It's that time of year...
11/21/2020
Despite sounding cliched, every single day I wake up feeling thankful to work with our PNA 5th and 6th grade students. Here are eight of the reasons why: Transformative developmental time. Ages 10-12 are pivotal years for physical, mental, and emotional development. These students need an atmosphere to feel comfortable being uncomfortable. It has been my goal to create a safe space for my students to ask questions as they experience so many life changes. I am thankful to have students who are open and honest about their thoughts. Hands-on teaching and learning. While this isn’t as literal as is used to be, PNA has been able to maintain our “hands-on” teaching and learning methods to the best of our ability. Students are able to “do”, instead of just watching and listening. Every day I am thankful for the privilege to physically go to school and be with my students. Awareness and Advocacy. Now, more than ever, I am thankful to teach about things that matter. Learning about global issues, human body health, diversity and inclusion, and positive relationships—students are becoming more knowledgable about real-life topics. My students are honing their empathy and determination to make positive impacts on the world around them. Nurturing environment. Our classroom management program, Responsive Classroom, is a student-centered social and emotional approach to teaching and discipline. I am thankful to work at a school that supports engaging, collaborative intervention techniques instead of punitive methods. We strive to create a safe, joyful, and inclusive classroom climate, where all students have a sense of belonging and value. Kids being kids. While my students are learning about serious topics, there are still plenty of opportunities for them to just be kids. Communicating through banana phones at snack time, building snow-forts during PE, or teaming up and playing our weekly review game of Jeopardy, our classroom is full of laughter. I am thankful for our inside jokes, our Swahili code words, and the social, joyful buzz of our classroom. Family. Students spend more waking hours in school than out of school. Our class is becoming a family. Each student has a role and a purpose; kids are continually learning new traits about their classmates. I feel uniquely connected to my students’ families this year. I couldn’t be more grateful to have such an understanding network of parents supporting my role in their child’s education. Understanding and flexibility. During a time of instability and stress, I am thankful to be surrounded with understanding allies. Administrators, colleagues, and parents all have become increasingly patient, providing extra appreciation and grace. While every day is different and we are simultaneously building the bridge as we walk across it, the kindness being given and received has not gone unnoticed. Love of learning. PNA prides itself on having a student body full of kids who love learning. My 16 students are the epitome of this. Even through the most complicated, gross, emotional content, my students have persisted with their curious nature and hunger for learning. Our class discussions are always vibrant and insightful—something I am grateful for, each and every day. Comments are closed.
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Elizabeth FerryMs. Ferry's experiences include teaching with the Peace Corps in Tanzania, teaching high school English in Maine, and this is her second year at PNA. She loves moose, outdoor activities, and being with her students. Archives
April 2021
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