This is day 8 of the Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Challenge. It is really a writing challenge, but my personal challenge is to capture about 5 minutes of my day as a teacher to illuminate all the tiny, often overlooked decisions teachers make every day.
In this one, I take you to the most sacred space for teachers: the private bathroom. Most schools have at least one bathroom that does not have multiple stalls, one bathroom where a teacher can have some privacy (until someone knocks on the door). I also show you how together, students and I develop goals/criteria for their public speaking performances of their spoken word pieces. We do weekly open mics with stories, arguments, and informational pieces, but spoken word requires a little something extra. Check it out.
The bathroom bit – truth! – also, I did not know “Knock, Knock” but will be adding that to my spoken word poetry options.
I love this post because it is honest and REAL!
Thanks. When I watch this video that avoids students and the conversation between segments, I see how many decisions I make in such a short period of time. Makes me tired just watching.
You’re so funny! Hiding in the bathroom. Hey, sometimes you just have to be alone!
As a traveling teacher, I don’t have a classroom, so no hiding under a desk–the bathroom is a sanctuary on difficult days.
“Knock, Knock” is a fantastic common text to launch this discussion! (And I know what you mean about the bathroom!)
Some students used the format of this for their writing–amazing writing emerged.
You really got around in your video!! I chuckled thinking about heading to the bathroom and hearing someone talk in there.