The principal came over to me in school today to "discuss" what had happened yesterday.
The word discuss is in quotes because the principal seems to have her own definition of what a discussion is.
I had always lived with the misconception of the word discussion meaning "an exchange of views on some topic." I learned today that this definition has a slight mistake; the words "an exchange of views." It should instead be changed to "Listening to someone's view..."
Because that's what I did.
I listened to her view of the world. I wasn't allowed to open my mouth.
She claimed I was an "individual soul" but that also caused me to defy authority. No, not authority... Her Authority. That's like going against G-d's word.
I tired reasoning, but I've discovered more than once that it's useless.
After wasting 15 minutes of my class time, (yes, she had called me out of class for this) I finally got her attention elsewhere, and she became quite civil.
I learned this method as a young child in the park when I was being chased by dogs. As soon as I was able to throw a stick in another direction, I ceased to be the center of the dog's attention.
I had no idea it worked so well on humans.
But then again, she isn't really quite human, is she?
But anyway, the day somehow ended.
I had the girls read a lot of picture books today in class. They were not very mature, but they seemed to have fun.
I also took a survey of the students.
They each took out a piece of paper and wrote down if they felt this writing was a pressure, and why.
Then I asked them to give me any suggestions to help make this writing easier.
I read the papers on the phone with my co. Every single girl said that yes, the project was a pressure, and it was because they had so little time, and too much work.
they all suggested having a lot of time to complete it.
B.E.D. was one girl who wrote that it was not a pressure. I find that very ironic. She never hands in her work! I guess she doesn't plan on doing anything anyway, so she doesn't find it hard. LOL
My husband actually suggested that I do this survey so that I could hear what the students had to say about all of this.
It really is a great idea. The principal can tell me whatever she pleases, The girls just told me that it's the projects they hate, not the way I present them.
I doesn't help much, but it does make me feel a bit better. Or at least a bit more aware of what's happening in my classroom.
So the principal is getting her way, again, and I'm not happy. But I will make sure I get my revenge someday....MUHAHAHAH!!!
;p
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
There's Only So Much I Can Handle
I was pretty nervous last night about starting this whole new writing with the girls. They're to start writing picture books, and I wanted to introduce the lesson in an interesting way.
I started off the class by having the girls tell me what the qualities of a good picture book might be, and the girls really seemed to enjoy reminiscing about their favorite children's books.
After we had talked about what makes a children's book great, I had the girls sit on the floor as I read them a personal favorite of mine; The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Salzman.
The girls were thrilled with it.
After we had discussed that one, we looked through the book Look Alikes Jr. It's similar to an I Spy kind of book, where they find objects hidden in pictures.
They had a great time.
For homework, I had the girls go home and see if they had any good picture books at home that they'd like to bring in, and I also told them to begin thinking about a story they'd like to write.
I had to be a bit strict, and I said that a girl who came to class without an idea tomorrow would not be able to join the lesson. I have had girls take advantage of my being easy with homework before, and I have had to send some students out for not completing their homework.
If they wanted to continue taking part in the lesson tomorrow, they had to make sure they were following along.
I had a few attitude problems, but not anything I haven't seen before, namely, T.K, F.G, and a few others.
I was actually quite proud of the way my day went until I got home.
I just got a call from the principal.
She had gotten a call from an irate mother who's daughter had come home crying that she was pressured to have a plot for tomorrow.
The principal berated me for a half hour, blaming me for every problem she ever had in her life.
So it wasn't enough that I had stayed late in school yesterday, she now finds it important to call her teachers at home.
She said that I was irresponsible because I had forgotten to ask her for something that I had needed for my lesson.
I had not forgotten, they were not part of my lesson today.
She hated that I didn't come over to talk to her when my students were pressured to figure out what we could do about it.
-How should I know to come to her??? And more importantly, why would I want to?
"Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to work together with me to make this succeed."She said.
Somehow, she had turned me into a huge problem, I almost quit over the phone. It would be such a relief not to have to go back there. But, being a little bit of a logical thinker, I decided not to do it over the phone, I'll wait until school tomorrow.
Quitting over the phone wouldn't have worked anyway. She didn't' let me get a word in edgewise. She wouldn't have heard me if I said I quit.
She claimed that the seventh grade this year was having more problems than any other year, because I didn't know how to explain things to my students in a way that would excite them and make them understand.
I spaced out in the middle because I began typing to my husband over MSN messenger so that he could keep me calm, but at one point I had to open my mouth.
I began talking, but the principal didn't let me.
I refused to let her walk all over me.
I firmly said, "Please let me finish talking, I think you've said more than enough to this point." and she actually shut up for a minute so that I could finish me sentence.
I told her that she was not in my class today. I had done everything a good teacher should do and more. It was not my fault her writing projects were hard, it was not my fault that I had to be a little strict with my students today, and it certainly was not my fault that a student had taken my words out of context.
But she seemed to think otherwise.
At this point I realized that she had already made up her mind to be right, and that whatever I was going to say would not make nay difference. So I simply stayed quiet, and let her talk. (Which seemed to please her.)
She went on and on while I didn't make a sound. Sometime in the middle she thought I must've hung up, because she asked me if I was still there.
I made some sort of unintelligible noise which she took to mean, "Yes, I'm here, go on yelling. I don't mind at all."
So she did. She got confused that I wasn't answering back to her, but what she didn't know was that I had put the phone on mute and gave my lungs some exercise. I had a few good screams, and then I put the phone back on.
She was still talking.
She finally finished, and without even waiting for me to say anything, she abruptly hung up.
While I told my husband what had been going on, she called back to apologize for hanging up so abruptly. It was just that her car service was waiting outside.
She wants me to come talk to her during lunchtime so that we can go over some ways of making the girls feel less pressured.
Yay.
By the way, I got my paycheck today. $500.00.
It isn't fair that teachers don't get disability pay. How in the world will a paycheck like that pay for my psychologist?
Officially, I'm a teacher with heart, but sometimes I like to punch people too.
I started off the class by having the girls tell me what the qualities of a good picture book might be, and the girls really seemed to enjoy reminiscing about their favorite children's books.
After we had talked about what makes a children's book great, I had the girls sit on the floor as I read them a personal favorite of mine; The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Salzman.
The girls were thrilled with it.
After we had discussed that one, we looked through the book Look Alikes Jr. It's similar to an I Spy kind of book, where they find objects hidden in pictures.
They had a great time.
For homework, I had the girls go home and see if they had any good picture books at home that they'd like to bring in, and I also told them to begin thinking about a story they'd like to write.
I had to be a bit strict, and I said that a girl who came to class without an idea tomorrow would not be able to join the lesson. I have had girls take advantage of my being easy with homework before, and I have had to send some students out for not completing their homework.
If they wanted to continue taking part in the lesson tomorrow, they had to make sure they were following along.
I had a few attitude problems, but not anything I haven't seen before, namely, T.K, F.G, and a few others.
I was actually quite proud of the way my day went until I got home.
I just got a call from the principal.
She had gotten a call from an irate mother who's daughter had come home crying that she was pressured to have a plot for tomorrow.
The principal berated me for a half hour, blaming me for every problem she ever had in her life.
So it wasn't enough that I had stayed late in school yesterday, she now finds it important to call her teachers at home.
She said that I was irresponsible because I had forgotten to ask her for something that I had needed for my lesson.
I had not forgotten, they were not part of my lesson today.
She hated that I didn't come over to talk to her when my students were pressured to figure out what we could do about it.
-How should I know to come to her??? And more importantly, why would I want to?
"Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to work together with me to make this succeed."She said.
Somehow, she had turned me into a huge problem, I almost quit over the phone. It would be such a relief not to have to go back there. But, being a little bit of a logical thinker, I decided not to do it over the phone, I'll wait until school tomorrow.
Quitting over the phone wouldn't have worked anyway. She didn't' let me get a word in edgewise. She wouldn't have heard me if I said I quit.
She claimed that the seventh grade this year was having more problems than any other year, because I didn't know how to explain things to my students in a way that would excite them and make them understand.
I spaced out in the middle because I began typing to my husband over MSN messenger so that he could keep me calm, but at one point I had to open my mouth.
I began talking, but the principal didn't let me.
I refused to let her walk all over me.
I firmly said, "Please let me finish talking, I think you've said more than enough to this point." and she actually shut up for a minute so that I could finish me sentence.
I told her that she was not in my class today. I had done everything a good teacher should do and more. It was not my fault her writing projects were hard, it was not my fault that I had to be a little strict with my students today, and it certainly was not my fault that a student had taken my words out of context.
But she seemed to think otherwise.
At this point I realized that she had already made up her mind to be right, and that whatever I was going to say would not make nay difference. So I simply stayed quiet, and let her talk. (Which seemed to please her.)
She went on and on while I didn't make a sound. Sometime in the middle she thought I must've hung up, because she asked me if I was still there.
I made some sort of unintelligible noise which she took to mean, "Yes, I'm here, go on yelling. I don't mind at all."
So she did. She got confused that I wasn't answering back to her, but what she didn't know was that I had put the phone on mute and gave my lungs some exercise. I had a few good screams, and then I put the phone back on.
She was still talking.
She finally finished, and without even waiting for me to say anything, she abruptly hung up.
While I told my husband what had been going on, she called back to apologize for hanging up so abruptly. It was just that her car service was waiting outside.
She wants me to come talk to her during lunchtime so that we can go over some ways of making the girls feel less pressured.
Yay.
By the way, I got my paycheck today. $500.00.
It isn't fair that teachers don't get disability pay. How in the world will a paycheck like that pay for my psychologist?
Officially, I'm a teacher with heart, but sometimes I like to punch people too.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Discouraged
Test again.
I've learned to dread giving tests. The girls get so bratty, whiney, and frustrated, that it really wears me out.
I had to give L.K. a minus, and I was tempted to do the samw for R.H.
S.G.L. and R.R. didn't study, and they'll be taking the test tomorrow. I really ought to fail them.
S.F.F. was absent yesterday, but she managed to study anyway. I am so proud of her.
T.K. totally took advantage of me, and I HATE her attitude!! She made me go through recess answering her questions, and at the end, she had 3 left.
I was not going to answer those questions, and I demanded she give in her test.
She refused becuase by leaving out 3, she would start off with a 94.
I smiled and told her that if her paper wasn't in my hands within 5 seconds she'd fail.
After an entire day of answering questions, the principal came over to request I saty at a short meeting to discuss the picture books I'm supposed to have my students write.
The short meeting took 2 hours.
I just got home.
I didn't get a chance to put my stuff away yet. My coat in on the back of my chair, and my briefcase is on the floor. I am so angry.
I wasted 2 hours of my time in this meeting, and I still don't understand this project. I spoke up a few times, and asked questions, but the principal either avoided them, or answered vaguely. I cannot go into my classes now, and do this with them. I seriously can't handle this.
I am tired, upset, hungry, and I have ton of things to do. I don't know where to start, so I came here.
Now that I vented, (sort of) I guess I'll go mark tests.
