Saturday, May 11, 2013

Saturday Sayings: Play the Hand You're Dealt



In no way am I trying to trivialize my profession, but I've often thought that being a teacher is similar to playing a game of cards.  I play the hand I'm dealt.  I've no control over which cards I get at the beginning of the year, but I do control how I play the game.  Now that the game is almost over, I look at my cards and ask myself, "How'd I do?"  It's tempting to look at certain cards and list off excuses as to why that particular one didn't do as well in the game as I would have liked.  I've been there many times when someone asks "How's so and so doing?" and I start listing off home, social, or motivation problems that get in the way.  Although valid, those excuses are things I had no control over.  I can only worry about how I strategically used that card to its best advantage.  My goal is to find a way to sharpen my card playing skills in a way that ensures the success of each one in spite of the external factors that I have absolutely no control over.  Pie in the sky?  Maybe.

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14 comments:

  1. I am a big fan of Pie in the Sky ... and you ... and your deck-of-cards metaphor.

    Hope you were well-appreciated this week!

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, thank you. I'm a big fan of you too.

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  2. I always look back on the year and think I should have done more or taught this one differently. But it gives me motivation to keep trying the next year with students who need so much more from us. Thanks for the thoughts today!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, it's definitely motivating, and thank you for your consistent motivating comments.

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  3. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Tammy! I sure appreciate the time and effort you put in to making your blog one of my favorite. I really enjoy all of your posts, especially your Saturday Sayings. Thanks for all you do to inspire your students as well as those of us who read your blog!
    Connie Anderson:)
    www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com

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    1. Connie, thank you for being part of my blog. I always appreciate your comments and feel like I could sit in your classroom and learn a lot about being a better teacher.

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  4. Hi Tammy! Very true...perfect thought provoking words this time of year. Only 8 more days w/ kids for us! Crazy to think this year has gone by so fast!

    Crystal
    Teaching Little Miracles

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    1. Crystal, only 8 days? Wow, you're so very close. I hope they're a wonderful 8 days!

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  5. Thanks so much for this post. It is nice to be reminded of these things at this time of year.

    Em
    curiousfirsties.blogspto.com

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    1. Em, thank you for leaving a comment. There's definitely a lot to think about as the year comes to an end. I hope it's a great ending for you.

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  6. Tammy,
    Great post. Wonderful reflection. Love your determination of helping children meet their potential despite external factors.

    Kelli
    Tales From a Traveling Teacher

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    1. Kelli, I haven't quite figured out how to do it, but I am determined at least. :)

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  7. Aw, making me think, Tammy! I like the deck of cards analogy. I wonder if the kids are the same way. The teacher they get is the luck of the draw, and sometimes it isn't a good fit for them, but they still have to make it work.
    Have a great Mother's Day! Sara

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    1. Sara, I believe you're probably right about that. That's an interesting way to look at it.

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