How to hook them?!
The weakest class in Mathematics20 total reviews
Comment from karenina
What a fine teacher you are! I know this because I see this same encouraging tone in each of your reviews here on FanStory. It's all about the process. None of us is hopeless, nor too crafty to learn...
Math has always been difficult for me. I can tell you firsthand that those teachers that took the time to communicate with me about my struggles while emphasizing my strong points lured me to success!
I fondly remember flunking a Geometry exam, miserable. I was skimming the bottom of self-esteem.
My teacher, Miss Zika, kept me after class. I was expecting a stern lecture about not applying myself.
Imagine my awe when she offered how sorry she was that she'd failed in her approach to help me grasp the concepts!
From that day forward I viewed every grade as simply a measurement of the progress I was making. There are peaks and valleys in all learning.
By accepting my valleys, I learned to strive for the peaks!
Those students must have basked in the knowledge you were not assigned to them as punishment. They were CHOSEN!
I've gained even more respect for you!
Karenina
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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What a fine teacher you are! I know this because I see this same encouraging tone in each of your reviews here on FanStory. It's all about the process. None of us is hopeless, nor too crafty to learn...
Math has always been difficult for me. I can tell you firsthand that those teachers that took the time to communicate with me about my struggles while emphasizing my strong points lured me to success!
I fondly remember flunking a Geometry exam, miserable. I was skimming the bottom of self-esteem.
My teacher, Miss Zika, kept me after class. I was expecting a stern lecture about not applying myself.
Imagine my awe when she offered how sorry she was that she'd failed in her approach to help me grasp the concepts!
From that day forward I viewed every grade as simply a measurement of the progress I was making. There are peaks and valleys in all learning.
By accepting my valleys, I learned to strive for the peaks!
Those students must have basked in the knowledge you were not assigned to them as punishment. They were CHOSEN!
I've gained even more respect for you!
Karenina
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Thank you Karenina. Yes, I think I am like Miss Zika. Often it's not the fault of the child, simply that they need a different kind of explanation, and it's the teacher who needs to try different ways until the spark of understanding comes to the child. That realisation that the kid "got it" - that's the reward for a teacher, and makes teaching a joy. Many thanks for your lovely review and sharing.
Wendy
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I hasn't thought about Miss Zika in years... (She must be at least 75!)
Although the life lesson she offered has stayed with me.
(She explained the Pythagorean Theorem to me! I was on the moon!)
Mostly? She made me want to be worthy of her effort!
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
I like this section of your story a lot. You must have been the best loved teacher at that school. You describe the students and your expectations very well. I also like the way you lead into the next section of the "trilogy.(?)" These dreaded Friday assignments have made me curious to see what they might be. Below a few editing suggestions:
. "already looked surly and discouraged, and announced,
"You got the dummies, Miss!" I would start a new sentence (rewritten as a separate paragraph) after discouraged.
. "I wanted to "hear" them thinking I believed in them and cared." I find this sentence a bit confusing as to what you meant to say.
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reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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I like this section of your story a lot. You must have been the best loved teacher at that school. You describe the students and your expectations very well. I also like the way you lead into the next section of the "trilogy.(?)" These dreaded Friday assignments have made me curious to see what they might be. Below a few editing suggestions:
. "already looked surly and discouraged, and announced,
"You got the dummies, Miss!" I would start a new sentence (rewritten as a separate paragraph) after discouraged.
. "I wanted to "hear" them thinking I believed in them and cared." I find this sentence a bit confusing as to what you meant to say.
.
Comment Written 26-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Thanks again Kate for another thoughtful review. There will be five stories at least. I hope you will enjoy them as they come.
Wendy
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Man, you must have been one heck of a teacher. You exhibited nurturing, creativity, kindness, originality, and hard work, even taking on the dreaded Friday class. Wish I had had you for math class! I was engrossed in your techniques from the beginning of the post.
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Man, you must have been one heck of a teacher. You exhibited nurturing, creativity, kindness, originality, and hard work, even taking on the dreaded Friday class. Wish I had had you for math class! I was engrossed in your techniques from the beginning of the post.
Comment Written 26-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
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Thank you so much! I very much appreciate and value the six stars.
Wait till you read the next story! Lol. And then after that ...!
I loved teaching, but it is hard work if you want to be a good teacher.Thanks for reviewing.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from LisaMay
Virtual 6. So many phrases stand out here to show you as a stand out teacher:
It was a daunting challenge, but one I relished.
I had chosen to have them.
"Why?"
"Because the only way is UP!"
(many would run from such a challenge)
"We will work as a team!"
organised a mutually acceptable homework policy.
I expected and received honesty from them.
My goal was to promote the virtues of perseverance and effort
a different perspective
to promote a cooperative and supportive learning environment and to make my lessons varied and interesting
I wanted them to know they were valued as individuals.
The last one is probably the key - to show respect and earn it in return. This story should be required reading for all student teachers.
Looking forward to reading about your creative thinking for Friday afternoon lessons!
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Virtual 6. So many phrases stand out here to show you as a stand out teacher:
It was a daunting challenge, but one I relished.
I had chosen to have them.
"Why?"
"Because the only way is UP!"
(many would run from such a challenge)
"We will work as a team!"
organised a mutually acceptable homework policy.
