The Classroom

I’m still reflecting on the Warlick PD I went to on Friday.  Another thing that stand out in my memory is all the people who felt overwhelmed by the amount of information given to us.  I spent quite a bit of time reminding some of my colleagues that there’s no way we could master EVERYTHING on the web, and that was the whole point behind setting up Personal Learning Networks (or at least that was my interpretation).  I keep encouraging baby steps – pick one or two things – use them really well and then add more.  And remember – it may take a year or two of solid use to get good at something.

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It happens every year – and I still get caught off guard by it. Year End Stress Syndrome. Everyone with in a school is affected. You can’t avoid it. For teachers and staff it’s the extra pressure of government exams, celebrations, awards, reportcards/IPPs, cleaning up/packing up for summer, doing inventory, basic planning for September, saying good bye to some colleges and students, and trying to deal with these now irrational beings you’re trapped in a cage with.

For students it’s a result of the holidays about to arrive (who wants to think about school when you can think about the time off!) , pressure of the looming final exams and report cards, hormones, the impending loss of structure in their lives, and the huge change that will be hitting them next year as they enter a new grade (and some times school).

It is an odd phenomenon – filled with moments of sorrow and morning, a long with cheer and celebration. It’s like adding a wedding to a funeral. And the whole school population has to attend. No wonder it feels like a month long full moon… Read the rest of this entry »