TEACHERS: QUIT BLAMING EVERYONE-EVALUATE YOURSELF

There you go again, sitting down at the edge of your bed at the wee hours of the morning, head bent, hands clasped in grief and despair. One of your popular lines is, “When will things start working for me?” Wallowing in self-pity you console yourself that one day will be your day but to make matters worse, you remember that you are a teacher, a Nigerian teacher for that matter. Expectedly, you begin to curse everyone whom you believe could be responsible for your travails; the government, your employer, the circumstances of your childhood, the supervisor who you think despises you, the youngster at work who’s getting everything you believe you deserve but you never blame yourself for anything. Surprisingly, you have repeated this routine for many years, nothing has changed except the bulging bags under your eyes, the fine lines that have emerged on your face to remind you that you are getting older and that you have only a little time on your hands. It is the end of another year, you should not be doing that again, there are better ways to reflect on your life.

I beseech you right now to absolve everyone else of all blame and focus on yourself. Success is a choice, trust me it is not going to just fall into the laps of whosoever wishes for it, you have got to work it. This is that moment when you quit making excuses; just take the right steps. Life will always take advantage of those who will not do anything to take advantage of life.

In 2017, I gained new grounds; personally and as a brand. For readers who do not know me, I am a teacher without apologies and the brand, Teacher Idara is purely educational and it is owned by teachers, David Obianyor and Idara Umosen.  Teachers can gain new grounds if they take the right steps. In this post, I will be guiding you through practical ways to make your first baby step towards being a successful teacher. Grab a pen and writing pad and change the way you have been handling situations.

1. REFLECT ON YOUR GOALS (OR WISHES)

This may be in areas of personal development, classroom management, your community, your school, promotions, awards etc.

For example, this year, one of my goals was to become a visible teacher on the social media platform.

• Make a list of everything you aspired for in 2017.
• Tick off the ones you achieved.
• Put a question mark in front of the ones you did not achieve.

2.  LESSONS LEARNT FROM VICTORIES

This could be your victory or that of others.

For example; this year, I learnt that the more knowledge I have, the more power I have.

• Turn to a new page of your writing pad
• List out your achievements (or that of others)
• Enumerate five lessons learnt from each of them

3. LESSONS LEARNT FROM FAILURES

This could be from your failure or that of others.

For example, after my first radio interview at Eko FM (thank you Segilola for that experience), I realised that I found it difficult to address questions relating to a fraction of my audience (public school teachers) and I took steps.

• Turn to a new page of your writing pad
• List out your failure or unachieved goals (or that of others)
• Enumerate five lessons learnt from each of them

*Look out for more posts on more steps to take to become successful as a person and as a teacher.

*Feel free to drop your comments. 

*You can follow me by mail by submitting your email in the box at the top left side of this page.

SAFETY TIPS FOR TEACHERS

About two years ago, I was on my way back from private tutoring when this happened.

I had chosen the location because of it's proximity to my house without considering how much disruption traffic will cause.

At 8:40pm I drove off from the lesson hoping to get home in less than 30 minutes but that didn't happen. On that day there was a standstill.

I remember looking and the time going by, I called close people and told them what was going on. I got so tired that I kept dozing off.

Boom! I jerked up, opened the door to run out of the car and was pulled back by my tightened seatbelt. I stopped to figure out what had happen but could not tell. 

At the loud sound, I saw bright lights and splinters of glass flying towards my face. What had hit my car? I could not tellWhat had struck my car. I became extremely frantic, it was 10:35pm o was still stuck in that traffic, my glass was broken.

I remember some guys in a big truck kept looking at me and smiling, some guy told me sorry. A vehicle with a middle aged couple stopped by to ask me what was taken from me, that was when it dawned on me that I had been robbed. My handbag had been taken out, but my phone was with me. 

At this point I wanted to scream because I felt so vulnerable, there was still this bad traffic  and a few hawkers were coming around to look and sell their wares.

I endured it till we were able to move, I took a look at the point the police usually stayed but they had probably closed. I drove home in a rush and finally arrived around 11pm.

