The district was offering a class on Instruction that works by Marazano.  (I have already been trained in Marazano's data based instruction and found it confusing.  But then, I only listened to about half of the presentation because the room was so warm and I was having hot flashes.  )  Anyway, Our district Curriculum Director was giving the class for new teachers who were having trouble getting concepts across in their classes.  I went because I love learning from her and because I thought I could refresh some of my ideas.

Let me just say...WOW!!!  I got some of the best ideas on using "student made" graphic organizers.  If we draw them or  give them a copy of the organizer to fill out, they don't have ownership.  So, they told us to have the kids draw their own.  I am going to use this to show them how to study for the up-coming science test.  I think it is going to be great.

I was able to learn more than the new teachers because I was instantly able to attach teaching ideas to all the organizers and ideas she brought up.  The new teachers were having trouble because they don't have experience yet.

This is a lot like how I learned to use the computer.  I had to take the classes over and over because with each taking I was able to get a new A Ha! and improve my skills.  Until you have had some work with a new concept or skill, you don't really know what you need to know.  I am not a computer whiz but I am certainly up to stuff with the younger generation and better at it than a lot of them too.

Learning for me is as much a part of me as teaching.  I never teach the same thing in the same way.  That would be totally boring.  That is why I don't script my lesson plans.  I always find ways of teaching things differently and sometimes even changing what I teach completely.  It is a never-ending process.