on whether students have completed work (especially homework, the bane of my life!) I think it is essential that my students see me swimming with them, making my learning visible as well. In relation to Q5, there certainly needs to be some consistency across the level - we have 5 5/6 classes and our planning is done for every curriculum area as a team. In practise however, our classrooms look and sound quite different and I think that is a reflection of personality, pedagogy and cohort. This is a positive thing I feel as it allows each of the teachers to infuse the curriculum with his/her personality and strengths and differentiate the delivery according to the specific needs of the class. From the book itself "it is your individuality and uniqueness that will always lead you to be the most effective teacher you can be."

I'd like to think I'm a swimmer. I do have high expectations of myself, my students & colleagues which can sometimes cause frustration. I love working with others who want to learn but also look at the whole student~not just meeting the outcomes. Having time to research, collaborate and really discuss ideas is key. I've seen the effects of over scheduling and so with my own children, I try to guide but ultimately, it's their choice. Opportunities are given but they need to be interested-waste of money otherwise. If teaching is prescriptive, I think it assumes anyone can do it. I prefer to be able to create and be flexible to suit my students. One size does not fit all! I was told once that it was preferred that no parent should prefer one teacher over another. Teach the same thing, classrooms have same artwork & worksamples displayed. I do believe in same content, same assessment but how the students learn and what activities ocurr is the teacher's choice.

Q1. I am a lifeguard and a swimmer depending on what is going on in the classroom and where I am best placed to support my students with their learning. There are certainly plenty of learning sessions where I am in amongst it all and hoping my enthusiasm and involvement helps some of my students to become more engaged. Equally I think there are times when the students prefer us as teachers to give them some space.
Q2. There have certainly been times when I have been frustrated because others don't seem to be as invested as myself and I know there have been times when others are frustrated because I don't seem invested in what we are doing.
Q3. Not sure. Maybe arranging for a teacher to spend time in another's classroom to see how others interact more actively with their students. Supporting them to try working differently in their classroom, could offer to team teach with them for a while.
Q4. I often recommend students drop some after school activities if they are constantly tired and not coping with their school days. I always suggest to Prep parents that they minimise after school activities while their child is getting used to school life.
Q5. We definitely need to have common content but I think it is important to allow teachers flexibility and choice as to how they present/teach the content- then they are more likely to bring their own passions to the subjects/content.

I really liked this chapter. Work is so busy and there are so many demands. It can almost take a leap of faith to be a swimmer - it can be hard to stop multitasking and just keep your focus on what's happening in the present moment, being there with your students. I would say Im neither a swimmer it a life guard, but a bit of both. However I want to be more like the swimmer more often.

2. Yes I've definitely been frustrated when I' ve tried to communicate with someone who is clearly distracted

5 I love teachable moments and plan in a similar way to Dave. I have clear learning intentions and know the content I need to teach thoroughly, which means that I am better able to see opportunities for teachable moments and take use them in class.