Starting to make supper at 6pm isn't something I can do. My husband will just have to bring something home.
I called other schools this morning, but they all told me to call back in a few months.
I feel so discouraged.
I've learned to dread giving tests. The girls get so bratty, whiney, and frustrated, that it really wears me out.
I had to give L.K. a minus, and I was tempted to do the samw for R.H.
S.G.L. and R.R. didn't study, and they'll be taking the test tomorrow. I really ought to fail them.
S.F.F. was absent yesterday, but she managed to study anyway. I am so proud of her.
T.K. totally took advantage of me, and I HATE her attitude!! She made me go through recess answering her questions, and at the end, she had 3 left.
I was not going to answer those questions, and I demanded she give in her test.
She refused becuase by leaving out 3, she would start off with a 94.
I smiled and told her that if her paper wasn't in my hands within 5 seconds she'd fail.
After an entire day of answering questions, the principal came over to request I saty at a short meeting to discuss the picture books I'm supposed to have my students write.
The short meeting took 2 hours.
I just got home.
I didn't get a chance to put my stuff away yet. My coat in on the back of my chair, and my briefcase is on the floor. I am so angry.
I wasted 2 hours of my time in this meeting, and I still don't understand this project. I spoke up a few times, and asked questions, but the principal either avoided them, or answered vaguely. I cannot go into my classes now, and do this with them. I seriously can't handle this.
I am tired, upset, hungry, and I have ton of things to do. I don't know where to start, so I came here.
Now that I vented, (sort of) I guess I'll go mark tests.
Starting to make supper at 6pm isn't something I can do. My husband will just have to bring something home.
I called other schools this morning, but they all told me to call back in a few months.
I feel so discouraged.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
P.T.A. 2
I spent the entire night sick.
Between my migraine and throwing up, I didn't sleep at all. My husband didn't know what to do with me, but somehow we go through the night.
It had been a warm winter up till now, but last night we were hit by a blizzard full force. By this morning we had at least 10 inches of snow, and even more than a foot in some places.
I got up early to prepare for P.T.A., but before I bothered to get dressed I called the school's hotline.
School was cancelled!!!!!
They cancelled the P.T.A. on account of the snow, but I take personal credit. It just shows what prayer can do when people really put their minds to it.
I called my co to tell her he good news, but she had already called the school at 7am. She was nice enough not to call me and let me sleep in, but it backfired, because I called her, and woke her up. :)
I finally got myself together and went out with my husband to clean up his car. We had a snowball fight and then drove around town to laugh at the cars without 4 wheel drive.
But the last laugh was on us when we went to get a hot chocolate and we realized we forgot our moneys back home!
But the cafe was really nice, and they said they wouldn't let us go back out in that weather without a hot drink, and they gave us our beverages on the house.
What a great day!
Such a great day, in fact, that I don't really want to waste it writing this blog!
See ya'll tomorrow!
Between my migraine and throwing up, I didn't sleep at all. My husband didn't know what to do with me, but somehow we go through the night.
It had been a warm winter up till now, but last night we were hit by a blizzard full force. By this morning we had at least 10 inches of snow, and even more than a foot in some places.
I got up early to prepare for P.T.A., but before I bothered to get dressed I called the school's hotline.
School was cancelled!!!!!
They cancelled the P.T.A. on account of the snow, but I take personal credit. It just shows what prayer can do when people really put their minds to it.
I called my co to tell her he good news, but she had already called the school at 7am. She was nice enough not to call me and let me sleep in, but it backfired, because I called her, and woke her up. :)
I finally got myself together and went out with my husband to clean up his car. We had a snowball fight and then drove around town to laugh at the cars without 4 wheel drive.
But the last laugh was on us when we went to get a hot chocolate and we realized we forgot our moneys back home!
But the cafe was really nice, and they said they wouldn't let us go back out in that weather without a hot drink, and they gave us our beverages on the house.
What a great day!
Such a great day, in fact, that I don't really want to waste it writing this blog!
See ya'll tomorrow!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
German Misconceptions
I had a great time in class today.
For some reason the girls couldn't get that holocaust interview out of their minds, and they brought it up again.
I didn't mind going off on a tangent, especially one so interesting, so I went along.
It took time away from history, but that was ok.
We first reviewed most of what was said in the interview, and then the girls had a ton of questions.
L.K. wanted to know if the guy I had interviewed was a Nazi. -I couldn't stop laughing, as I explained to her that he is in fact quite a nice person, and that not all Germans are Nazis.
M.R. needed to know how people could be so mean. I spent a while telling her that they weren't necessarily mean, they were just mindlessly following a twisted leader.
M.R. had actually gone home and researched video clips of German soldiers marching. I had mentioned to them something about the Germans being beautifully coordinated as they marched, and that video clips always focused on their marching feet, to show how neat they were. M.R. came to tell me that the clip she had seen had focused on the feet, exactly as I had said.
The girls were pretty hurt that the world could be so bad. Their naivete is so charming.
The truth is, I'm still naive and idealistic, and that's why I had this holocaust conversation to begin with.
I had been chatting with my "German friend" for quite some time, and I always had some questions in the back of my mind. That's what prompted me to ask him about the Holocaust.
It took a while to make the girls understand that people cannot be generalized, or put into categories. It can't be that all Germans are bad people, in the same way that not all Americans eat hot dogs. Or in the way that not all Jews have Semitic features. And in the same way that not all Italians are mafiosos.
It was hard to get through to them because they aren't exposed to the world in that way. They don't mean to be racist, but they don't know what's really out there, they only know what they're taught.
In school they're taught that Germans killed Jews. That makes them bad.
They're taught that Africans were slaves. I guess that makes them lower class.
Their knowledge is limited to what they read and learn. Most of them never try to investigate and find out more about their world.
That irks me.
By nature I am a curious person, and I need to know everything. I can never understand how people can go through life not even caring to know more than what they do.
Especially in this school.
If I walk into the classroom one day and tell my students the sky is red, they'll calmly write it in their notes and study it for the test. My students only challenge me when they're trying to waste class time. Never because they really want to know.
So that's one issue. The girls see everything in black and white. Germans = Bad.
Another issue I had in trying to explain this to them is that they are, after all, just 12 year olds.
Sometimes I feel like they're bigger, but in truth, they're really tiny.
They were pretty shocked that I even had a "German friend." They couldn't fathom why a German would even look at a Jew.
Oy, do these kids have a lot to learn.
They wanted to know if I could bring him in for show and tell.
Yeah right. I guess it wouldn't be a problem if I wanted to lose my job.
We had to end the conversation eventually, and go on to history, but It was really nice to spend time on it.
In the 7a class I had a great time. M.R. kept me laughing all day. The class was thrilled to see me in such a good mood, and they caught on to my mood quickly.
In 7b, my mood had stayed with me, so I managed to handle the "calling out" and still keep smiling.
Somehow, L.K. got to telling me that she had seen a young married woman who looked just like me. She wanted to know if she was my sister.
I laughed and said that I didn't have any married siblings. They then asked if I had sisters that looked like me.
I told them that she was 6 years old.
The girls were thrilled to hear that I had such young siblings. They begged me to bring her in. R.H. wanted to know how many siblings I had.
I just smiled and told her that I'd leave it to her imagination.
It's funny how these girls are so into every aspect of my life. Hee hee.
The principal came in closer to the end of the day to announce the newspaper jobs.
Very few girls got jobs in the paper. It's supposed to be a big privilege.
But of course, in the 7b class, they don't appreciate anything, and R.H. who had gotten the job of reporter, immediately said she wanted to back out. L.K. who was assigned to graphics, followed R.H.'s lead.
I have no doubts that T.K. will soon join as well.
I'm more than slightly turned off.
I had sat for hours trying to make sure that these specific girls had gotten jobs. I guess there are some people you can never seem to please.
By the way, who do you think is in charge of the entire newspaper?
ME!!!
I love to write, and a career in journalism would be a dream come true, but taking charge of a seventh grade newspaper...? Not my cup of tea.
I'll be staying late a lot, pressuring my head off to get to print on time, and making sure the girls all have their jobs done.
I did not volunteer for the job. It seems that it was a hidden part of my duties. It's a seventh grade newspaper, and I'm the seventh grade English and writing teacher, so that makes it all my job.
Yay.
And how much do you think I'm getting paid for this?
Yep, the grand total of $000000.00.
I am definitely going to start making calls to other schools Sunday afternoon.
It's time to start applying for next year.
For some reason the girls couldn't get that holocaust interview out of their minds, and they brought it up again.
I didn't mind going off on a tangent, especially one so interesting, so I went along.
It took time away from history, but that was ok.
We first reviewed most of what was said in the interview, and then the girls had a ton of questions.
L.K. wanted to know if the guy I had interviewed was a Nazi. -I couldn't stop laughing, as I explained to her that he is in fact quite a nice person, and that not all Germans are Nazis.
M.R. needed to know how people could be so mean. I spent a while telling her that they weren't necessarily mean, they were just mindlessly following a twisted leader.
M.R. had actually gone home and researched video clips of German soldiers marching. I had mentioned to them something about the Germans being beautifully coordinated as they marched, and that video clips always focused on their marching feet, to show how neat they were. M.R. came to tell me that the clip she had seen had focused on the feet, exactly as I had said.
The girls were pretty hurt that the world could be so bad. Their naivete is so charming.
The truth is, I'm still naive and idealistic, and that's why I had this holocaust conversation to begin with.
I had been chatting with my "German friend" for quite some time, and I always had some questions in the back of my mind. That's what prompted me to ask him about the Holocaust.
It took a while to make the girls understand that people cannot be generalized, or put into categories. It can't be that all Germans are bad people, in the same way that not all Americans eat hot dogs. Or in the way that not all Jews have Semitic features. And in the same way that not all Italians are mafiosos.
It was hard to get through to them because they aren't exposed to the world in that way. They don't mean to be racist, but they don't know what's really out there, they only know what they're taught.
In school they're taught that Germans killed Jews. That makes them bad.
They're taught that Africans were slaves. I guess that makes them lower class.
Their knowledge is limited to what they read and learn. Most of them never try to investigate and find out more about their world.
That irks me.
By nature I am a curious person, and I need to know everything. I can never understand how people can go through life not even caring to know more than what they do.
Especially in this school.
If I walk into the classroom one day and tell my students the sky is red, they'll calmly write it in their notes and study it for the test. My students only challenge me when they're trying to waste class time. Never because they really want to know.
So that's one issue. The girls see everything in black and white. Germans = Bad.
Another issue I had in trying to explain this to them is that they are, after all, just 12 year olds.
Sometimes I feel like they're bigger, but in truth, they're really tiny.
They were pretty shocked that I even had a "German friend." They couldn't fathom why a German would even look at a Jew.
Oy, do these kids have a lot to learn.
They wanted to know if I could bring him in for show and tell.
Yeah right. I guess it wouldn't be a problem if I wanted to lose my job.
We had to end the conversation eventually, and go on to history, but It was really nice to spend time on it.
