Monday, July 20, 2009

52 Teachers, 52 Lessons #25: Don't Be Afraid to Switch Gears

This week's entry comes from Paige Lahaise, who teaches 11th & 12th grade English (and serves as department chair) in California. Her blog, Paige's Prose, was just launched in June.

If something isn't working don't be afraid to switch gears. Every once and awhile you are going to have a lesson or activity planned that will seem amazing in your head, but when you actually implement it just does not work. It's okay to stop and say "hey this isn't working, we are moving on". It might even be a lesson that you've already successfully done in the past. I've had plenty of situations where I did one thing with a class, then tried it with a different class and it bombed. I learned long ago to trust my intuition and know when to throw in the towel. That's why you have to have a huge arsenal of weapons on your belt (something that will come with time).

Read more about this project here or add the 52 teachers 52 lessons tag to your favorites. Email your entries to teachforeverATgmailDOTcom. Week 26 is scheduled for next Monday, July 27th.