Today I had a realization while teaching that the lesson plan should be gospel. By that I mean, straying from the plan, which I have been liberal about at times in my career, takes energy from the teacher and leads the kids into extraneous waters. Last year I was teaching idioms once and found myself caught up in sharing stories from my youth related to idioms. It was fun, but I really think I lost my zest and vigor for the lesson because I chose to do a bird walk.

This is probably more relevant to me because I was teaching using the specialist model. This, as some of you know, is when you teach one subject and the kids rotate through like high school. Another name might be the “single-subject” model. In theory, it works well because the teacher can become a “specialist” on one set of standards instead of trying to cover everything effectively.

I have learned that I am no longer a spring chicken. Since I taught three classes the same lesson last year, I need to do as the Jedis said in Star Wars: “Stay on Target.” If I get fatigued, it’s a lose/lose for everyone. I am trying to get in better shape but even if I did, I’d always need to control the learner’s attention and redirect them toward what is important. I recalled today the reason they call it a “lesson plan.” So what do you think about staying in target with the lesson? I say, “stay on target” and everyone will benefit.

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