In the 7a class I had a great time. M.R. kept me laughing all day. The class was thrilled to see me in such a good mood, and they caught on to my mood quickly.
In 7b, my mood had stayed with me, so I managed to handle the "calling out" and still keep smiling.
Somehow, L.K. got to telling me that she had seen a young married woman who looked just like me. She wanted to know if she was my sister.
I laughed and said that I didn't have any married siblings. They then asked if I had sisters that looked like me.
I told them that she was 6 years old.
The girls were thrilled to hear that I had such young siblings. They begged me to bring her in. R.H. wanted to know how many siblings I had.
I just smiled and told her that I'd leave it to her imagination.
It's funny how these girls are so into every aspect of my life. Hee hee.
The principal came in closer to the end of the day to announce the newspaper jobs.
Very few girls got jobs in the paper. It's supposed to be a big privilege.
But of course, in the 7b class, they don't appreciate anything, and R.H. who had gotten the job of reporter, immediately said she wanted to back out. L.K. who was assigned to graphics, followed R.H.'s lead.
I have no doubts that T.K. will soon join as well.
I'm more than slightly turned off.
I had sat for hours trying to make sure that these specific girls had gotten jobs. I guess there are some people you can never seem to please.
By the way, who do you think is in charge of the entire newspaper?
ME!!!
I love to write, and a career in journalism would be a dream come true, but taking charge of a seventh grade newspaper...? Not my cup of tea.
I'll be staying late a lot, pressuring my head off to get to print on time, and making sure the girls all have their jobs done.
I did not volunteer for the job. It seems that it was a hidden part of my duties. It's a seventh grade newspaper, and I'm the seventh grade English and writing teacher, so that makes it all my job.
Yay.
And how much do you think I'm getting paid for this?
Yep, the grand total of $000000.00.
I am definitely going to start making calls to other schools Sunday afternoon.
It's time to start applying for next year.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
First Day Back
The first thing my students noticed when I cam into class was my tan.
Or actually my burn.
I spent a good deal of time in Florida tanning, and I came home fried. I couldn't move, couldn't sleep, couldn't shower, and couldn't wrinkle my nose without yelping in pain.
As soon as I got into class, my students all began giggling. (Just wait until they see my co, she's even more tanned than I am.) I had to take my watch off in class because the burn on my arm was stinging, and the girls saw my beautiful watch/tan mark. That inspired another round of giggles.
I can't wait for my face to begin peeling. They'll split their sides laughing.
I tried to ignore the giggles, and I began the most boring day of my life.
I gave the girls a speech about the second half of the year. I made it sound like they were so special, almost eighth graders. I enforced some rules, (namely the no calling out in class rule,) and had a small review.
The history I taught today was dead boring and hard to understand, but I was too lazy to really explain it well. If I have any student who still believes that teachers don't enjoy vacation, someone has to tell her that she is sadly mistaken.
I definitely could use a couple of more days.
My literature lesson was even more frustrating. I was in no mood to teach, the girls were in no mood to learn, and the material itself was stupid.
What a day.
Over vacation the principal had given me a 15 page booklet to read. It was a syllabus of my next writing project; the book fair.
Every girl in the school has to write a book and display it at a fair we are going to hold in March.
My girls cried when they heard they were having a book fair. They just finished 5 projects, one after the other, and this really was unfair to them.
Another problem I have, is that I didn't understand a word of that booklet. She wants me to do so many things with these girls, that I would need to teach 24 hours a day in order to get it all done in 4 weeks. The other teachers feel the same way. And as a side point, none of the other teachers understand the booklet either.
Over vacation I put it aside, because I couldn't be bothered to think of school, but I took it out last night. I looked at the cover and my blood ran cold.
No kidding.
The first page of the 15 had a little header that read: Week One.
All of this has to get done in one week. When I pointed it out to the other teachers they had the same reaction.
If you ever wondered when you were a student if teachers cry, well they do.
I went over to the principal to tell her I didn't understand the syllabus, and she just smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll 'unconfuse' you."
I'm so thrilled.
I came home with so much pressure on my head, I didn't know what to do.
I spent most of the night making up a history test, and then I quickly made up a rating sheet for the biography projects. I just realized that P.T.A. is this Sunday, and I have to have the marks in by then.
We got rating sheets for report cards again. I can't believe second term is almost over, we just finished first.
This school seems to like doing things a little rushed.
The 6th grade teacher's wedding was tonight and I went over for a while. It was beautiful. I didn't dance much because I had to scream every time someone touched me. My burn was hurting more than ever.
I met a student's mother at the wedding, and she told me that my makeup was stunning.
I had to laugh. I wasn't wearing any makeup. My face is so red from my burn that I didn't want to put anything on it. All I was wearing was a little eye makeup and lipstick, and she couldn't get over me.
I just smiled and took the compliment.
What was I supposed to tell her? That I had just roasted in Florida? :)
I am so overwhelmed now, I've got a load to do.
3 days of vacation isn't nearly enough!
Or actually my burn.
I spent a good deal of time in Florida tanning, and I came home fried. I couldn't move, couldn't sleep, couldn't shower, and couldn't wrinkle my nose without yelping in pain.
As soon as I got into class, my students all began giggling. (Just wait until they see my co, she's even more tanned than I am.) I had to take my watch off in class because the burn on my arm was stinging, and the girls saw my beautiful watch/tan mark. That inspired another round of giggles.
I can't wait for my face to begin peeling. They'll split their sides laughing.
I tried to ignore the giggles, and I began the most boring day of my life.
I gave the girls a speech about the second half of the year. I made it sound like they were so special, almost eighth graders. I enforced some rules, (namely the no calling out in class rule,) and had a small review.
The history I taught today was dead boring and hard to understand, but I was too lazy to really explain it well. If I have any student who still believes that teachers don't enjoy vacation, someone has to tell her that she is sadly mistaken.
I definitely could use a couple of more days.
My literature lesson was even more frustrating. I was in no mood to teach, the girls were in no mood to learn, and the material itself was stupid.
What a day.
Over vacation the principal had given me a 15 page booklet to read. It was a syllabus of my next writing project; the book fair.
Every girl in the school has to write a book and display it at a fair we are going to hold in March.
My girls cried when they heard they were having a book fair. They just finished 5 projects, one after the other, and this really was unfair to them.
Another problem I have, is that I didn't understand a word of that booklet. She wants me to do so many things with these girls, that I would need to teach 24 hours a day in order to get it all done in 4 weeks. The other teachers feel the same way. And as a side point, none of the other teachers understand the booklet either.
Over vacation I put it aside, because I couldn't be bothered to think of school, but I took it out last night. I looked at the cover and my blood ran cold.
No kidding.
The first page of the 15 had a little header that read: Week One.
All of this has to get done in one week. When I pointed it out to the other teachers they had the same reaction.
If you ever wondered when you were a student if teachers cry, well they do.
I went over to the principal to tell her I didn't understand the syllabus, and she just smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll 'unconfuse' you."
I'm so thrilled.
I came home with so much pressure on my head, I didn't know what to do.
I spent most of the night making up a history test, and then I quickly made up a rating sheet for the biography projects. I just realized that P.T.A. is this Sunday, and I have to have the marks in by then.
We got rating sheets for report cards again. I can't believe second term is almost over, we just finished first.
This school seems to like doing things a little rushed.
The 6th grade teacher's wedding was tonight and I went over for a while. It was beautiful. I didn't dance much because I had to scream every time someone touched me. My burn was hurting more than ever.
I met a student's mother at the wedding, and she told me that my makeup was stunning.
I had to laugh. I wasn't wearing any makeup. My face is so red from my burn that I didn't want to put anything on it. All I was wearing was a little eye makeup and lipstick, and she couldn't get over me.
I just smiled and took the compliment.
What was I supposed to tell her? That I had just roasted in Florida? :)
I am so overwhelmed now, I've got a load to do.
3 days of vacation isn't nearly enough!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Projects, Introductions, and the End of a Week
Today was an insanely rushed day.
I woke up very early so that I could bake with my husband, and then of course, I was left all alone to clean up after him.
I spent most of the morning running around,m getting stuff together for my vacation, and dumping them onto my couch.
Too soon I had to leave to school, where I was taking over both classes at the same time because my co had taken her mid-winter vacation a day early.
I came to school, and my kids were a wreck. They were busy trying to get their projects done even though they were supposed to be done already.
C.S.A. was having a panic attack because H.W. who was part of her group wasn't there yet, and she had things they needed to finish the project.
Other girls from other projects kept coming over to me to ask if they could have more time in class today to finish.
The principal then came over to me to tell me that almost every seventh grade mother had called the school to complain about this project because it was so pressuring on the students.
And whose fault is that, may I ask?
I felt like kicking her.
Having the classes together wasn't half bad. I actually enjoyed it. We did history, literature and even current events.
I did give the girls some extra time to finish their projects, and by the end of the day I had all of them.
During history, G.S. asked a good question about how the British troops were so organized in fighting. I compared it to the Nazi's in WWII and the lesson went great. I used a technique I had rest about in a book called The Wave, and I made all the girls sit up straight, with their hands on their desks.
It worked wonders. The girls were so much more alert and attentive. I was impressed! Now I really could understand why Hitler's strategy worked so well. I almost got carried away with that power myself!
And that was only for 5 minutes!
The girls really caught on to what I was trying to tell them.
I then read an interview I had with a German friend of mine. I was planning to keep it for the 12th grade, but because of the direction my lesson took, I read it to them.
basically the point I brought out them was that discipline is a key element in achieving a goal. The interview I read had a small part there about the Germans still being very disciplined until today.
There was a part where my friend had said that he believed another holocaust could happen any day, because his country had not changed.
The class was shocked and upset. I felt that maybe it was too much for a young class to really grasp, but they did well for their age. M.R., the cutest kid in the class, didn't look so shocked as much as she looked hurt. Her eyes were tearing for the rest of the lesson.
The one problem I had all day was the talking. Between R.H, L.K, L.O, T.K, and C.K. I can't get a word in edgewise.
They're all in class 7b, and their class suffers because they won't keep quiet. I really have to talk to them.
I also had a group coming down to me to discuss T.K. is 7a. It seems that she was being extremely bossy and she had controlled the entire group. The girls were all crying, and I told them I would try to do something about it.
Now I just have to figure out what.
I got to twelfth grade, and read them that same interview I had about the holocaust. They went nuts over it, and it sparked a huge debate. That's exactly what I wanted, (as this is a speech class) and it took up a nice amount of time.
I also gave every girl a slip of paper with a classmate's name on it, and they each had to come up and introduce the "next speaker." It worked out well.
My day was over. I got a 12th grader S.C.W. to help me carry home my 7th grade projects, and then I packed.
Florida here I come!!!
I woke up very early so that I could bake with my husband, and then of course, I was left all alone to clean up after him.
I spent most of the morning running around,m getting stuff together for my vacation, and dumping them onto my couch.
