Are we all talk but no action?

I am constantly moving. Teaching in 3 different classrooms makes for an interesting school day each day. Literally and mentally I don't seem to stop moving for all 8 hours. But I don't always feel like I am producing actionable results.

I want my students to self-advocate, problem solve and be self reliant in my classroom. That's all talk.

I find that when I let the movement of my day run my mind, the results do not match my talk.

Many days, I am leading the lesson, the practice and the homework and I walk away exhausted while my students did not look to be challenged in their independency.

Many days I don't achieve my statement. This sets me back in a multitude of avenues.

Students begin to rely on me and my work ethic instead of their own. This leads to passive learning and not completing any work outside of my classroom.

Students don't know what to do once I walk away from my document camera. They keep themselves small in hopes they can walk out of the class without having done anything but copy what they see. And unfortunately, I let them slide because I have spent all my 75 minutes burning myself from both ends, instead of letting my students light their own fires.

I am a major work in progress in my abilities to let go of control.

But here is what I do know.

I can shift my actions. Right now. Give students their own voice and allow them to take actions to learn for themselves.

I did it today. and yesterday.

I prompted the activity, gave them the tools they needed and set a timer for them to work. Depending on the class I allowed them to work with either their group or their partners.

And then.... I watched. I watched them at first socialize, be off task, but then, within 2 minutes, they actually started working. And most students completed the activity in less time than what it would've taken as a whole class. And they all stayed engaged the entire time.

How I benefited? I could actually tailor my time to the students who did need assistance with understanding the activity, concepts and lesson.

I could have a conversation with a student who was struggling without all eyes and ears on us since the rest of the class was working without my lead.

And while I walked away tired because we had a wonky testing schedule, I was more fulfilled and with a huge sense of accomplishment because I achieved what I said I want from my classroom environment and from my students.

Life is for the living. These are their lives. It is not my life to run.