I had never been so shaken in my life like that. Shattered glass on my body, all over the car and a missing bag full of documents and money as I had just returned from a camp that weekend.

The nice part is that by God's grace, I got calls from market women and random people and received my important documents.

I remain thankful because mine ended wellbut we can never be careful to make sure we have got the loose ends tightened.

Lessons

1. The route from the location should be properly taken into consideration. What level of traffic it is prone to, and at what time it is.

2.  Teachers need to understand properly the timing for the lesson. It is okay to be aware of the duration and fix a start time. But, you may need to do your test to ensure that your expectations for time duration and start time are in order.

3-  Prevent your lessons from dragging into the night. Go early and leave on time so you can feel safe.

4-  Keep your possessions away from sight .

5- Choose locations that are close to you and not prone to heavy traffic.

6- If you like to have multiple lessons plan your days properly. Let proximity be a deciding factor so that you do not have to stay out late meeting up with your targets.

7- As a teacher, you have the liberty to pick out a timing that works for you. So next time you are on the negotiation table, ask for timings that work for you and then come to a compromise at worst case scenario.

I changed my lifestyle from that day and you can change yours too. Don't put  your life at risk by staying out so late for lessons. 

I still think about interesting conversations that ensued between a certain parent and me. I  was asked to start sleeping over  on the days I had lesson to avoid being out late. I did not accept the proposal but painfully had to stop.

The most important thing I have continued doing is to avoid driving late. 

Stay safe!!! 

when teachers cease to look like teachers

Scene 1

I got on board quite late as I was not keen on lining up with the long queue when I could just sit down comfortably to complete episode 11 of Jenifa's Diary in peace.

Just as I planned, I finished the episode and happily strolled in behind a couple people to get on board.

I sighted my seat partners from a distance, both elderly and stern faced, I knew it was going to be a 

5-hour flight properly planned so that I don't get bored.

While I was still settling down, the passenger beside me mentioned that he noticed I came in a group, 'yes sir,' as I nodded.We all didn't seat together so I wondered how he must have thought so. It is most likely that he saw us much earlier when we were all checking in.

You know how it is when you know the person beside you is staring and looking for a conversation? That was the case but was not ready at the time.

A little after, I had a brief chat with one of  the air hostesses who totally loved and wanted to get the wig I had on. Immediately she went off the man asked again, ' Did you come for a conference?' This time I answered but did not look away, it was appropriate to have that once in a while chat with my seat partner.

I could tell he was curious and was definitely ready to feed him with as much as he asked for. Typical of his age range, he spoke with light gestures when he wanted to stress a point.

'What organization are you from?' Hmmm....I could tell he was thinking differently and I wanted to burst those bubbles immediately. Tuning my voice to the desired pitch for making my 'killer' impression, ' I am a teacher.'

Obviously jerking with astonishment, he readjusted and demanded to know what organization I came from and annoyingly again I said, 'every member of the group is a teacher' and that we were being sponsored by our school, Corona Schools Trust, Council.

For a few seconds he started to stutter, he was totally in awe. He said he was amazed that teachers would travel for a conference in such a large group (sponsored by the school). I just quietly looked at him with a faint smile, waiting for him to gather himself back again.

He then began to tell me that he was a medical doctor who had just returned from a vacation in London and lots more.I nodded, smiled and chipped in a few words to keep the conversation rolling.

Teacher/ blogger like me, I pulled out a note and pencil to write. I spent a few hours writing, no doubt, I had my seat partner peeking at every opportunity. Thinking back now, maybe I should have engaged him in more conversations, but the introvert in me did not let that happen.

I have flashes of our conversations and I reaffirm that teachers can earn their respect if they behave and appear respectably.

Teachers are phenomenal because of what they do. Carry yourself with pride and watch how others desire to be like you.

Scene 2

Patiently opening and examining every single dish in the restaurant,  I needed to make a great choice for breakfast.Suddenly, I looked up to find someone cheerfully standing in front of me.