Too soon I had to leave to school, where I was taking over both classes at the same time because my co had taken her mid-winter vacation a day early.
I came to school, and my kids were a wreck. They were busy trying to get their projects done even though they were supposed to be done already.
C.S.A. was having a panic attack because H.W. who was part of her group wasn't there yet, and she had things they needed to finish the project.
Other girls from other projects kept coming over to me to ask if they could have more time in class today to finish.
The principal then came over to me to tell me that almost every seventh grade mother had called the school to complain about this project because it was so pressuring on the students.
And whose fault is that, may I ask?
I felt like kicking her.
Having the classes together wasn't half bad. I actually enjoyed it. We did history, literature and even current events.
I did give the girls some extra time to finish their projects, and by the end of the day I had all of them.
During history, G.S. asked a good question about how the British troops were so organized in fighting. I compared it to the Nazi's in WWII and the lesson went great. I used a technique I had rest about in a book called The Wave, and I made all the girls sit up straight, with their hands on their desks.
It worked wonders. The girls were so much more alert and attentive. I was impressed! Now I really could understand why Hitler's strategy worked so well. I almost got carried away with that power myself!
And that was only for 5 minutes!
The girls really caught on to what I was trying to tell them.
I then read an interview I had with a German friend of mine. I was planning to keep it for the 12th grade, but because of the direction my lesson took, I read it to them.
basically the point I brought out them was that discipline is a key element in achieving a goal. The interview I read had a small part there about the Germans still being very disciplined until today.
There was a part where my friend had said that he believed another holocaust could happen any day, because his country had not changed.
The class was shocked and upset. I felt that maybe it was too much for a young class to really grasp, but they did well for their age. M.R., the cutest kid in the class, didn't look so shocked as much as she looked hurt. Her eyes were tearing for the rest of the lesson.
The one problem I had all day was the talking. Between R.H, L.K, L.O, T.K, and C.K. I can't get a word in edgewise.
They're all in class 7b, and their class suffers because they won't keep quiet. I really have to talk to them.
I also had a group coming down to me to discuss T.K. is 7a. It seems that she was being extremely bossy and she had controlled the entire group. The girls were all crying, and I told them I would try to do something about it.
Now I just have to figure out what.
I got to twelfth grade, and read them that same interview I had about the holocaust. They went nuts over it, and it sparked a huge debate. That's exactly what I wanted, (as this is a speech class) and it took up a nice amount of time.
I also gave every girl a slip of paper with a classmate's name on it, and they each had to come up and introduce the "next speaker." It worked out well.
My day was over. I got a 12th grader S.C.W. to help me carry home my 7th grade projects, and then I packed.
Florida here I come!!!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
The Nerve!
I was proud to give back my history tests today, as the classes had gotten a 95, and a 98 average. The girls were thrilled too, and they all looked excited as I gave them back.
Except for T.K.
I had sat with her all during lunch yesterday going over her test. I even let her take it back home so that she could do the essay.
I don't know why I gave in to her and did it with her. All she did was speak to me with an attitude, and refuse to think for herself. I practically had to force her to write the answers on the page.
Today, when I gave the tests back, she came over to me to tell me that she wasn't happy with her mark.
She had scored a 96%.
I was tempted to take her test and rip it up.
Instead, I looked at her sharply and said, "I don't believe you are in any position to complain about your mark."
She looked annoyed and went to whisper to her friends.
I don't get these girls. What do they think? That they deserve all this? In Yiddish we have an expression, "Sie kimpt sich mir." Basically, "I deserve special treatment and good things."
But this is a little too far. After I was nice to her, let her take the test home twice, put up with her attitude, and sit with her during lunch, she still has the nerve to fight over a 96? There is something so wrong with this picture.
And it's not only her.
I had been sitting in the teacher's room during lunch today with my co, and my girls did not stop banging down the door.
My co was giving a math test, and the girls had questions. My co was busy and she wasn't going out to them. Instead she sent out a message that she was not available and that the girls should stop knocking at the door.
They kept knocking anyway.
When another teacher told the girls that it was pretty disrespectful to keep knocking, they insisted on seeing my co. The other teacher said that my co was eating lunch and she should not come out.
R.H, one of the girls there at the time said, "Well she better come out, that's her job."
I was so disgusted.
My co sent a note out to R.H. saying, "Being respectful is more important than passing a math test."
The girls just laughed when they read it. I wonder if it's just in this school, or if other schools have this problem too. I don't remember students doing that in my school!
Maybe the times are changing.
Change isn't always a good thing.
Except for T.K.
I had sat with her all during lunch yesterday going over her test. I even let her take it back home so that she could do the essay.
I don't know why I gave in to her and did it with her. All she did was speak to me with an attitude, and refuse to think for herself. I practically had to force her to write the answers on the page.
Today, when I gave the tests back, she came over to me to tell me that she wasn't happy with her mark.
She had scored a 96%.
I was tempted to take her test and rip it up.
Instead, I looked at her sharply and said, "I don't believe you are in any position to complain about your mark."
She looked annoyed and went to whisper to her friends.
I don't get these girls. What do they think? That they deserve all this? In Yiddish we have an expression, "Sie kimpt sich mir." Basically, "I deserve special treatment and good things."
But this is a little too far. After I was nice to her, let her take the test home twice, put up with her attitude, and sit with her during lunch, she still has the nerve to fight over a 96? There is something so wrong with this picture.
And it's not only her.
I had been sitting in the teacher's room during lunch today with my co, and my girls did not stop banging down the door.
My co was giving a math test, and the girls had questions. My co was busy and she wasn't going out to them. Instead she sent out a message that she was not available and that the girls should stop knocking at the door.
They kept knocking anyway.
When another teacher told the girls that it was pretty disrespectful to keep knocking, they insisted on seeing my co. The other teacher said that my co was eating lunch and she should not come out.
R.H, one of the girls there at the time said, "Well she better come out, that's her job."
I was so disgusted.
My co sent a note out to R.H. saying, "Being respectful is more important than passing a math test."
The girls just laughed when they read it. I wonder if it's just in this school, or if other schools have this problem too. I don't remember students doing that in my school!
Maybe the times are changing.
Change isn't always a good thing.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
I'm Going "Sew" Nuts!!!
Back to my "I hate Sundays routine."
I didn't sleep all last night, and this morning dawned dark and cloudy.
I had absolutely no lesson plan for today, and I had so much to get done.
The writing project the girls are doing has to be done by Thursday because that's the last day I have them before vacation.
That was the only good part to my morning, the thought of vacation.
I have a cold, and my voice was hoarse. My eyes were hurting and they kept rejecting my contact lenses. I coughed my way to school, and started them off davening.
I collected some journals during davening, and I was disappointed to see that half the class hadn't bothered to do their double-entry response journal. They were given a week to do them, and they just weren't done.
I had notes from a couple of mothers and excuses from here to Honolulu about why they weren't done.
Right after davening, I gave the girls a speech.
I could barely talk, my voice was so hoarse, but I think they got the message. I gave the same speech to the other class a few days ago.
"You don't put the effort in; the teachers don't send you out to eighth grade."
I made it very clear to them that an excuse from their mothers didn't cut it in life.
I made an abrupt change to history, and I was then interrupted by the principal knocking on the door.
I told the girls to start reading in their books and I went outside.
Basically, a mother had called the school. She felt it was wrong that her daughter was put in a biography group with a girl who did her biography on a secular woman.
She felt that it wasn't right to compare a Jewish leader to the Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor. She said that although she certainly respected Blackwell, she didn't feel it appropriate to put them together.
I felt the color leave my face.
The girls worked on these projects for a while already. They were due Thursday. The principal wanted me to take all the secular biographies and put them together in one group.
It worked out because there were only 3 secular books, and they were all put into different groups. taking one girl out of each group would give me 4 groups of 3 girls and 1 group of 4. It could be done, but I didn't want to tell the girls about the change.
The principal said she would do it after recess.
Until then, I taught history, a great lesson on the Declaration of independence. I am making the girls memorize the preamble to the document, and C.S.A. already got it!
We said it out loud 3 times together, and I think it shouldn't be too hard for them to memorize.
I actually managed to get another whole aim done today! Three more days like this, and I can give a chapter test on Thursday!
Ok, let's be fair, we'll push it to the Thursday after vacation.
Recess time came and I went to the teacher's room and drank a cup of coffee. I never drink the stuff, but I was so nervous, that I downed a cup in less than 30 seconds.
My husband will be so proud. I'm finally growing up.
The principal spoke to the class after recess. The effect of her speech really hit C.S.A., H.W. and C.K. Those were the girls with the secular biographies.
C.K. was absent.
H.W. looked frustrated.
C.S.A. burst into tears.
The principal went on and on and I felt she put it down well, but I needed to figure out what to do with this new group. They had to redo their prefaces, and come up with new themes, and a title.
C.S.A. had worked hard on her group's theme, and now she had to do it all over again.
I told the principal that I was willing to stay after school with the girls and help them with their project.
I sent H.W. and C.S.A. out to call their mothers to ask for permission.
My life gets better and better.
I switched classes then, and got my history lesson done there as well. We didn't have time for writing, but there weren't any problems with secular books there that needed to be addressed. Whew!
B.E.D. didn't have her summary, or her journal entry done. She hadn't finished her test last week, and I gave her the opportunity to finish. She just shrugged me off and said that she didn't know enough about the essay on the test to be able to write about it.
She asked how many points I would take off if she didn't do the essay. I told her that it wasn't a matter of points, it was about the responsibilities she had as a seventh grader.
I have to call her mother.
I have to call R.S.'s mother too. She didn't have her homework done for a week. I have to find out what's going on.
D.T. came over to me to ask me about B.E.D. She was worried that B.E.D.'s missing papers would affect their group mark. I told them that it had nothing to do with them, and that they should just keep up their great work.
The bell rang and H.W. and C.S.A. came over to me.
I told them to go out and have lunch and meet me back in school in half an hour.
I ran home in the rain to grab some lunch of my own.
I came home to find that my dear husband had put our blankets on the porch to "air out." ...In the rain!!
I got back to school, carrying a scrapbook in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other.
The girls and I got to work.
After a good deal of thinking, C.S.A. came up with a brilliant theme: sewing.
She wanted the title to be, "The Alteration of a Nation - How Our Society Became 'Just Sew'. Stitching Together the Lives of People"
I thought that was adorable, and we spent an hour writing the most adorable essay that had everything to do with sewing. They literally sewed the lives of their biographies together.
We came up with some ideas about how to decorate their book, and by the time I left school, at 2:15, I think the girls were excited with their new group, and I was satisfied as well.
But like I said, "This school makes me 'sew' nuts!!"
I didn't sleep all last night, and this morning dawned dark and cloudy.
I had absolutely no lesson plan for today, and I had so much to get done.
The writing project the girls are doing has to be done by Thursday because that's the last day I have them before vacation.
That was the only good part to my morning, the thought of vacation.
I have a cold, and my voice was hoarse. My eyes were hurting and they kept rejecting my contact lenses. I coughed my way to school, and started them off davening.
