Freak Out Moment

I am having a minor freak out moment.
I am participating in a 5-day GLAD training at school and am absolutely loving it. Every piece of it is relevant to my teaching, and it is absolutely amazing the level of understanding and investments my students have in the content that is being presented.

Let me back up for a moment. This training is for teachers, however, it is presented with a class of real students. My students. Let me tell you, I am speechless when it comes to my students so far this week. The discussions that they are having amongst themselves about erosion, the cooperation, and high level of thinking amazes me every minute of the training (and this is only DAY TWO! I am excited to see what is to come over the next three days).

This brings me to my freak out moment. Because this is a new things for my district, the focus has been on SIOP until this year, but I lucked out and got to participate in this training. I know these strategies will help my students. I've seen it. I've heard it from them. I am sold. Because my students are the "test class," the district wants to interview me for a better perspective on things because I do know my students and the impact these strategies are having on their learning. They are so much more invested. They have been interested in their learning thus far in fourth grade, but let me tell you, the EXCITEMENT they have about their learning is immeasurable. One of my teammates was talking to one of my students and asked him what he thought about what they've learned so far and, with an ear-to-ear grin, he replied, "it's so much fun! Who knew we could have so much fun AND learn." It is really exciting. Which brings me back to the interview. This interview is really important. It could change the perspective on things in my district and teaching and learning. When I'm put on the spot, as in an interview situation, I get really nervous and feel like I sound like a 14 year-old with very little eloquence or knowledge. I have no problem talking in front of 20-30 kids, but adults?! Let's just start tripping over my tongue now.

I keep thinking about things I need to remember to say, but we'll see what happens! I'll let you know how it goes....


My kids are so excited about this, they're going to be bored to tears when we go back to class next week! I know I can't be the level that the trainers are, but you can bet I've all ready started putting things together and planning to incorporate GLAD strategies into my teaching.