Murphy's Law?!

Ok. Today I completed the last requirement for my elementary ed. permanent certification. I had to video tape a discrete lesson in which I provided direct, explicit instruction for 20 minutes and 10 minutes of non-whole-group instruction where students had a chance to be actively engaged in their own learning. Once the tape starts rolling there can be no stops or pauses or editing or sneezing. Of course to plan a lesson that fits these rigid standards and aligns with state and district learning standards takes a lot of planning.

Ok. Now it is 9:30 and my camera operator is ready to go. I explained that there can be no accidental stops in the tape or I'll have to start again. I start the lesson at 9:35. The fire alarm goes off at 9:40. Stop the tape, exit the building.

Return to the room. All the teachers had a little chuckle and say things like you'll laugh about this some day. No big deal. I'll start again. The students are ready, camera ready, I'm ready. Now I'm 25 minutes in. The transition to small group went great. Brrring, BRINGGGINGIN. Yes, the fire alarm goes off again. Stop the tape, exit the room, curse.

We did it again:)