I collected some journals during davening, and I was disappointed to see that half the class hadn't bothered to do their double-entry response journal. They were given a week to do them, and they just weren't done.
I had notes from a couple of mothers and excuses from here to Honolulu about why they weren't done.
Right after davening, I gave the girls a speech.
I could barely talk, my voice was so hoarse, but I think they got the message. I gave the same speech to the other class a few days ago.
"You don't put the effort in; the teachers don't send you out to eighth grade."
I made it very clear to them that an excuse from their mothers didn't cut it in life.
I made an abrupt change to history, and I was then interrupted by the principal knocking on the door.
I told the girls to start reading in their books and I went outside.
Basically, a mother had called the school. She felt it was wrong that her daughter was put in a biography group with a girl who did her biography on a secular woman.
She felt that it wasn't right to compare a Jewish leader to the Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor. She said that although she certainly respected Blackwell, she didn't feel it appropriate to put them together.
I felt the color leave my face.
The girls worked on these projects for a while already. They were due Thursday. The principal wanted me to take all the secular biographies and put them together in one group.
It worked out because there were only 3 secular books, and they were all put into different groups. taking one girl out of each group would give me 4 groups of 3 girls and 1 group of 4. It could be done, but I didn't want to tell the girls about the change.
The principal said she would do it after recess.
Until then, I taught history, a great lesson on the Declaration of independence. I am making the girls memorize the preamble to the document, and C.S.A. already got it!
We said it out loud 3 times together, and I think it shouldn't be too hard for them to memorize.
I actually managed to get another whole aim done today! Three more days like this, and I can give a chapter test on Thursday!
Ok, let's be fair, we'll push it to the Thursday after vacation.
Recess time came and I went to the teacher's room and drank a cup of coffee. I never drink the stuff, but I was so nervous, that I downed a cup in less than 30 seconds.
My husband will be so proud. I'm finally growing up.
The principal spoke to the class after recess. The effect of her speech really hit C.S.A., H.W. and C.K. Those were the girls with the secular biographies.
C.K. was absent.
H.W. looked frustrated.
C.S.A. burst into tears.
The principal went on and on and I felt she put it down well, but I needed to figure out what to do with this new group. They had to redo their prefaces, and come up with new themes, and a title.
C.S.A. had worked hard on her group's theme, and now she had to do it all over again.
I told the principal that I was willing to stay after school with the girls and help them with their project.
I sent H.W. and C.S.A. out to call their mothers to ask for permission.
My life gets better and better.
I switched classes then, and got my history lesson done there as well. We didn't have time for writing, but there weren't any problems with secular books there that needed to be addressed. Whew!
B.E.D. didn't have her summary, or her journal entry done. She hadn't finished her test last week, and I gave her the opportunity to finish. She just shrugged me off and said that she didn't know enough about the essay on the test to be able to write about it.
She asked how many points I would take off if she didn't do the essay. I told her that it wasn't a matter of points, it was about the responsibilities she had as a seventh grader.
I have to call her mother.
I have to call R.S.'s mother too. She didn't have her homework done for a week. I have to find out what's going on.
D.T. came over to me to ask me about B.E.D. She was worried that B.E.D.'s missing papers would affect their group mark. I told them that it had nothing to do with them, and that they should just keep up their great work.
The bell rang and H.W. and C.S.A. came over to me.
I told them to go out and have lunch and meet me back in school in half an hour.
I ran home in the rain to grab some lunch of my own.
I came home to find that my dear husband had put our blankets on the porch to "air out." ...In the rain!!
I got back to school, carrying a scrapbook in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other.
The girls and I got to work.
After a good deal of thinking, C.S.A. came up with a brilliant theme: sewing.
She wanted the title to be, "The Alteration of a Nation - How Our Society Became 'Just Sew'. Stitching Together the Lives of People"
I thought that was adorable, and we spent an hour writing the most adorable essay that had everything to do with sewing. They literally sewed the lives of their biographies together.
We came up with some ideas about how to decorate their book, and by the time I left school, at 2:15, I think the girls were excited with their new group, and I was satisfied as well.
But like I said, "This school makes me 'sew' nuts!!"
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Not T.K. Again!!
A problem with T.K. means a test day.
I gave out my history test, and T.K. made faces and began "kvetching" about how hard the test was. I refused to help her out until she actually looked at the test and tried to answer the questions.
By the time she looked at it, it was 5 minutes to recess. I called her up to my desk, only to find that she hadn't bothered to fill in a single answer.
I asked her if she was trying to play some sort of joke on me. I told her to ask me a specific question, and that I could help her with that. I couldn't fill in her entire test for her!
I told her to come into my class after recess so that I could sit with her and explain the test to her.
She refused.
She handed in an empty paper and put her head down on her desk.
I called her mother.
Her mother was actually about to call me!
We spoke at length about T.K.'s attitude, and I offered to let T.K. take her test at home for now.
She would have to work on the attitude, and then we would try to figure out a way to help her on tests.
We both hung up happy.
I finished marking all those tests and I am amazed.
It was not an easy test and the girls scored beautifully!
The class average in 7a was 95% and the average in 7b was 98%!
I will most definitely have a good weekend!
I gave out my history test, and T.K. made faces and began "kvetching" about how hard the test was. I refused to help her out until she actually looked at the test and tried to answer the questions.
By the time she looked at it, it was 5 minutes to recess. I called her up to my desk, only to find that she hadn't bothered to fill in a single answer.
I asked her if she was trying to play some sort of joke on me. I told her to ask me a specific question, and that I could help her with that. I couldn't fill in her entire test for her!
I told her to come into my class after recess so that I could sit with her and explain the test to her.
She refused.
She handed in an empty paper and put her head down on her desk.
I called her mother.
Her mother was actually about to call me!
We spoke at length about T.K.'s attitude, and I offered to let T.K. take her test at home for now.
She would have to work on the attitude, and then we would try to figure out a way to help her on tests.
We both hung up happy.
I finished marking all those tests and I am amazed.
It was not an easy test and the girls scored beautifully!
The class average in 7a was 95% and the average in 7b was 98%!
I will most definitely have a good weekend!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
History Overload
History is one of my strong points. Ok, well so are science and writing. Um, come to think of it, I'm good with everything as long as it isn't math.
But getting to my day.
I had promised the girls a review game for their history test tomorrow, but I had set a goal for myself of teaching them an entire aim in history first. I found this really condensed summary of the history I'm teaching, and I was ready to put it to use.
Problem was, there are a lot of topics squeezed into that summary, and I didn't count on class 7b who kept peppering me with questions all day.
The reason I'm doing this is because I made up my mind to start and finish this entire chapter in 5 days.
During my meeting with the principal, I had come to realize how behind I was in history, and the principal mapped out a course for me. She basically wanted me to finish a chapter a week in history from now on.
Keep in mind that until now, from September to January, I have only managed to cover 5 chapters.
I see where I've gone wrong and I could've speeded it up, but I didn't think her goal of finishing all this material up so soon was realistic.
I decided that I would give it a shot anyway, and I ultra condensed my already summarized lesson.
It took a full hour instead of the usual 45 minutes, but I got it done. In both classes. It was draining, and I made a mistake in one class that I better make sure to fix tomorrow, but it was satisfying.
If I can finish this chapter by this time next week, I'm going to Florida on vacation!
Wait a minute, I'm already going to Florida.
Oh well, I guess I'll just get a manicure instead.
I think the real test will come when I actually finish the chapter and see how much the girls retained. I'm really forcing them to stay on their toes in order to keep up with this pace.
Let's just hope that I have the stamina to keep this up. The principal is good at expecting the impossible. And I'm terrible for trying so hard, and not proving her expectations wrong.
But the truth is, I would like to do this, even if only for a week, just to see if I can do it.
'Cause hey, you can't live a full life unless you're ready to try everything at least once; right?
So then, after this tiring history lesson, we still had a history game.
The students were enjoying the game, but I was in history overload. I needed a break.
The 4:15 bell couldn't ring soon enough today.
I ran all the way home, (down the block) and got on the computer to make up my "special" history test, for my "weaker" students.
The "special" test is usually just a list of questions, but this time I added some skills as well. I added a matching and a "fill in the chart" section. I know that the girls are going to cry tomorrow during their test, but I've really had with them.
They're 5 girls who really are sitting on my shoulders, expecting me to carry them, while enjoying the view.
I can't keep doing that.
I'm ready to work harder to come up with a better test but they have to work harder to get closer to the lever they're supposed to be at. If they're not even trying, than there's no point in me doing all the work for them. It's not going to lead anywhere except to more frustration when they'll meet a teacher who won't do all of this for them.
Rather get that wake-up-call now than to get it when you're older and it's not as easy to do something about it.
Whatever it is that I'm feeling right now, all I can really say is that between teaching, playing, and updating the history on my blog, I've had me enough history to last quite a while.
Now I need to go treat myself to some ice cream.
But getting to my day.
I had promised the girls a review game for their history test tomorrow, but I had set a goal for myself of teaching them an entire aim in history first. I found this really condensed summary of the history I'm teaching, and I was ready to put it to use.
Problem was, there are a lot of topics squeezed into that summary, and I didn't count on class 7b who kept peppering me with questions all day.
The reason I'm doing this is because I made up my mind to start and finish this entire chapter in 5 days.
During my meeting with the principal, I had come to realize how behind I was in history, and the principal mapped out a course for me. She basically wanted me to finish a chapter a week in history from now on.
Keep in mind that until now, from September to January, I have only managed to cover 5 chapters.
I see where I've gone wrong and I could've speeded it up, but I didn't think her goal of finishing all this material up so soon was realistic.
I decided that I would give it a shot anyway, and I ultra condensed my already summarized lesson.
It took a full hour instead of the usual 45 minutes, but I got it done. In both classes. It was draining, and I made a mistake in one class that I better make sure to fix tomorrow, but it was satisfying.
If I can finish this chapter by this time next week, I'm going to Florida on vacation!
Wait a minute, I'm already going to Florida.
Oh well, I guess I'll just get a manicure instead.
I think the real test will come when I actually finish the chapter and see how much the girls retained. I'm really forcing them to stay on their toes in order to keep up with this pace.
Let's just hope that I have the stamina to keep this up. The principal is good at expecting the impossible. And I'm terrible for trying so hard, and not proving her expectations wrong.
But the truth is, I would like to do this, even if only for a week, just to see if I can do it.
'Cause hey, you can't live a full life unless you're ready to try everything at least once; right?
So then, after this tiring history lesson, we still had a history game.
The students were enjoying the game, but I was in history overload. I needed a break.
The 4:15 bell couldn't ring soon enough today.
I ran all the way home, (down the block) and got on the computer to make up my "special" history test, for my "weaker" students.
The "special" test is usually just a list of questions, but this time I added some skills as well. I added a matching and a "fill in the chart" section. I know that the girls are going to cry tomorrow during their test, but I've really had with them.
