Ben,
I just finished my first 3 days of teaching TPRS style and it was amazing! Thanks so much for all of your guidance and support in this process. I must admit that I was a nervous wreck and didn’t sleep well for days before we started back, but it was worth it after seeing the reaction to this method with my students. I saw students come alive that I never knew had an interest in learning. All we did in all of my classes (level 1 and 2) was discuss what someone did over Christmas break using common verbs like went to, saw, said to him/her, received etc. and we had a blast. Now I know I must be more strict with their use of English as this was my first attempt, but the “feel” of the classroom was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. As I read more and more of your blog, I am so much like you, Ben. I am a “touchy-feely” person that truly values the connection we have as human beings and fear what the future holds as I see more and more robots arriving in my classroom. That being said, I also feel that many students are learning for the first time how to “be human” and interact in a classroom that values people over results. I feel my job is to plant the seed and then allow them to grow if this is their path in life.
I am still trying to figure things out and am sure there will be hurdles to overcome, but I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am someone that struggles with whether teaching is truly my calling, as I feel the incredible guilt that many parents do of not always being able to manage both jobs well (that of teacher and parent). However, with TPRS I feel I might be able to manage both as best as I can, and that it will be good for my own kids to see their mom inspired to continue learning and doing the best possible job she can. Hokey, I know, but true!
I hope all is well with you. Thanks again.
Polly