I'm attending a conference, which shall remain nameless. After the initial opening ceremony speeches I was once again motivated on doing what is best for kids---putting aside my ego and my wants and needs and putting my energy and effort into making instruction and lessons better for kids. And then....... the first session I went to was AWFUL! I've only left 3 professional sessions/workshop early in my entire career and this was number 4! Not at all what it was advertised as and only promoted a specific website. Unfortunately, I was seated at a front table and there was no way I could sneak out gracefully. After enduring for the first hour, I looked behind me and saw that others had the same idea as me. Half the room was now empty. I took a deep breath, packed up my stuff, stood up and turned around to find the presenter standing right behind me! She asked, "Are you leaving?" I softly said, "Yeah." and walked out. I didn't explain why I was leaving and that may have been rude, but......
This is the way some of our students feel some of the time they are in our classrooms! Unfortunately for them, they are a captive audience---they can't pick up and leave! How much do we engage them? Are our lessons relevant to them? Do we differentiate for them?
I reflect on a lot of my lessons where I was frustrated with the students lack of attention, their lack of enthusiasm, their....... I take ownership for being the reason why!
Walking out is sometimes the only option when your needs/student needs aren't being met. Kudos for the walk-out from the FRONT.
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