 "My name is Peter, a businessman from Zimbabwe. Are you one of the election observers?"

I wondered why he would think I was that. Without wasting anytime I proudly raised my conference identity card, mentioning my name and profession.

He found it difficult to believe that teachers were having a conference in that building and had flown in from other countries.

Curiously, I went around the meeting areas and saw that there was a banner by the EU, they came  to observe Kenya's elections. 

Two mornings later, while I had breakfast he asked to join my table which I obliged to. He asked more questions about the conference and I loaded it down to him.

Then, he started about education in Nigeria that was the point where I dropped my stuffed bread and began to talk. 

 Of course, I made sure to talk about Teacher Idara in all it's facets ( edu support for teachers, TCT Lend a hand project and business).

He was dazed because he probably hadn't met a 21st century teacher before. He didn't understand how teaching was my main hustle and I was so proud of it. 

 Businessman as he was he started offering business ideas and also offered to invest if the need ever arose.

What happened to my food? Your guess is right,  I got filled up with my gist, could not finish the main course and even skipped dessert.

When I got up to leave for my sessions that morning, I walked out of the dining area head up. I just had amazing and sustained  business, intellectual and political discussions and I nailed it.  

I left him with an impression that teachers are way more than the chalk and the board.

I am Idara Umosen, a teacher. Every morning, when my leg hits the ground, I know it's another opportunity to express myself to the world.

What's your teacher story?

TEACHER/FASHIONISTA/SMARTMONEYMAN/ENTERTAINER/MENTOR/ NIKEADDICT

'Regular is boring' is your usual line and you have proven that over and over. 

The extraordinary person with me in this video is David Obianyor, a teacher whom I would like to celebrate today. We first met in 2014 when he was transferred to my branch to become the Numeracy teacher in my class. 

Day one, was unimaginable, 'who is this crazy guy that was sent to my class oh? ' The first teacher I know who starts his lessons with a show(dance and singing performance). The pupils were crazy about him and in days, they couldn't wait for Numeracy classes to begin. I was worried because the excitement was so much I wondered how the children would learn anything. 

Whilst I was still in my pedagogical thoughts wondering why this guy won't organize his class normally like other teachers, he cuts in one day as I teach and whispers in my ears to say I wrongly pronounced a word;he was actually right. That was the beginning of my learning process with him. 

After many more encounters, I realized this new teacher had so much more 'upstairs' than I thought earlier. What broke the camel's back was the day I demanded to see my pupils' Numeracy test records. They were excelling, even the pupils who struggled in the subjects I taught. 

David changed my perspective about teaching. He challenged me a lot and I began to 'up my game'; becoming more open minded and making teaching more child centred in my class. Improving my grammar(which was above average before), vocabulary, pronunciation became a drive. 

I learnt from him how to make my lessons more fun, how to help children comfortable enough with me to say how they feel and get solutions. 

David, @daveoe075, I may not be able to tell you every time how much impact you have made in my life and classroom. Looking back at the last three years, I can see how much I have grown. Thank you for letting your light shine through. 

The Confident Teacher's Guide

Hello Teachers,

The new school year is fast approaching. It's that time where you start your planning and preparations.

Some teachers often don't know where to begin.

Worry no more, I have a guide to help you prepare for the new session so that you can start strong and be a CONFIDENT teacher all year round.

To subscribe to my mailing list, send a mail to teacheridara@gmail.com or drop your email address in the comment section.

NEVER TOO EARLY TO ACQUIRE A SKILL

Something interesting happened this week, one of my sisters who is on the verge of completing her high school came home. She needed to do an interview for her choice university and so she was at home for a few days. The night before she was to go back, she came into the room with a box. She had chosen photography as a subject from SS1.

‘You guys see what I did in photography for WAEC practical,’ Unwana said as she carefully unzipped. She brought out a gigantic photo album (over a hundred capacity), she had snapped a lot of creative and beautiful pictures; nature, buildings, people and many more. We, every member of the family present could not hide the surprise and joy.  Next, she brought out handmade frames mage from boards, then other frames that she had bought, all with amazing pictures in them. I was very pleased.