They're 5 girls who really are sitting on my shoulders, expecting me to carry them, while enjoying the view.
I can't keep doing that.
I'm ready to work harder to come up with a better test but they have to work harder to get closer to the lever they're supposed to be at. If they're not even trying, than there's no point in me doing all the work for them. It's not going to lead anywhere except to more frustration when they'll meet a teacher who won't do all of this for them.
Rather get that wake-up-call now than to get it when you're older and it's not as easy to do something about it.
Whatever it is that I'm feeling right now, all I can really say is that between teaching, playing, and updating the history on my blog, I've had me enough history to last quite a while.
Now I need to go treat myself to some ice cream.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bad Friendship
I had to meet with the principal today to finish what we had begun to discuss yesterday. I arranged for my classes to have computers right before and right after recess so that I would have at least an hour to talk to the principal.
I felt I needed the hour because the principal has a tendency to go off on a tangent and keep talking without really saying much. I made sure to allot myself extra time.
Turns out, I couldn't go in to her right away. She had forgotten that she had a meeting with me, and she was in a meeting with another teacher.
I just hung around the office until she was ready. My girls were being supervised by the computer teacher, so I didn't feel too guilty about it.
While I waited, I taught the secretary how to play solitaire. I was quite shocked that after 18 years she hadn't mastered the game. It's a classic!
My grandfather taught me how to play, and it has come to use many times during boring computer lessons in school. LOL
I only got to meet with her after recess, which, of course meant that we went overtime.
But the meeting itself was not half bad. I think we're learning to talk to each other. I walked out of there actually feeling happy.
The answer to your question is yes, I did lose some marbles.
I walked to class only to find half of them in the hallways making a racket and disturbing the other classes.
Sometimes you think they're so big, and other times you realize they're as little and as dumb as they come.
I gave a little speech to the class about working nicely in groups, they really needed it. C.O. and R.H. and L.O. already came over to complain about their groups. (See, I told you they're little!)
As I was talking, S.G.L. was busy waving to someone peeking into the window of the door. She then did a stupid thing by asking me if she could go out.
I asked her who it was at the door, and she told me it was her older sister's friend. Her older sister is a problem case in the 11th grade, and this "friend" was in the 9th grade. What's beyond me is, why is a 9th grader so interested in a 7th grader.
Obviously, she wasn't a very "cool" kid.
A cool kid doesn't hang out with 7th graders.
I put the girls into groups and I walked out into the hallway. The 9th grader hid from me, but I found her and asked her who she was looking for.
She told me that she wanted S.G.L. I told her that as S.G.L.'s teacher, I couldn't allow her to go out of class, but if she would like, I could have her join mine, since she seemed so interested in the 7th grade. I got her name, and she went away.
I don't like the idea of S.G.L. having an older friend. It's ok if she would have other friends, but she doesn't, instead, she's hanging out with the losers in the other grades. She worships her sister and she's trying very hard to go on the same path.
I specifically do not like this 9th grader, because I did some research, and she IS a wannabe. It would be a different story if she were the Honor Roll student who was reaching out to help S.G.L.
Another thing is, 9th graders and 7th graders have very different focuses in their lives. 9th graders know things that are not meant for 7th graders, and 7th graders have to get there on their own. A 9th grader who isn't that smart (this one didn't seem to be so brilliant) doesn't know where to draw the line.
From 7th grade to 9th grade is a big jump, and if we're not careful about where this is going, S.G.L. might not make it to the other side of that jump in one piece. I'm more than just a little afraid that she's going to fall down somewhere in the middle.
I felt I needed the hour because the principal has a tendency to go off on a tangent and keep talking without really saying much. I made sure to allot myself extra time.
Turns out, I couldn't go in to her right away. She had forgotten that she had a meeting with me, and she was in a meeting with another teacher.
I just hung around the office until she was ready. My girls were being supervised by the computer teacher, so I didn't feel too guilty about it.
While I waited, I taught the secretary how to play solitaire. I was quite shocked that after 18 years she hadn't mastered the game. It's a classic!
My grandfather taught me how to play, and it has come to use many times during boring computer lessons in school. LOL
I only got to meet with her after recess, which, of course meant that we went overtime.
But the meeting itself was not half bad. I think we're learning to talk to each other. I walked out of there actually feeling happy.
The answer to your question is yes, I did lose some marbles.
I walked to class only to find half of them in the hallways making a racket and disturbing the other classes.
Sometimes you think they're so big, and other times you realize they're as little and as dumb as they come.
I gave a little speech to the class about working nicely in groups, they really needed it. C.O. and R.H. and L.O. already came over to complain about their groups. (See, I told you they're little!)
As I was talking, S.G.L. was busy waving to someone peeking into the window of the door. She then did a stupid thing by asking me if she could go out.
I asked her who it was at the door, and she told me it was her older sister's friend. Her older sister is a problem case in the 11th grade, and this "friend" was in the 9th grade. What's beyond me is, why is a 9th grader so interested in a 7th grader.
Obviously, she wasn't a very "cool" kid.
A cool kid doesn't hang out with 7th graders.
I put the girls into groups and I walked out into the hallway. The 9th grader hid from me, but I found her and asked her who she was looking for.
She told me that she wanted S.G.L. I told her that as S.G.L.'s teacher, I couldn't allow her to go out of class, but if she would like, I could have her join mine, since she seemed so interested in the 7th grade. I got her name, and she went away.
I don't like the idea of S.G.L. having an older friend. It's ok if she would have other friends, but she doesn't, instead, she's hanging out with the losers in the other grades. She worships her sister and she's trying very hard to go on the same path.
I specifically do not like this 9th grader, because I did some research, and she IS a wannabe. It would be a different story if she were the Honor Roll student who was reaching out to help S.G.L.
Another thing is, 9th graders and 7th graders have very different focuses in their lives. 9th graders know things that are not meant for 7th graders, and 7th graders have to get there on their own. A 9th grader who isn't that smart (this one didn't seem to be so brilliant) doesn't know where to draw the line.
From 7th grade to 9th grade is a big jump, and if we're not careful about where this is going, S.G.L. might not make it to the other side of that jump in one piece. I'm more than just a little afraid that she's going to fall down somewhere in the middle.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Long and Quiet Day
I had a meeting with the principal today.
You know what, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be.
I am behind in curriculum, and we tried to map everything out on a calendar. I still have to meet with her tomorrow to go over my literature curriculum.
Of course, I can't leave the prinicpal's office without hearing some criticism, so here it is.
She's onto my personality again. I'm too spunky and spontaneous. I come across as the girls' older sister rather than their teacher. The truth is, I can she where that's a bad thing, but I am aware of this so-called problem since the first time she brought it up. I know it's something I'll have to work on, but it's annoying to keep getting it shoved in your face.
Anyway, I got out of her office 2 minutes before class, and I ran around to find a copy of Paul Revere's Ride. I then realized I was starving as I hadn't yet eaten, but there was no food to be found anywhere, so when the bell rang I ran into class hungry.
I finished the chapter in history, and then I divided the girls into writing groups. They actually managed to work well! I was thrilled!
Of course, three girls already came over to complain to me about their groups. I expected that. Tomorrow I have to speak to the classes about not bossing each other around, and treating each other with respect.
I read and answered index cards while the writing was going on. We had some interesting ones this week, but nothing major.
S.G.L. wrote how happy she is in English, but she HATES her Hebrew teachers.
M.R. told me about her father who lives in England with his wife. He just had a baby with her and they named her the same name as her mother's new baby.
It took me a minute to figure out what she was trying to say, but I got it.
G.S. wrote, "My head hurts."
I totally don't get her sometimes.
It was a long day, but not much really happened.
You know what, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be.
I am behind in curriculum, and we tried to map everything out on a calendar. I still have to meet with her tomorrow to go over my literature curriculum.
Of course, I can't leave the prinicpal's office without hearing some criticism, so here it is.
She's onto my personality again. I'm too spunky and spontaneous. I come across as the girls' older sister rather than their teacher. The truth is, I can she where that's a bad thing, but I am aware of this so-called problem since the first time she brought it up. I know it's something I'll have to work on, but it's annoying to keep getting it shoved in your face.
Anyway, I got out of her office 2 minutes before class, and I ran around to find a copy of Paul Revere's Ride. I then realized I was starving as I hadn't yet eaten, but there was no food to be found anywhere, so when the bell rang I ran into class hungry.
I finished the chapter in history, and then I divided the girls into writing groups. They actually managed to work well! I was thrilled!
Of course, three girls already came over to complain to me about their groups. I expected that. Tomorrow I have to speak to the classes about not bossing each other around, and treating each other with respect.
I read and answered index cards while the writing was going on. We had some interesting ones this week, but nothing major.
S.G.L. wrote how happy she is in English, but she HATES her Hebrew teachers.
M.R. told me about her father who lives in England with his wife. He just had a baby with her and they named her the same name as her mother's new baby.
It took me a minute to figure out what she was trying to say, but I got it.
G.S. wrote, "My head hurts."
I totally don't get her sometimes.
It was a long day, but not much really happened.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Combined Class
I had a ton to do today, and I didn't know how I would get everything done. The periods are much shorter on Sundays, and I have more time in one class than the other because you have to allow 45 minutes in the beginning of the day for the class to daven.
Today, the principal called a teacher's meeting during davening. All the teachers were miserable about it, and it was so boring, it was almost stressful.
It turned out that I had only 20 minutes left in 7b, while I would have an hour and a half in the other class.
Now I know why I'm always behind.
My co had a meeting with the principal, and her class was doing nothing, just waiting for her. I decided to combine both classes and have a full hour and a half.
It worked great. We got some writing and history done. Of course, the principal came in to my class as soon as her meeting was over so that she could observe me.
Sheesh!!
It wasn't half bad though. I think I might be getting used to this whole business, as much as I think the idea stinks.
I have my meeting with her tomorrow though. Yay.
I had to spend a lot of time this afternoon putting their writing groups together. The girls are being put into groups for their writing project. Each group will connect the lives of the people in their biographies. This is nowhere near on a 7th grade level, but hey, what can I do?
I had to put the groups together based on the girls' preferences, and based on similarities between their characters.
This was not easy. It took me a while, and I sure hope I got it right. These group things aren't much fun. For me, and believe it or not, for the students either.
Today, the principal called a teacher's meeting during davening. All the teachers were miserable about it, and it was so boring, it was almost stressful.
It turned out that I had only 20 minutes left in 7b, while I would have an hour and a half in the other class.
Now I know why I'm always behind.
My co had a meeting with the principal, and her class was doing nothing, just waiting for her. I decided to combine both classes and have a full hour and a half.
It worked great. We got some writing and history done. Of course, the principal came in to my class as soon as her meeting was over so that she could observe me.
Sheesh!!
It wasn't half bad though. I think I might be getting used to this whole business, as much as I think the idea stinks.
I have my meeting with her tomorrow though. Yay.