I expected and received honesty from them.
My goal was to promote the virtues of perseverance and effort
a different perspective
to promote a cooperative and supportive learning environment and to make my lessons varied and interesting
I wanted them to know they were valued as individuals.
The last one is probably the key - to show respect and earn it in return. This story should be required reading for all student teachers.
Looking forward to reading about your creative thinking for Friday afternoon lessons!
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Wow, those are lovely comments Jenny. The time invested in showing genuine care is well worth spending.
Wendy
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I wish you'd taught me maths. I was one of those students who missed out on some basic concepts and now I freak out whenever I see numbers. It's almost become a phobia... I can feel my brain tingle with terror when shown a profit and loss statement at the art society or I have to get organised for a tax return.
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Maths teachers tend to be y creative types and don?t put enough prep into how to engage students and make their subject come alive and be relevant. It?s a shame.
W
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I can see how it would be a test of creativity to engage some reluctant students.
The teenager i spend time with hasn't read a book in ages - I try to engage him with ones I've read and explain why I enjoyed them or what I learnt from them outside a classroom.
Comment from Pantygynt
Had I enjoyed a teacher with your flair I might have become more adept at maths. I dont think I was unruly I just hated the subject because I had been so badly taught for the most part.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Had I enjoyed a teacher with your flair I might have become more adept at maths. I dont think I was unruly I just hated the subject because I had been so badly taught for the most part.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you for reviewing and your thoughts. I think perhaps maths teachers are guilty of being not very creative, or interested in making maths fun, interesting and relevant, and it is to the detriment of students. There?ll be another story tomorrow. Thanks again.
Wendy.
Comment from Aussie
Rebellious was I. Hated school, couldn't understand logarithms, algebra or geometry. Maybe because I thought, "what for?" Of course we had no IT or calculators in those days. You are right, lack of self esteem made us angry and not malleable. Great story, great patience and I liked your words. K xx
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Rebellious was I. Hated school, couldn't understand logarithms, algebra or geometry. Maybe because I thought, "what for?" Of course we had no IT or calculators in those days. You are right, lack of self esteem made us angry and not malleable. Great story, great patience and I liked your words. K xx
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you Kay. Thoughtful and insightful review. A lot of kids don?t see the relevance of Maths. I blame the teacher for not showing them. Relevance to a student is essential! Teachers (and often Maths teachers in particular) are not creative enough, don?t go to the bother of making their subject interesting.
Thank you so much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
That was an easy six stars. I was a math teacher and many of your experiences I had. I had one class of tenth graders who were below average in ability. Out of a class of about twenty-five, I gave almost every one an "A". The administration questioned me on this, but I stood my ground. I made sure the lessons were geared so everyone would be capable of doing them. I could go on about my time in the classroom, but I suspect that you and I have had the same experiences.
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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That was an easy six stars. I was a math teacher and many of your experiences I had. I had one class of tenth graders who were below average in ability. Out of a class of about twenty-five, I gave almost every one an "A". The administration questioned me on this, but I stood my ground. I made sure the lessons were geared so everyone would be capable of doing them. I could go on about my time in the classroom, but I suspect that you and I have had the same experiences.
Comment Written 24-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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Thank you Paul. Ours had to meet externally set outcomes for their grades, but I made sure I taught them how it was possible. Once they started to achieve well, that was self-motivating in itself. Yes, sounds like we are quite similar.
Thank you very much for the wonderful comments, as well as the six stars. That makes me feel I have achieved well too!
Appreciated always.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
I was good at arithmetic, and still am, but when they introduced and substituted letters for numbers I was lost forever, and nobody took the time to take me aside, I was a natural at humanities, English, French, geography, history, even bookkeeping, it served me well in business, I needed a teacher like you. What a caring teacher you were. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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I was good at arithmetic, and still am, but when they introduced and substituted letters for numbers I was lost forever, and nobody took the time to take me aside, I was a natural at humanities, English, French, geography, history, even bookkeeping, it served me well in business, I needed a teacher like you. What a caring teacher you were. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 24-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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Thanks so much for your lovely response.
Wendy
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Well done
Comment from lyenochka
Well, of course, you did not like swimming after your father threw you into the water to swim! I love this story of how you motivated these students and I remember about how you engaged them with math surrounding their favorite topic of sports and scoring etc. Most of all, I think you gave them the life skills of confidence and self-esteem which will do more for them than getting top scores in math! What a blessing you were to them!!
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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Well, of course, you did not like swimming after your father threw you into the water to swim! I love this story of how you motivated these students and I remember about how you engaged them with math surrounding their favorite topic of sports and scoring etc. Most of all, I think you gave them the life skills of confidence and self-esteem which will do more for them than getting top scores in math! What a blessing you were to them!!
Comment Written 24-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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What a memory you have. I?d forgotten about the sports scores from weekend sport. Yes that was another thing we did. Thanks so much for reviewing! Always encouraging.
Wendy
Comment from Mary Vigasin
I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school. As a teacher, you showed empathy, perseverance, wisdom, and patience.
I truly enjoyed this well-written story.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school. As a teacher, you showed empathy, perseverance, wisdom, and patience.
I truly enjoyed this well-written story.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 24-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2022
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Thank you Mary. What a wonderful and encouraging review.
Wendy
