#ItsAStickyWorld is where life experiences meet choices… Those choices spark emotions that lead to growth. Growth that is beautifully inevitable for all of God’s creations.

This concept was sown when I worked as a 7th grade math teacher. My students were going through so many growing pains I felt as if I couldn’t keep up with them - teaching and my own life.

During one of my lessons students began to tease each other about not understanding the math concept. I had to admit the curriculum was confusing to me as well.

I decided to step away from the teacher’s manual and show them my way. I thought, “How can I get them to relate to this?” I picked up a sticky note and placed it inside of the manual. I sat at a desk in front of the room. I listened to their conversations, they were debating ith each other.

I said, “Hold on for a second, I need us to focus on this math work! Y’all are focused on the wrong things… Teasing each other about how someones mind is processing…really? Let me tell you something!!! Math is just like life… We ALLLLL have problems, and there are many ways to solve a problem. But the goal is to get to an answer (at least that’s what we would like.” I laughed) and said, “look I’m going to show you my way of this math concept and how I learned it. If you can follow along that would be great!”

They took notes as I taught, the air was lighter again ❤︎ …

Before they left to their next class, I passed out sticky notes to each student. I informed them that, “this is your exit ticket for today. Write one thing down that you’re frustrated about. Whether it be having me as a sub in your math class, something that made you upset on the way to school, the math lesson, or something you’re happy and grateful for. I want you to place your sticky note on our (I smacked the wall made out of glass in our classroom) new #ItsAStickyWorld Wall. We’ll use this for the rest of our time together - for math or just conversation.”

As each student finished writing their responses they placed their Sticky note on the glass and got in line silently! (I was screaming for joy inside.)

As the last student exited the classroom my eyes watered as I looked at their participation on the wall. It was a master piece to our chaotic year.

—Ms. Hall

Learning Support (Long Term Building Substitute Teacher

RBCS 2023 - 2024