Even when the rain falls

even when the flood starts rising

even when the storm comes

I am washed by the water…

– needtobreathe, “Washed by the Water”

I know I haven’t posted since August.  As you can imagine, the school year has been kind of demanding.  My Sociology class is turning out to be a tough one, but a great one.  I have a fantastic group of seventh-graders this year, but as before I am running into some problems (personal ones, I guess) with my teaching.  Apparently, I am not difficult enough as a teacher.  My class is not challenging enough.

This judgment was made based on a five-minute observation and a short glance at one test on the writing process and the 6 traits of good writing.  Never mind that my students designed their own mnemonic devices to help them remember the order of the writing process.  Never mind that my students have brainstormed and chosen topics for a narrative essay, completed graphic organizers for this essay, and are now in the process of learning a variety of revision strategies and applying those strategies to their writing.  I wonder if “more challenging” translates to “more work” in some people’s eyes?

The song at the top of this entry is one of my current favorites because the lyrics apply to what I am going through right now.  I have found my way back to what’s more important, renewing my relationship with God and my family.  Things have never been better.  And I see challenges like this one as opportunities to be “washed by the water.”  Even though the assumptions, accusations, and criticism continue to come, I have decided to not let it get me down, to take each experience as a lesson learned.  Maybe my class does need to be a little more challenging, so I am going to find some accessible ways to make that happen.

I have been doing research online to help me write objectives and create activities for my classes that cover all of the higher order skills.  So, let the rains fall, let the flood rise, let the storm come.  I will be washed by the water.

Until later — “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”