Domain 5 Methodology

Elaboration:
Spring break is approaching. This means that the students are restless and the teachers are nearing their breaking points. I myself am very ready for a break. One of the temptations during these times is to let go of the things that are needed to make good teaching. It seems as if movies are popping out everywhere and there are worksheets galore all over the building. Today during Social Studies my students were being restless and complaining that they would rather do a different activity then the one I was doing with them. I informed them that I didn't want to hear any complaining. I was trying my best to come up with fun ways to learn things. While this may not be playing computer games like they might like to, this is much better than copying worksheets out of the textbook. I said it would be easier for me to give them worksheets, but I wanted to do something more interactive.

Analysis:
I think there are two different things I realized today in thinking about Methodology. First of all there is a balance when it comes to times like these (right before breaks). The children are also tired and need a break. It is ok to plan a movie as a reward or allow for activities that are a bit more relaxed. However, this isn't an excuse to stop learning all together. Second, I've realized that kids really do appreciate the extra things that meet their needs. Even though they complained at first, after I talked to the children, they were all very grateful that we weren't doing worksheets. Some of them even asked for the website we had used so that they could look at more things about the government at home. Worksheets aren't all bad. But they definitely don't need to be the main thing that is associated with Social Studies. So many of my children hate Social Studies, I think this is the main reason why. I hope with a little change in methodology, I might change some of their minds.