My 2010 Most Memorable Teaching Moments

I’ve just read Larry Ferlazzo’s post on his 2010 most memorable classroom moments. So much can be learned by reading other educators’ successful stories. It’s so important to share them. It’s by spreading the word that we can help and inspire other people. So, here are my 2010 most memorable classroom moments. I decided to share them, because I truly believe that passionate teaching is contagious!

Blogging with my students has been amazing. It’s been an A-ha “experience”. Blogging with them has proven to me how much they are willing to work and learn when they find something meaningful. I’m still amazed that many of them have kept blogging even after school finished! Our blog has helped us create a wonderful learning environment in our classroom. It has made such a difference – for my students AND for me. I was even invited to present for the 3rd Virtual Round Table Conference, which has been recently nominated for the ELTons awards.

You can read about our blogging adventure here:

• Jumping into a Blogging Adventure with My Students
• Hearing their Voices
• Sharing Good News (Our Blog)
• Bring the World in – Blogging with Your Students (#VRT10 Presentation)
• Blogging with Students: My Interview with the wonderful Shelly Terrell.

Our Singing Fridays event was magical! This has been one of the most incredible moments in my classroom. Students singing, having fun and of course, learning! Having my students prepare their songs so enthusiastically was great. They spent a lot of time at home looking for songs, practicing and listening to them. What’s more, some of them have even written their own songs! This meant a lot of language exposure outside the classroom, which was great. Oh yes, we learned and had fun!

You can read more about it here:

• It’s OK to Have Fun!

Connecting my classroom with the world has been so wonderful. We Skyped with Joan Young’s class in the US on our last day of school. We shared our “Singing Fridays” with them. It was one of the most incredible moments in my teaching career. Let me tell you, once more my students have proven to me they are willing to give their best when they find projects, tasks and activities relevant.

You can read about out adventure here:

• Diving into a Skyping Adventure
• A Skype Adventure – One of my students’ post about the experience.
• Connecting Across the Globe with Song – Joan Young’s post about it.

Another memorable experience was being able to help a struggling student who has attention deficit disorder. He had serious confidence issues and was left out quite a lot. Not only has he changed greatly, but he is also a really good student now. What’s more, he has even developed leadership skills!

You can read his story here:

• I Believe in You

On September 15th, Mrs A., a really passionate teacher, died at school. This was an extremely sad moment for us all. It was such an intense experience. Although I didn’t know Mrs. A much, I did know she was absolutely inspiring. Everyone at school loved her so much. My students were really devastated and so was I. To be honest, I was totally unprepared for this.

You can read more about this moment and how I handled it here:

• When the Unexpected Happens

This has been a memorable year all round. Bringing the world into my classroom has made a big difference for me and my students. Not only have my students learned and grown, but so have I.  I’m really thankful for my students. Stepping away from our comfort zones and learning together was truly inspiring.

You can read my goodbye letter to them here:

• Dear Class…

You can also check our end of the year video. I asked my students to write a few words on their thoughts about our year together:

I’d like to especially thank all my readers and members of my PLN. You have all made such a difference for me. You have inspired me to take huge steps and challenged me to jump into wonderful adventures! Thanks to you I have grown and my teaching has changed greatly. I’d like to wish you all a wonderful New Year. A 2011 packed with memorable moments and learning opportunities. Looking forward to continuing learning and collaborating together!