Focus on the Positive

Maybe not how the schools are failing students but more about what more we can do to better meet their needs? I work hard to make sure that lessons I create and implement are interactive and engaging. Sometimes I cannot help but take it personally when I spend a lot of time developing an activity that is hands-on and students still are tuned out or declare it boring. I should still ask myself, "what more can I do to meet their needs?" Incorporate more technology? Use color where possible? Encourage creativity or a different approach to problem-solving? The key seems to be---keep trying new things. When you stumble across, or purposefully find, something that works, weave it into your repertoire. Ask the students what they want, challenge them, continue to have high expectations even when it would be easier to let it slide. Meet your students in the middle-start a blog, show a video clip, or go on a virtual fieldtrip. Try something new that you know they will like even if it means going outside of your comfort zone. I just need to continually remind myself to stay positive and not get discouraged, so I know my students will need encouragement to do the same. The less things feel like "work" the more likely our teenagers will be willing to do it.