February 2011 Update

I realize I have not posted much in the past few months, but you can 't blame me because I'm a new teacher still learning the ropes, and I'm really really busy.  But maybe that's a good thing.  I am not one to accept failure.  I enjoy a chance to take on many challenges.  The level of focus required helps me stay sharp.  However, the last few days have shown to  be a valuable critique on my teaching style.  And that is that I rely too much on myself and not on a curriculum. 

The only advantage to this s that since i have so few students, I can meet them right where they are and help them build skills specific to their needs.  On the other hand, I have to be present in order to implement it, the students don't quite know what's coming, and everything becomes too subjective. 

How do I overcome this critique?  Well, it is easier to add flexibility to structure than to add structure to chaos.  So I'll find a social skills curriculum and accommodate it to my students.  A LOT has happened this year, and it seems to have been a long year already.  But I know that when June comes, it will feel as if the year has ended far too quickly.