Reviews from

That's why ...

I loved teaching, and

26 total reviews 
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This post emphasizes what I have gleaned from your previous posts that touch on that aspect of your life. How did you manage to give it up? I retired officially two and a half years ago, but I am still teaching... and think I always will be. Kay

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    I took about six years for my husband to talk me into it. I just kept saying "Next year ...!" But the year after I retired I became quite ill, so it was the right time for me. My energy levels have never recovered. Thanks for a super review.
    Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That's why preparation took as many hours as teaching. (For me preparation took longer than teaching.) Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. Yes, teaching is a profession if you don't love it, then you need to find another profession. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Yes, probably it took longer for me too, if you count the time spent on weekends and during holidays. It's a very demanding profession if one wants to be creative and interesting, but that's what increases motivation and makes it worthwhile and rewarding. Thanks so much for alovely review.
    Wendy
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I wish I had had the good fortune to be taught by you. There was no one teaching like that when I went to school. Later, I trained as a drama teacher and turned my class of ten year olds into the inhabitants of a seaside town which got flooded. there was so much came out of that, just about every subject (except French which wasn't on the primary curriculum).

I shall have to brush up my french soon as I have been invited to spend this coming Christmas in Maintenon (where the famous Madame de Maintenon came from).

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you very much for this lovely review. You were obviously creative too in your teaching. How wonderful to go to France for Christmas. I doubt I'll get back there now. It's more than 24 hours travel, and I can't face that now. I love France.
    Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am amazed at how different your way of teaching is from the teachers I had when I was young. There were no exceptions made for special students. We were taught as herds. One size fits all. I was very math challenged. I could have used your help. Lol. Thank you for sharing this. Good luck in the contest. Gretchen

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    I think the "one size fits all" approach is crazy. Maybe easier for teachers, but ineffective for students. I told the Math students that learning Math was like building a brick wall. Perhaps their foundation had holes from not understanding concepts from when they were younger perhaps due to absence or illness. It was my job to find those holes and put in the bricks so they could build their Math wall with a strong foundational base.
    Being weak at Math did not mean they were dumb. Offering hope and help to find the cause of the problem was a strong motivator. So important for self-esteem.
    Thanks so much for reviewing. I always greatly appreciate it.
    Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You sound like teaching was a calling for you and the fact that you loved what you were doing made you an excellent teacher. I would imagine that students really enjoyed coming to your class. If everyone who teaches had your attitude, we would have a better world.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you so much Beth for your lovely words. I greatly appreciate your lovely review.
    Wendy
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wendy,
It takes a very special teacher to make a lasting impression on students. I had many good teachers in my lifetime. I had a few great ones and I remember them the most.
It sounds that from your students' perspective you were a great teacher and mentor.
Your writing is stylish and concise.
Exceptional, Wendy.
Blessings, Cindy

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you so much Cindy. A most encouraging review, and I value and appreciate the six stars greatly.
    Wendy
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wendy, this is an exceptionally well-written story about your experience and philosophy of teaching. I thought the most important line in the story was when you paraphrased The Golden Rule, and applied it to being a teacher. You wanted to teach children the way you wanted your children taught.

Thank you for entering and being such a wonderful teacher. Terry.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you so much Terry. Wonderful words of encouragement along with the six stars. I greatly appreciate the honour. Entering this contest brought back a lot of wonderful memories, far too many to write about, so thank you!
    Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I don't stand a chance in the contest. I thought my standards and efforts in teaching were pretty good, but you take the cake, Wendy. Any student that had you as a teacher was being taught by an exceptional person. I think we would probably agree on the most important thing that we taught. On the first day of class, I would say, "The most important thing I am going to teach you this year is to be a good citizen in the world. Along the way, we will do a little math."

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    We are kindred spirits. Lessons for life and living are the most important. I have found all the teaching stories really interesting. The contest isn?t really that important. I just really enjoyed thinking back on my teaching days and the different experiences. My next biography is about two teachers. I?ll post it tomorrow. (My efforts pale into insignificance.)
    Many thanks for your wonderful support and very encouraging review. And for the honour of six stars, which mean a lot to me. I appreciate you.
    Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That's why is why you are a popular writer on FanStory. You have a gift that keeps on giving. I think Mastercard uses that phraseology. Did their CEO know you? Keep on, keeping on. I feel sure you will!

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you Tom. I loved teaching and even writing the story brought back some good memories. Hard work, but so rewarding.
    Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wendy, I like the way you approach this brief with answers which are clearly and skilfully laid out to engage the reader. You certainly have an impressive CV and your imagination and inventiveness in writing this piece has characterised your teaching throughout your career. Also, I would add, your passion. Thanks for sharing and good luck! Debbie

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023
    Thank you so much Debbie. A lovely review. I loved teaching, but it?s hard work and can be all-consuming. But wonderful memories came back to me while writing the story.
    Wendy