Samoan Language Week 2020 - How does this theme apply to my job?

The theme for Samoan Language Week 2020 stands as an encouragement for the people of Samoa. 'Tapena sou oso mo lau malaga' (prepare yourself a gift for your travels). What does this look like in everyday life? What does this look like for me as a teacher? What does this look like in the classroom? 

I like the analogy of a 'gift' and when thinking about my job as a teacher, I would like to think of my offering and teaching as a gift to my students. I have a tendency to make things sounds wish washy but all the aside, I personally like this analogy. Essentially what I am doing (and what every teacher does) is gifting what I know to my students. Here are some examples of the 'gifts' that I have prepared for my learning journey. I have been able to share this with my students and I look forward to sharing more. 

Making the message meaningful

There have been many lessons that I have learnt (both great and difficult) in my 11 years of teaching. Sharing a clear message with your students - whether it is your expectations to the students or an issue that needs to be addressed - being clear and intentional with the message is important. Now this is not exactly the perfect definition for a 'gift' but in some ways it is. Being intentional in how you deliver and present your message to your learners is beneficial for both parties. How you organize, manage and prepare this is just as important as how you deliver it. 

When I have present at my Year 11 Assembly I always think about what would my students need to hear form me. When my cohort was in Junior school the messaging (at the time) was always about attendance and behavior. I had to set the tone with them early on and so I did not give my message much thought, I needed them to be quiet and to listen. Now that they are in their third year of college, starting their NCEA journey and obviously maturing, I am aware that my messaging needs to have more depth. Since the lockdown I have had no choice by to find ways in making my messaging meaningful online. I really enjoy the face-to-face assemblies, I am comfortable to speak in this space. Translating this onto online is not so easy. I am still trying to figure it out however I am more aware of what I want to say and how I want to share my message. I taken different topics such as 'perseverance' and then break it down on what this looks like (in relation to my year group). This is nothing new especially for the pastoral team who hold weekly assemblies. I understand that the message I share, whether it is online or in person, should be something that is thought-out and purposeful. I want this to be received when I share it and I know that I need to make sure that I have prepared this message or 'gift'. 

Writing tools for Senior English and tips for assessments. 

I have shared on why I write. Writing is important for me, it allows me to reflect on anything and everything. Furthermore it allows me to learn from what I have done and understand what I need to do going forward. 

I have started to share the different writing tools that I have taken from own learning journey. I am now attempting to put together resources that focus on academic writing. What helped me and what I found useful when I was student - is the basis of the resources that I am putting together. I see this as a 'gift' and I hope that my students can take this on board when they start crafting their writing. 

I remember in Term 1 my Level 3 students said that they would appreciate tips and advice for the assessments offered. They wanted to access help online that would help them with their assessments. I created resources that provided some useful tips, referenced some sites and links that they should read in relation to our first assessment which was 91480 Close Viewing (visual text). This particular resource gives students a breakdown of what I am looking for in their close viewing and what kind of framework I expect. This is not an extraordinary innovative resource but it is smart way for the students to tap into easy, accessible help online. This was really helpful during the lock down period. The feedback I have provided for my students, I have included this in the resource. This is a 'gift' not just for the students but also for myself because I do not have to repeat myself! 

Most of the time teachers do not think of their time, resources or knowledge as a gift. It is something that we naturally give to our students daily. The theme for Samoan Language Week 2020 has made me reflect on the concept of 'gifting' and how this might apply in my 'everyday'. It can be a little self-righteous to view what is natural in our teaching as a 'gift'. The fact is, education and teaching is a gift. It is a gift that can evolve, get better and stronger, regardless of time.