So I had no choice, I had to teach SRA. I had to find a happy place and make the program my own. Below I offer suggestions on how you can teach SRA with fidelity or any scripted program while still making it your own. I was originally not a fan of SRA especially for math, but after seeing some of the structure and repetition and seeing student success in the skill eventually I had to give in and realize that the program was not about me, but about the students and how they learn. It was like the serenity prayer... I had to accept the things I cannot change, courage to accept the things I can and wisdom to know the difference; and reading from the scripted program is one of them! I could however have the courage to try to find new ways to incorporate some of me into the program, or classroom structure/routines. Below are some suggestions with examples.
1. Try to incorporate structures/concepts that the students/school uses- Our school is a Thinking Maps school. I had to follow a certain set of rules. Instead of just listing them on chart paper, I incorporated them into a tree map. This was helpful for the students.
2. This is still your classroom!
Try picking a theme or decor to make it about you and the kids. I came up with a Madagascar theme and each group had their team name such as Zebras, Penguins, etc. I put up progress charts of lesson progressions and each quarter I pick a different theme for the bulletin board. Make it meaningful and related to the students. Remember this is their learning space too.
3. The program is a effective as you mindset of it.
Even though it is a scripted program you have to BELIEVE in it! I know this was hard for me at first but trust me once you see your toughest group of fifth graders actually subtracting with regrouping on their own it is as if the heavens came down! This day will also come for your groups eventually! You just have to speak about the program positively in front of your students and colleagues and stay positive about it. Remember you are still a teacher just working with students that need a different learning structure and repetition.
I love that you were able to put your own spin on things and came up with a theme to get the students more involved. Thinking maps is a new and interesting thing for me to get used to. Have you found a way to incorporate multiple maps into your structure? I've found that some maps are easier than others. I love the quote about accepting the things you can not change...I think it's something that we all, as teachers, need to embrace and remember.
ReplyDeleteUnderstandable, as teachers we do as requested, most of the time. Nevertheless, I always question (especially subconsciously) the decisions made up high. However, I see that you have accepted and moved on. Therefore, what is SRA and how will it benefit students?
ReplyDeleteFunny how some cannot accept and move on, just like a Phoenix-area elementary school teacher who filed papers forming a political action committee with the goal of recalling Diane Douglas, the newly elected state Superintendent of Public Instruction. Oh come on, she has not even received a paycheck yet. Should we not give her a chance just like SRA?
Great thoughts Vivian! I like how you've taken the high road and are presenting it positively to the students and staff. Our attitude matters, and sometimes we just have to fake it till we make it :-) Also, on that level, we forget sometimes that our job is to be professional, and badmouthing things to students and staff is not professional. These are great suggestions and I'm sure they make your job much more enjoyable. And I bet using this blog forces you to look for the positive too! :-)
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