You cannot begin to imagine all the ideas I gave to her since she would be studying journalism in the university.

Meanwhile, way back in high school as I sat during a valedictory service, I was in SS1,I recall the principal telling the parents why the school wasn't offering vocational subjects. 'We are not interested in training menial workers, we are grooming professionals' he said.I remember that line because it was followed by a loud applause, I actually thought my principal was on point at that time. It caused a disruption in my mind.

Prior to that time, I loved destroying my old clothes and re sewing with a needle and thread. I would wear them and tell people I sewed them myself. With my new mind shift, I only continued as a hobby, since I was made to believe that it was only the uneducated who learnt such skills (poor me).It took so many years to realise that I was misguided.

Today, I am a preacher of the need to acquire skills, 21st century skills to be precise. When I came across this post through a phenomenal educator as I, Halimah Bello- Osagie, I was overjoyed. Take a good look at the vocational skills being offered. I commend the organizers of this programme, they are trendy and forward thinking.

I called my brother who just finished his junior WAEC and told him to choose a skill. I sent for his friend and right now they are so in for this programme. He is definitely going to sharpen some old skills and learn new ones.

What are your teens doing this summer? Do not leave them to play all day aimlessly. Let them acquire skills, gain a work experience or create something. Better still, register them on the programme, it's for only a week. 

MY EXPERIENCE WITH A DISSATISFIED PARENT

I want to believe most teachers share the same phobia with me - DISSATISFIED PARENTS. Even the best teachers must have come across a dissatisfied parent on the job, more experienced teachers may have even found ways to minimize this, but every once in a while, they are all out in your face. Do you know that having a dissatisfied parent is neither because you are a bad teacher nor he/she is a bad parent?

To be sure we are in agreement, I would like to say that I see a dissatisfied parent as one who thinks that you are not doing enough or not trusted enough to cater  for the educational needs and a lot more (as promised by the school)  for his/her child. This could range from the child’s consistent missing pencil to a not so good feeling towards a teacher. Before I share a recent experience, you should know that I believe strongly that parents know or have an idea of what they want for their child (ren); this guides how I relate with them.

Just a few weeks back, I was summoned by my supervisor, while I was still trying to finish up what I had to do, she showed up at the front door of my class. Very professionally, she informed me on how displeased a certain parent, Mrs. Lovelyface (that’s what I call her in my mind), was about her son’s handwriting. Prior to that day, I had discussed with Mrs. Lovelyface, she seemed very concerned about her son’s handwriting, I tried to make her aware of her son’s academic standing (more of a concern to me than his handwriting), but soon figured out that her first goal for him was the handwriting. The little chap and I had worked really hard on the writing even though he was not consistent yet. I kept on asking about his mum as I couldn’t wait for her to see his improvement, but she had been in ‘the abroad’ for quite a while.

Now, as I was being informed of the situation, I couldn’t help turning away to look at furious Mrs. Lovelyface, pacing angrily at us; she looked ready for war. Honestly, I wondered to myself why this fine lady was stressing her face so badly, the lovely face had disappeared. In less than a second later, I was terribly pissed because it didn’t even make sense as she had been unavailable and then suddenly returns to report me to the school without confirming her son’s progress from me. Without batting an eyelid, I said to her, ‘madam, but you have been in America since, your son has made so much progress.' The only evidence was his notes and my supervisor really wanted to get to the root of the matter, alas his notes arrived and there was a clear progression, my lovely lady lacked words and calmed down a bit. My supervisor began to commend me on the boy’s improvement and looked through the notes together with the lovely lady then left both of us to talk and sort out ourselves. The whole experience spoilt my day, I didn’t like it at all.

