Life at the Middle School - Day 4

        Calling all teachers out there! It is so easy to teach students who "get it" in one lesson and are able to move on to the next topic the next day. How do you help those students who struggle? They look at you like a deer caught in headlights. I include a review in our warm-up on most days yet this is not usually enough. One student in particular is very creative, loves and excels with artistic expression, but continually struggles in math. Recently, she acquired a tutor who is helping her to understand math concepts taught in class. When story problems were assigned for homework, you could hear the groans! This is kind of the reason I assign story problems on a regular basis! She came in the next day so excited because her tutor helped her to understand how to break down a story problem to understand the information being given and what is being asked before trying to solve for a solution. I caught her explaining the problem to her neighbor and asked her to explain the problem on the board to the whole class. I am so proud of her for all of her determination and hard work even though this subject is hard and a constant struggle!

      Her student neighbor has also grown academically and has an easier time with math. Math makes sense to him and I have "caught" him explaining different concepts and methods to this struggling student during our practice time. I could tell she was understanding and could feel the pride in my students rising again!

       To those of you who have been praying for my students, THANK YOU!!! Your prayers really matter as you can hear and see! God bless you for your support!