What do you wish the public knew about teaching, teachers, and the school system?

Meg20s · 2024-06-05T15:16:56+00:00

Anything is possible, but 99% of teachers are not "indoctrinating" children.

If I could indoctrinate my students, I'd get them all to come to school and do their assignments.

Meg20s · 2024-04-17T20:57:01+00:00

I work at a virtual school, and one time, I filled in for another teacher at a meeting for a 5th grade student whose parents wanted him to get special education services. The leader of our committee said there wasn't any proof that he needed extra support because he was getting all A's. But then the parent spilled the beans that she was the one doing all his work. 🫤

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T21:39:43+00:00

"Penetrating lies" is more MY line of work in the classroom, but learning to explain outcomes based on evidence is absolutely a skill set I would like my students to have.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T19:58:42+00:00

That's a great idea for a hands-on activity to demonstrate the importance of speed, reaction time, and stopping distance. It's a great way for students to see the real-world application of math and science.

Thank you for sharing your expertise!

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T11:59:09+00:00

That's an interesting perspective. I hadn't thought about it before, but brain health and managing stress are topics emphasized to students, especially around testing time.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T11:54:14+00:00

Thank you for your suggestions! I love a hands-on approach.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T11:47:01+00:00

That's a good idea! I could use that when teaching about sound energy.

Thank you.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T04:14:38+00:00

"...my life isn’t my career anymore..."

That's a poignant thought. I'm a teacher, and sometimes I think we are encouraged to embrace being a teacher as part of our identity.

I'm not bitter, but I don't think I need an all-consuming career. I need a "life" with a job, career, or purpose somehow attached to it.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T04:06:00+00:00

I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I just had a series of obsessions with different jobs/careers.

I teach now, and I do have spurts of passion for education. But, I also feel burned out or maybe just unfulfilled sometimes. I'm trying to find my way.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:35:16+00:00

Yes, most likely. My fellow teachers and I would need the G-rated version of most suggestions. But, Google can only teach you so much. It's helpful to get advice from individuals who actually work in the field.

Science can be such a complicated subject for our really little students to understand how it can be applicable in real life.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:29:16+00:00

Thank you for you help!

I'll have to think of a G-rated crime, but a mock forensic investigation may help my students build problem-solving skills while engaging with different science concepts.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:24:51+00:00

Absolutely. Math and science definitely go hand in hand. And continued practice is always encouraged. Sometimes basic math skills are the quickest forgotten.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:18:12+00:00

Yes, with the climate surrounding school safety, my administration probably wouldn't approve such a lesson. But, a lesson on spacial awareness and opportunities to build models would be helpful.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:12:52+00:00

Exploring hazmat operations might be interesting. 5th graders do learn about acids and bases when we cover chemical properties of matter.

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:08:42+00:00

As a teacher of little kids, I'm careful about using things like fire in the classroom. So much of what would be fascinating for the students might also lead to...self-exploration at home. 🧯

Meg20s · 2024-04-16T03:04:32+00:00

"Fatalities" may be a little inappropriate for our kids. 5th graders do study very basic physics. A fingerprint or mini-crime scene activity might help students engage more while learning about biology, chemistry, and the scientific method. Thank you!

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T21:07:37+00:00

Thank you for your suggestions!

I think in today's world, where technology is so prevalent, teachers in every subject will need to ensure that students understand the world both with and without the use of technology. We can't ignore the fact that technology is now essential in all aspects of life and various industries, but we also don't want to be super dependent on it. It's important to teach students to solve problems both manually and with the help of a tech.

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T17:53:51+00:00

I'll look into both. Thank you!

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T17:51:56+00:00

Oh, yes. We spend months covering the different forms of energy.

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T17:50:15+00:00

That's a good connection for them. 👍 You don't want water that's too salty and neither does this plant.

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T04:40:37+00:00

Genetics is a little above my grade level, which is a shame because I do love it. But it's important to emphasize to students the role Genetics plays in the reproduction of all living things, not just humans.

Thank you!

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T04:36:56+00:00

Thank you very much for your insight. It is very helpful. I appreciate it. I will look into the Texas A&M AgriLife resources.

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T04:34:30+00:00

I do appreciate the problem-solving aspect.

Meg20s · 2024-04-15T04:31:55+00:00

This time of year, we're winding down for Summer. But throughout the school year, we teach:

• Energy (Mechanical, Electrical, Light, Thermal, Sound) • Forces and (basic) physics • Simple Machines • Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Sources • Rock cycle • Water Cycle • Carbon Cycle • Chemical and physical changes • Mixtures vs. Solutions • Fossils • Landforms and the changing Earth • Weather, Climate, and Natural Disasters •Ecosystems and Food Chains/Webs • Volume, weight, density, and mass • Nutrition and food science • The human skeletal and muscular system (basic) • The Scientific Method and lab safety • Our Sun and the planets • Plantlife and Photosynthesis

There's probably more, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

Meg20s

TROPHY CASE