I needed to talk to someone, I didn’t think it was right of her to have reported me to the authorities without finding out from me, especially, because she also hadn’t been around (she insisted I should have called her since she always roams), but deep down, I knew the woman wanted more from me. My head was not ready to think, so I spoke to a trusted colleague, who I knew would be sincere with me, he was. 'All this woman wants for her child right now is for his handwriting to become really good, give it to her,’ he said to me.  I tried to explain that his handwriting was a lot better and that the mother wanted a complete transformation which may not be very possible judging from a lot of factors.  After everything, I assured myself that I would push myself to make Mrs. Lovelyface a satisfied customer.

I made a few decisions and a took a few steps.

1.   I told myself that I couldn’t keep being angry (the customer is always right). In my case, the customer desperately wants something and if I am to say I am good enough, I have to meet and exceed her expectations.
2. My reaction must never change negatively towards the child even though I did not like what his mum did(which actually is not wrong, teachers just don’t like to be reported )
3. I thought of a colleague who mentored me in my early years in teaching, Sarah Jatto, she is absolutely amazing in working with children. ‘’She is the best person to help me in the total transformation of his handwriting,’’ I assured myself.
4.  I met Sarah Jatto who poured her wealth of wisdom to me, priceless (we must learn to identify colleagues who have strengths that we lack, super stars don’t necessarily know everything).
5.  I gave him a student mentor and coach (Mrs. Lovelyface had earlier shown her admiration towards the child’s writing), his goal was to write like him.
6.  I was patient with him even though there was a backlog of notes, it cost him a lot of pain and time to write legibly let alone nicely.
7.   I followed through with him consistently and gave him rewards, more targets and more rewards.

Finally, one morning, by 10:18am, I receive a message on my phone. Guess who it was? If you said Mrs. Lovelyface, you are right. I personally learnt a lot from this experience,uu even though I have written about aligning your goals for a child with the parent’s, this was a reality check. To my amazement, the child’s academics which I was more concerned about has also become better. Yes, that handwriting is still a work in progress, nevertheless, we aim for the sky.

Be Knowledgeable

Collaboration 4 -#doingitright

Collaboration 3 -#doingitright

Collaboration 2 -#doingitright

REENFORCING OLD SKILLS AND TEACHING NEW ONES PRACTICALLY IN MY CLASSROOM

For a while, I have been writing on the need for teachers to be in tune with technogical trends because it stands as one of the key tools to being outstanding in the 21st century. Some may begin to say that in the past, they were taught by very good teachers and still did exceptionally in examinations.

Furthermore,there are extremely brilliant teachers who still teach without technology, they can boast of teaching students who have gotten scholarships and exceptional results. So, what's the fuss about technology?

The world is definitely running at a pace so fast that all we keep doing is to try and catch up. You know what? Technology stands right at the centre of this and it automatically affects every sphere of life, includng you and your classroom.

Africans are generally known for their large appetite for inventions from the western world. We are heavy users of technology  and the children we teach are not left out. Here's my thought, we need to be smart enough to begin to teach our chldren that they can also become creators/inventors/innovators.

I am privleged to have a classroom where children can bring in their devices for learning. So, a thought came to my mind as they were about to embark on their termly project. These are mostly eight year olds who had been using their laptops for only a few weeks. 

"Listen up everyone, we are starting our project today and would be using Microsoft PowerPoint." I quickly connected my computer to the projector and began to show them how to create slides, install page designs, insert pictures and symbols,draw tables, add animation, time their slides and finally do a voice over - all these happened in 10 minutes. It was a spontaneous decision and I was eager to see how everything would turn out.

A few hours passed and everyone was actively engaged, excitement filled the air and I am guessng it was first because it was a totally new experience for them in my class. You cannot imagine the pleasure I felt when I saw them taking turns to input data, how arguementative some groups were and how quiet others were. Mind you, I was not expecting a perfect job but trying to develop new skills(creativity in technology) and strenthen old ones(collaboration).

I scaffolded minimally and encouraged group members to remind each other of the steps they needed to take. At the end, I was pleased with the outcome everyone did the major things except for a group. The group felt really bad that they couldn't get to do their voice over like the others. The group leader had made herself a boss over them and refused to do what others suggested. Continuously, I intervened and made them aware that time was running out but sadly they still could not meet up.I ceased the golden opportunity to explain to the pupils how impportant teamwork is and what the lack of it could cause. That learning cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

There's no doubt that there's a transformation going on in my classroom, yours can be so too. 