I had to spend a lot of time this afternoon putting their writing groups together. The girls are being put into groups for their writing project. Each group will connect the lives of the people in their biographies. This is nowhere near on a 7th grade level, but hey, what can I do?
I had to put the groups together based on the girls' preferences, and based on similarities between their characters.
This was not easy. It took me a while, and I sure hope I got it right. These group things aren't much fun. For me, and believe it or not, for the students either.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Not Bad for a Thursday!
Wednesday was quite boring. I gave a Literature test, and I basically spent the first half of my day writing a birthday poem for my co, and after recess, I marked the tests from my first class.
Most girls got in the high nineties, only 2 girls in the grade scored in the eighties.
S.G.L. of course handed in an empty paper, and this time, I just didn't bother. I gave back the paper the same way I got it. I didn't even attempt to mark it.
The principal saw it though. I'm supposed to give all my marked tests in to her so that she could go over them. (Not that I always do it...not even that I sometimes do it!) I know she saw S.G.L.'s test, so I'll leave it in her hands.
This morning we held a good-bye party for the 6th grade teacher who's leaving. It was actually a lot of fun. We prepared a lunch and organized some cute activities as well.
I gave the tests back today, and we had a good day. I accomplished a lot in both classes, and I was pretty satisfied.
The secretary cornered me and scheduled the meeting I kept avoiding with the principal.
Oh well, I guess it's inevitable.
I was in a pretty good mood by the time I got to 12th grade, and I was also pretty excited.
I had prepared a great game for public speaking, and I hoped it would work. I know that my subject is considered a joke to the girls. Public Speaking always is. I wanted to do something that would keep all the girls participating in the lesson.
I went out this morning and bought a deck of cards. I prepared a list of topics and each card represented a topic.
The girls were to take turns coming up to my desk, picking a card, and talking spontaneously for one minute about that topic.
It worked something amazing!!!
The girls were actually participating, and fighting for a chance to come up and talk. We didn't do it for the whole period, because we didn't have that much time, but the girls can't wait to do it again next week.
To tell you the truth, neither can I.
I think I'm finally getting the hang of this high school thing!
Most girls got in the high nineties, only 2 girls in the grade scored in the eighties.
S.G.L. of course handed in an empty paper, and this time, I just didn't bother. I gave back the paper the same way I got it. I didn't even attempt to mark it.
The principal saw it though. I'm supposed to give all my marked tests in to her so that she could go over them. (Not that I always do it...not even that I sometimes do it!) I know she saw S.G.L.'s test, so I'll leave it in her hands.
This morning we held a good-bye party for the 6th grade teacher who's leaving. It was actually a lot of fun. We prepared a lunch and organized some cute activities as well.
I gave the tests back today, and we had a good day. I accomplished a lot in both classes, and I was pretty satisfied.
The secretary cornered me and scheduled the meeting I kept avoiding with the principal.
Oh well, I guess it's inevitable.
I was in a pretty good mood by the time I got to 12th grade, and I was also pretty excited.
I had prepared a great game for public speaking, and I hoped it would work. I know that my subject is considered a joke to the girls. Public Speaking always is. I wanted to do something that would keep all the girls participating in the lesson.
I went out this morning and bought a deck of cards. I prepared a list of topics and each card represented a topic.
The girls were to take turns coming up to my desk, picking a card, and talking spontaneously for one minute about that topic.
It worked something amazing!!!
The girls were actually participating, and fighting for a chance to come up and talk. We didn't do it for the whole period, because we didn't have that much time, but the girls can't wait to do it again next week.
To tell you the truth, neither can I.
I think I'm finally getting the hang of this high school thing!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
What is This Girl Thinking?!?
More about my test later.
The real issue today was G.S.
First, she came late to class. She came in carrying a whole pile of cake and peanut chews. I refused to give out my tests before she settled down and cleared her desk of all the food.
She made such a fuss of it, it took at least 5 minutes for her to get everything in order.
The class was waiting impatiently so they could begin the tests, when C.S.A. saw the peanut chews.
She's allergic to a lot of things, and peanut putter makes her reactions terrible. C.S.A. had a panic attack as soon as she saw the peanut chews.
I told G.S. to take her briefcase out of the classroom. She made a HUGE deal of it, asking why it was so major to take the peanut chews out of the class. She made fun of C.S.A. for getting so scared, and I was ready to strangle her by the time she finally took it out.
FINALLY, I gave out my tests.
When the first 3 girls gave in their tests, I let them go out to my co who needed some girls to help her clean the lab.
G.S. was one of the first three. She went out loudly with the other girls and helped them make a racket it the hallway.
After about 20 minutes, they all came back in, and I noticed that G.S. was chewing something. It was 5 minutes to recess, so I didn't make a big deal. I saw her sneaking something out of her pocket into her mouth, trying to make sure I didn't see. The girls should only know how much I can see from the teacher's desk.
L.K. started yelling at G.S. that she wasn't being fair, it was dangerous, and right away I realized that G.S. had brought in peanut chews.
C.S.A. had another panic attack right away, and I thought I was going to slap G.S.
I asked her what she was doing, messing around with someone else's health. She just laughed and said that C.S.A. makes a bigger deal of it than it really is. I answered that it still wasn't' her place to test the severity of C.S.A.'s allergies.
I sent G.S. out of the room. As she was leaving, I told her, "Sometimes it's beyond me what you're thinking up there. Or even if you're thinking at all."
I spoke to the principal about this. She was upset too. G.S. has shown no improvement since changing classes, and this wasn't even a behavioral problem. It was something much deeper. WE have to do something.
The real issue today was G.S.
First, she came late to class. She came in carrying a whole pile of cake and peanut chews. I refused to give out my tests before she settled down and cleared her desk of all the food.
She made such a fuss of it, it took at least 5 minutes for her to get everything in order.
The class was waiting impatiently so they could begin the tests, when C.S.A. saw the peanut chews.
She's allergic to a lot of things, and peanut putter makes her reactions terrible. C.S.A. had a panic attack as soon as she saw the peanut chews.
I told G.S. to take her briefcase out of the classroom. She made a HUGE deal of it, asking why it was so major to take the peanut chews out of the class. She made fun of C.S.A. for getting so scared, and I was ready to strangle her by the time she finally took it out.
FINALLY, I gave out my tests.
When the first 3 girls gave in their tests, I let them go out to my co who needed some girls to help her clean the lab.
G.S. was one of the first three. She went out loudly with the other girls and helped them make a racket it the hallway.
After about 20 minutes, they all came back in, and I noticed that G.S. was chewing something. It was 5 minutes to recess, so I didn't make a big deal. I saw her sneaking something out of her pocket into her mouth, trying to make sure I didn't see. The girls should only know how much I can see from the teacher's desk.
L.K. started yelling at G.S. that she wasn't being fair, it was dangerous, and right away I realized that G.S. had brought in peanut chews.
C.S.A. had another panic attack right away, and I thought I was going to slap G.S.
I asked her what she was doing, messing around with someone else's health. She just laughed and said that C.S.A. makes a bigger deal of it than it really is. I answered that it still wasn't' her place to test the severity of C.S.A.'s allergies.
I sent G.S. out of the room. As she was leaving, I told her, "Sometimes it's beyond me what you're thinking up there. Or even if you're thinking at all."
I spoke to the principal about this. She was upset too. G.S. has shown no improvement since changing classes, and this wasn't even a behavioral problem. It was something much deeper. WE have to do something.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Index Cards Again
Index Cards first.
B.E.D. gave me one that said, "My brother's yahrtzeit was yesterday. Last night my someone tripped over my younger brother's feeding tube and pulled it out. He had to go to the hospital and he came home at 4 in the morning."
Wow.
S.G.L. gave me one that said, "I'm so excited for this new writing. I already wrote 120 words."
It's good to know she likes something. I wrote an encouraging remark on hers.
C.O. wrote a continuation to last week's card. "I'm not embarrassed of girls seeing me come over to you. I'm embarrassed of you!"
I wrote back, "You weren't embarrassed when I lived down the block!"
Hee Hee
Most girls asked me if I had enjoyed the high school play. To tell you the truth, it was a waste of a motzei shabbos. It was SO DUMB!!
M.R. cute as ever, wrote, "Did you enjoy the play? I didn't."
Yum!
G.S. wrote something borderline fresh, "If you want to know how to keep an idiot busy for hours, turn this card over." On the other side she had written the same thing.
I just wrote, "Very cute!" Even though I would've loved to kill her. J/K
T.K. wrote "I'm so excited for the biography project."
I knew for a fact that she was being sarcastic, so I asked her if she was sarcastic, where were her quotation marks. (We just finished learning about them.)
I taught the girls today about the Committee of correspondence and I was trying to explain to them why it was so effective at spreading the feelings in the colonies.
the girls weren't getting it, so I taught them the "smile game."
I made them all stop smiling and I was the only one who was allowed to smile. I them took the smile off my face and "threw" it to a girl in the class. She them "caught" the smile, showed it off, and threw it to someone else.
Well, that's the way it's supposed to work, but of course, the girls weren't very good at it, and they kept giggling out of turn.
I stopped the game and asked them why they were giggling if they didn't "have" the smile. T.K. (7a) told me it was because it was catchy.
She proved my point. Spirit is catchy. That's what the Committee of correspondence was.
Best spontaneous lesson I've ever given. I'm still smiling!
Later on, I tried to teach the kids what is what like in the colonies without tea. I had them imagine the Coca-Cola company going out of business.
The girls were really getting into it, and then I asked them what would happen if coffee beans were outlawed in this country. I meant for them to tell me what their parents would feel like, but C.O. yelled out, "Starbucks would go out of business!"
Big Problem. Starbucks' milk isn't certified as stringently as the milk that most people in this community drink, and therefore most girls didn't even know what Starbucks was.
I had to explain to them that Starbucks was a cafe chain that specialized in coffee. And I crossed my fingers and hoped it'd be the end of it.
But C.O. continued, "Yeah, I go there all the time, if you don't drink their milk, you can ask for soy milk. It's kosher."
I had to explain to the girls that it was not something most of them would drink, and C.O. finally shut up.
I was terrified that a kid was going to tell her mother about our lesson on Starbucks, and the mother would call the school.
I didn't need to get it from the principal, so I went over to her. I told her what had happened, and she saw it from my point of view (!). Now, if a mother calls, she'll know what happened and she might defend me. Yay!
Now, if you don't mind, I will go back to the teacher's room and go get my Starbucks Frappuchino. There's nothing like an iced coffee at the end of a long day.
B.E.D. gave me one that said, "My brother's yahrtzeit was yesterday. Last night my someone tripped over my younger brother's feeding tube and pulled it out. He had to go to the hospital and he came home at 4 in the morning."
Wow.
S.G.L. gave me one that said, "I'm so excited for this new writing. I already wrote 120 words."
It's good to know she likes something. I wrote an encouraging remark on hers.
C.O. wrote a continuation to last week's card. "I'm not embarrassed of girls seeing me come over to you. I'm embarrassed of you!"
I wrote back, "You weren't embarrassed when I lived down the block!"
