I am a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a teacher (to name just a few). In every aspect of my life, there are high expectations and I love that. I strive to do the very best I can and I wish this for my boys as well as my students.
I teach 3rd grade at an amazing school. Every year, the children are asked to do a Personal Passion for Learning project (PPL). I teach researching skills and let the class research something they care about. They are then asked to share a visual and explain what they learned. I stress that they become masters of their passion (a very focused passion) and that they explain it in their own words.
Today was the start of our PPL presentations and I couldn't have asked for more. R presented about how cheddar cheese is made. She talked about curd, health inspectors, and cheese cloth. She was animated and knowledgeable about her topic. I smiled so much that my cheeks hurt. I couldn't help but give her a hug and share how proud I was.
L followed with a PowerPoint on how to build a tree house. L and his dad drew up blueprints and walked us through the building process...it was amazing. He simplified this detailed process so everyone could understand. He even joked with his dad that this project must be done in real life. I beamed from ear to ear.
E was my finale and I was mesmerized. I've seen the crystal presentation before but never like this. Eye contact was constant, inflection was abundant, passion was there, and he fully understand how the molecules worked together. We even got flavored sugar crystals to sample. I didn't even realize that my eyes started to fill with H2O until my students started to groan.
"Are you crying?" they moaned. "Not yet!" was my stifled response.
This isn't the first time that I've been proud enough to get teary. I expressed my pride and joy in watching today's presenters. Sharing most of my day with these kids makes them feel like my own. I have high expectations for my kids and today they rose to the occasion. I am a proud teacher mama! Bring on the rest of the amazing presenters this week! I'll make sure that I rest my cheeks tonight.
I got teary just reading this. You certainly have a way with words that bring people right into your story. Thank you for sharing this, I can't wait to hear more later this week. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! It sounds like the presentations were amazing. I would be crying too as a proud teacher. You should cherish and enjoy this moment. These are the type of moments we live for as teachers.
ReplyDeleteSuper. Imagine how many bright eyes and smiles would be in the world if all children were encouraged to learn and teach others about questions they are passionate about. You had a wonderful day and I am very happy for you. Thank you for sharing and bringing a smile on my face too.
ReplyDeleteFinding one's passion...oh what a teaching moment that these kids will forever remember. This was a delight to read and is the reason many of us teach...it is our passion.
ReplyDeleteI love that "passion" is a tangible part of the project. Thanks for sharing out.
ReplyDeleteKevin
Exactly. Wonderful. Perfect. They don't get that passionate about test prep. This is just what kids need. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations "teacher mama". Job well done. Your writing made me feel excited about your project. You shared your enthusiasm and made me want to be in that audience.
ReplyDeleteI think the passion has been passed from you to these kids. When kids have choice in their learning, they become so invested in it they don't even know how much they are learning. Well done mama of the third graders!
ReplyDeleteOh Elizabeth, I can hear that you're so proud, & the presentations sound fabulous. They must have been pleased as punch, as the saying goes. I'm glad you shared this-wonderful to hear! Have a great day today too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to get kids to think about what they want to learn and how they want to learn.
ReplyDeleteHooray for the kids and hooray for you...it takes the passion and interest of a great teacher to make for learning like this!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth--they learn about passion from the way you teach, I am sure. And as a high school speech teacher, I love that you are getting them up in front of an audience to share their learning. Just awesome!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth...what a great teacher you are...from your heart to theirs...
ReplyDeleteYou obviously have a talent for what you do. We need more teachers like you. I love this PPL idea. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being proud of your students and showing how much you care.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience for you and for your students! So clear how dear they are to you and how engaged they are in learning. Thank you for capturing and sharing this lovely slice!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fun way to get to know your students better and let them share something at which they shine! I love the "passion" idea and I can just imagine how proud all the students were. Your description of your emotions shows how deeply you care about your students!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing about your students. It's great you are nurturing this activity. I always love when kids get to share their passions. I think what they love when they're eight is so interesting! Great post.
ReplyDeleteA proud teacher mama! That is the way it should be. Keep the expectations high and keep smiling and getting teary eyed...your career as a teacher will one day end...and these moments will be ones that former students will greet you when they see you and say, "I remember when you..." My son the other day said, "Did everyone have you as a teacher?" My teacher mama came back!
ReplyDeleteGood job! I especially loved when your eyes filled with H2O. This must be a very special year for you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I can feel your pride through your writing! You inspire us all!
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