Note 

This work was randomly picked from all the submitted presentations.

Consent was duly given by parents of the children whose  names and voices  are featured in the video above. 

Collaboration 1 #doingitright

When it comes to tasks in class, every child has a role to play.

Always make sure you understand every child and assign responsibilities to them according to their strengths.

That way, teamwork will be better understood.

Always emphasize the fact that they need one another to make the task a success.

#teaching
#teacheridara
#education #educationng #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #pupils #tasks#instadaily #lagos #nigerianschools #africa

Teacher's Truth Series 4

Teacher's Truth Series 3

THE TECH TEACHER

BANG! BANG! BANG! The beginning of beginnings was like a big bang on my head. I had sponsored myself to a camp in the United Kingdom just after finishing one in Nigeria. I really wanted to learn more, how to train girls, the camp was a blast. I met women and girls of different professions from several countries, including Singapore. There were so many new things to learn and I told myself that every holiday was going to be a new learning experience. I was full of excitement which was soon cut short by this monstrous thought of mine ‘How much time and money do I have?’

Time and Money stood tall before me like raging demons but as you ought to know, there’s no hindrance to one who is set to achieve, every problem has a solution. I knew I couldn’t spend every dime of my ‘newbie pay status’ to give myself the amount of training and exposure I desired. One day, on my way back from work, I bought a Visafone modem; I believed that the internet could solve the problem.

SO MUCH INFORMATION FOR FREE!!!  I read something everyday, asking questions and getting answers for free. My search was vast, learning how to teach certain subjects, topics and then getting appropriate resources for my lessons. Before this time, I would spend hours creating my slides not knowing some of them were available for free online. Teaching started becoming a lot more fun and nobody needed to tell me I had become a better teacher, I knew it.

In 2013, I had advanced so much that I wanted to share my own resources to other teachers online. I visited some websites and felt so happy that I had become so resourceful. Just recently, a colleague that I respect a lot showed me some platforms where his work had been downloaded more than a hundred times. This is a vital topic I would love to share very soon because it alarms me to know that some teachers would rather keep their resources than share even in their local school community. Such teacher already shows that he /she lacks a very vital 21^st century skill that he /she is supposed to pass to the students he/she teaches.

I joined an online based academy in 2013, European Schoolnet Academy, I learnt new things. I participated in a number of their courses (free) of interest to me and for the first time, I understood what collaboration really meant in practical terms. From that platform, I discovered a website that changed the face of teaching Spelling in my classroom. There’s so much information out there, sitting in the comfort of your classroom and school makes you a very local champion. When you sincerely begin the quest for knowledge and development, you will admit that you don’t know enough.

The skills (critical thinking, problem solving, creativity...)our students need to become outstandimg individuals transcends academic prowess and morals. Do you even know about these skills? Do you know how they can be incorporated into your daily lessons? These skills are not to be recited to the students, the teacher must understand them, own them and then disseminate tactically. There’s so much to say on different things we must do to improve on our present status, we will take them one at a time in upcoming posts.

  

Summary

• Understand your present status
• Admit your weaknesses
• Seek help by researchng online
• Collaborate with your colleagues(you are not limited by the school you work in)
• Learn to share and receive resources, you would be shocked that there are better resources than yours all over
• Join educational communities ( Google has alot)
• You can use Google Drive to preserve your files forever 
• Practise the things you learn, don't just be a recipient
• Learn new trends in technology, you can't run away from it.

Teacher's Truth Series 2

This is a really tough one considering our personal strengths and weaknesses which could even be the product of our backgrounds.

One thing I know is that  being a teacher is a growing process,we should be unwavering in our quest for perfection. I always take a peep back at when I started teaching;it's a long way from where I am right now. The little baby steps have walked a pretty long way.

Remember the popular saying ' It's tiny drops that make a mighty ocean.' However, the journey never ends.

