Wacky Wednesday

Sometimes I get so engrossed in one aspect of my lesson,  that I run out of time and have to try and complete the lesson in the next period. Obviously, this is not ideal.

I presented two classes on poetic devices today. During the first, I spent too much time focusing revision, and ended up being unable to complete the lesson in the way I had planned. In an attempt to avoid the same situation in the next presentation, I allocated specific time-frames to each facet of the lesson, and tried to stick to them. Naturally, one class is different to another, and lessons need to be organic and able to respond to the needs of the learners. Having the time-guides ended up making a huge difference in the overall flow of the lesson. Not only did I finish the lesson in the way I had planned – by reading the correspondence between me and the poet who’s work we were using in class – but there was also enough time left at the end of the planned lesson for me to work with the class on details, questions and suggestions.

Having corresponded with Moira Andrew about her poem “Still Life” made all the difference to us all. She spoke of the day the poem was written, and gave us a priceless look into the reality and intent behind the poem! (How cool is that?!)

Lesson of the day: Allocating time, saves time.
Lesson of the day (2): Communication via the WWW opens up doors we never even considered before!