Staying the Course...

Judy and I have been combining our classes and our creative brain power to "lens up"  our science and LA.

I continue to believe that we (with a focus on our students) definitely learn better when we have fun.  This was a dominant theme last year when we spoke with our students about their experience in the TADL project.

We have a very different group of students this year and these invigorating lessons that include combining almost 60 kids can make for more challenging management of the students.  I keep reminding myself that the enthusiasm the students show is really what we are after and this is a different experience for them, a worthwhile experience.

I hope with continued exposure to the "Lens Method" they will become better at self regulating, the whole repeated practice element.  It is worth it due to the positive responses from the students and the level of achievement, retention of learning they demonstrate.  So far in science, where we are doing the most lens work the overall class achievement is significantly higher than other subject areas.  Also this is the area where we as teachers and our students have been having the most fun together, not a coincidence.

So I remind myself, stay the course, it is worth it, we are on the right track, our students benefit as we learn best when we have fun!