Teacher's Truth Series

Teachers and Parents need a Positive relationship for the sake of the child

About 4 years ago, one of my pupils shyly came to my seat and told me some really personal things about her sister and herself. I was really dazed as she went on and on, "Have you told your mum?,"I asked curiously. She said "no, my mummy's pregnant and it would make her angry and would make the baby in her stomach begin to cry." 

I felt so honoured that this pupil trusted me so much as to tell me all she did, but then, I knew that I had to do the right thing. I advised her about the matter  and quickly made her understand that her mother was a very important figure in her life. I made her aware that her mother should always be her number one go-to-person.She was going to be my pupil for only a session but her mother would be all hers as long as she lives.I called her mum and retold everything to her  including my thoughts about it(already letting the child know what I planned to do). 

Do you know, her mother was oblivious of everything going on with her girls? These two fast growing girls had begun to confide in each other,with the 10 years old sister being the adviser.Their mother thanked me and even mentioned she would quit her job to make more impact on her girls.That phone call was an act of collaboration by both parties,without prejudice, for the sake of the child.

Many times, parents blame teachers when they notice something strange or different in their child saying the child probably picked it up at school. Interestingly, teachers are also inclined to believe or even say a child's parents are not doing good enough in raising their child.From my little experience, children are bound to express themselves in certain ways as the circumstances permit; at school,home or a party.

I once had a pupil who suddenly started acting really badly at school and it bothered me so I called his mother and told her about it. It was a big deal, I remember being called back by his parents(it was a conference call), it was a long call. We all agreed on measures to take on the boy's behaviour which had even begun to affect his grades. At the end of the day, his grades got better again, he became conscious of his behaviour and everyone was happy.

Finally, I am a strong believer of parents and teachers believing in each other and working to make the most of the child, this way we are securing the next generation. So, I appeal to teachers and parents to acknowledge the duty and place of each other and create an enabling atmosphere for the child to grow both in character and in learning.

Photo credit: Augusta School District.

HERE'S MY PLAN TO START THE YEAR STRONG.WHAT'S YOURS?

Happy New Year to all my readers!!!

It's been such a while I must say and I am so glad to be back.

The change of weather descended on me mercilessly with a chesty cough that had no regards for where I was,who I was with or what time it was. A few of my pupils and I battled with  cough for weeks before we vacated yet I am still recuperating from mine. 

Enough of that, it's a new year and I wonder what you have cooking up your sleeves. It is true that the teacher's year begins at September but there's always something special about the New Year which begins at January. Can I get a witness?

As for me,I scanned the first term results countless times and took notes on the pupils' performances. You know you do not seem to totally know your pupils' capabilities until after the first examination.I keenly observed and thought of strategies I could use to improve their grades next term.

Firstly, I went into a bookshop and bought various kinds of text books related to the subjects I teach. Having an assortment of books in my subject area would afford me the opportunity to be more versatile in my teaching methods. It is not enough knowing about a topic, I was desperate to gain mastery of all the subjects I teach in such a way that teaching every topic is more effortless and more impactful to the pupils. 

Secondly, I drove all the way to a children's bookshop at  Iponri, Lagos,  to purchase classroom resources to improve on the ambiance of my classroom. There were loads of bulletins and charts to pick from but I decided to be focused. I sought for charts that could help improve the children's vocabulary for both spoken and written English. Fraction, geometry, inspirational charts and many more were purchased as well. I am extremely excited about my purchase.

Thirdly, I have drawn up a success plan  which I intend to share with my pupils upon their resumption; it is both academic and behavioural. This plan is supposed to enlighten each child on his/her present  standing and help them set realistic goals for themselves next term. I am optimistic that this would have a great impact on their social and work skills which would at the end, have a positive contribution to their grades.

Teacher Idara has just shared her short term goals for her class, have you considered doing same for yours? It is not too late to get a pen and paper to write those notes on your mind or make that move on your mind; you would be happy about it. Let us start the new term strong so we can end it excellently.

Have a great year ahead....