Hee Hee
Most girls asked me if I had enjoyed the high school play. To tell you the truth, it was a waste of a motzei shabbos. It was SO DUMB!!
M.R. cute as ever, wrote, "Did you enjoy the play? I didn't."
Yum!
G.S. wrote something borderline fresh, "If you want to know how to keep an idiot busy for hours, turn this card over." On the other side she had written the same thing.
I just wrote, "Very cute!" Even though I would've loved to kill her. J/K
T.K. wrote "I'm so excited for the biography project."
I knew for a fact that she was being sarcastic, so I asked her if she was sarcastic, where were her quotation marks. (We just finished learning about them.)
I taught the girls today about the Committee of correspondence and I was trying to explain to them why it was so effective at spreading the feelings in the colonies.
the girls weren't getting it, so I taught them the "smile game."
I made them all stop smiling and I was the only one who was allowed to smile. I them took the smile off my face and "threw" it to a girl in the class. She them "caught" the smile, showed it off, and threw it to someone else.
Well, that's the way it's supposed to work, but of course, the girls weren't very good at it, and they kept giggling out of turn.
I stopped the game and asked them why they were giggling if they didn't "have" the smile. T.K. (7a) told me it was because it was catchy.
She proved my point. Spirit is catchy. That's what the Committee of correspondence was.
Best spontaneous lesson I've ever given. I'm still smiling!
Later on, I tried to teach the kids what is what like in the colonies without tea. I had them imagine the Coca-Cola company going out of business.
The girls were really getting into it, and then I asked them what would happen if coffee beans were outlawed in this country. I meant for them to tell me what their parents would feel like, but C.O. yelled out, "Starbucks would go out of business!"
Big Problem. Starbucks' milk isn't certified as stringently as the milk that most people in this community drink, and therefore most girls didn't even know what Starbucks was.
I had to explain to them that Starbucks was a cafe chain that specialized in coffee. And I crossed my fingers and hoped it'd be the end of it.
But C.O. continued, "Yeah, I go there all the time, if you don't drink their milk, you can ask for soy milk. It's kosher."
I had to explain to the girls that it was not something most of them would drink, and C.O. finally shut up.
I was terrified that a kid was going to tell her mother about our lesson on Starbucks, and the mother would call the school.
I didn't need to get it from the principal, so I went over to her. I told her what had happened, and she saw it from my point of view (!). Now, if a mother calls, she'll know what happened and she might defend me. Yay!
Now, if you don't mind, I will go back to the teacher's room and go get my Starbucks Frappuchino. There's nothing like an iced coffee at the end of a long day.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
350 Words
I was bored this morning and I sat in the teacher's room writing numbers. I spelled out the numbers from one to three hundred and fifty.
I did it because I wanted to introduce a new writing to the girls today, and I didn't want any of them to think they can get away with writing two paragraphs. Or even three pages done in a big handwriting.
Most girls compare the amount of space on the page their writings take up instead of how much they've actually written. I wasn't going to stand for reading a dumb two paragraph summary when I was looking for perfection.
I introduced the writing; a summary of the biographies they'd read, and I held up the paper with 350 words. I showed them what 350 words on wide ruled paper, done in a small handwriting looked like.
I then passed around the paper and when the girls read what was written on the paper, they all had a good laugh.
Four girls in 7a were doing their biographies on the same book, and they kept looking at each other's notes. T.K. seemed to be having a huge problem writing her essay, so I asked her if she would like to take C.C.K.'s notes and make copies for herself and the other girls.
She just shrugged and said, "No."
C.S. went out and made the copies. T.K. ended up using them. But she made it very clear that she wasn't going to do anything I wanted her to do.
New problem? No problem. Just add it to my growing list.
We had to vote on moving the literature test that was scheduled for Thursday because another teacher was giving them a murder test on Monday and she wanted them to have that extra night to study. Between you and me, these girls will never study in advance, but anyway...
I gave them the choice of having it either Wednesday, or next Tuesday. I really wanted them to take it Wednesday, so I made my offer better. I told them that if they'd do the test Wednesday, I'd cancel their spelling test. Wednesday won unanimously. Well except for T.K., but she's another story.
I called T.K.'s mother after school and I had a pretty long conversation with her. She was pretty shocked at her daughter's behavior. She said that her daughter was very stressed, and I understood that, but I said that her behavior was unacceptable. She agreed, and she asked me how we could work this all out.
I told her that the only way to work it out was by T.K. coming over and talking to me. I couldn't help her if she didn't tell me what was wrong.
Her mother agreed and said she would talk to her. She said that she had left messages for all the teachers to call her because she noticed that her daughter had been behaving strangely, and she wanted to see what was going on in school. T.K. wasn't telling her anything, and she was doing her detective work.
I hope something works out.
I did it because I wanted to introduce a new writing to the girls today, and I didn't want any of them to think they can get away with writing two paragraphs. Or even three pages done in a big handwriting.
Most girls compare the amount of space on the page their writings take up instead of how much they've actually written. I wasn't going to stand for reading a dumb two paragraph summary when I was looking for perfection.
I introduced the writing; a summary of the biographies they'd read, and I held up the paper with 350 words. I showed them what 350 words on wide ruled paper, done in a small handwriting looked like.
I then passed around the paper and when the girls read what was written on the paper, they all had a good laugh.
Four girls in 7a were doing their biographies on the same book, and they kept looking at each other's notes. T.K. seemed to be having a huge problem writing her essay, so I asked her if she would like to take C.C.K.'s notes and make copies for herself and the other girls.
She just shrugged and said, "No."
C.S. went out and made the copies. T.K. ended up using them. But she made it very clear that she wasn't going to do anything I wanted her to do.
New problem? No problem. Just add it to my growing list.
We had to vote on moving the literature test that was scheduled for Thursday because another teacher was giving them a murder test on Monday and she wanted them to have that extra night to study. Between you and me, these girls will never study in advance, but anyway...
I gave them the choice of having it either Wednesday, or next Tuesday. I really wanted them to take it Wednesday, so I made my offer better. I told them that if they'd do the test Wednesday, I'd cancel their spelling test. Wednesday won unanimously. Well except for T.K., but she's another story.
I called T.K.'s mother after school and I had a pretty long conversation with her. She was pretty shocked at her daughter's behavior. She said that her daughter was very stressed, and I understood that, but I said that her behavior was unacceptable. She agreed, and she asked me how we could work this all out.
I told her that the only way to work it out was by T.K. coming over and talking to me. I couldn't help her if she didn't tell me what was wrong.
Her mother agreed and said she would talk to her. She said that she had left messages for all the teachers to call her because she noticed that her daughter had been behaving strangely, and she wanted to see what was going on in school. T.K. wasn't telling her anything, and she was doing her detective work.
I hope something works out.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Big Day
It was a big day for my students. They presented their books to the school today in a mini science fair.
I took 10 minutes in the beginning of the day to give a literature quiz on chapter four of the book we're learning. The girls were majorly upset about it, but I couldn't give up the quiz. I'm behind as it is, I can't let them get off with not reading the material.
G.S. failed, she just handed in an empty quiz. I'm not at all surprised. M.L. got a 9/10, and I was so happy for her. She's severely learning disabled, and she tries really hard to do well.
After the quiz, T.K. from 7b (who walks around these days looking like she's going to blow a fuse) and S.G.L. stayed back in the classroom looking all upset. I was alone with the two of them and I tried talking to both of them. Problem was, neither of them wanted to talk in front of the other. So I didn't get anywhere, and I just ended up looking stupid.
I decided to get out of there with whatever dignity I had left, and I ended by telling them that my door was always open.
I would love to help these two, but I can't keep running after them if they won't talk to me. T.K. especially. She seems to have a problem just in my class. I tried talking to her more than once, but she won't say anything. How am I supposed to help her if she won't tell me what's wrong. She makes it very obvious that she's angry at me, but she won't do anything to resolve what's wrong.
I went downstairs and joined the class' science fair.
I had bought cupcakes for the girls but I kept forgetting to give them out. They sat in my locker overnight, but I finally remembered them, and I gave out the half melted cupcakes as they were setting up the fair. The girls were so appreciative. :)
I left for a minute to run down the block and get my camera. the kids were so adorable, I just had to get pictures.
I snapped a few of G.S., C.S.A., S.J., M.R. and R.S. who were sitting on rocking chairs and reading their books out loud to girls sitting on little rugs on the floor.
I took pictures of all the other groups and one of R.R. dissecting a real frog.
I then had to take a break and "psychologise" E.F.G. who was dead upset at T.K. (7b). Now I understood why T.K. was upset as well.
It's a funny thing though, T.K. seems to be turning up in everyone's problems.
I sat around most of the day just supervising and observing my students.
Lately, C.O. became friends with S.G.L. I don't like the friendship, but we'll see. S.G.L., C.O., M.R., and G.S. were running off together all day. I managed to snap a picture of S.G.L. and C.O. together, even though C.O. kept trying to run out of all the pictures.
My co and I stayed late to clean up, and the principal came to talk to us about doing the wax museum.
I think we've come to the conclusion that the girls already were too priveleged. They really didn't need the wax museum. We still have to see about that.
I left at about 5, but my co stayed until 6 with some girls who helped her clean up. M.R. stayed behind with her, and my co tried talking to her about her friendship with S.G.L. Both principals had already spoken to her as well as another teacher, so M.R. already knew the drill. She looked up at my co and said, "I don't need a psychologist, don't worry."
I love the kid, she's so cute!
I got a message to call T.K.'s mother. I can't wait for this conversation.
I took 10 minutes in the beginning of the day to give a literature quiz on chapter four of the book we're learning. The girls were majorly upset about it, but I couldn't give up the quiz. I'm behind as it is, I can't let them get off with not reading the material.
G.S. failed, she just handed in an empty quiz. I'm not at all surprised. M.L. got a 9/10, and I was so happy for her. She's severely learning disabled, and she tries really hard to do well.
After the quiz, T.K. from 7b (who walks around these days looking like she's going to blow a fuse) and S.G.L. stayed back in the classroom looking all upset. I was alone with the two of them and I tried talking to both of them. Problem was, neither of them wanted to talk in front of the other. So I didn't get anywhere, and I just ended up looking stupid.
I decided to get out of there with whatever dignity I had left, and I ended by telling them that my door was always open.
I would love to help these two, but I can't keep running after them if they won't talk to me. T.K. especially. She seems to have a problem just in my class. I tried talking to her more than once, but she won't say anything. How am I supposed to help her if she won't tell me what's wrong. She makes it very obvious that she's angry at me, but she won't do anything to resolve what's wrong.
I went downstairs and joined the class' science fair.
I had bought cupcakes for the girls but I kept forgetting to give them out. They sat in my locker overnight, but I finally remembered them, and I gave out the half melted cupcakes as they were setting up the fair. The girls were so appreciative. :)
I left for a minute to run down the block and get my camera. the kids were so adorable, I just had to get pictures.
I snapped a few of G.S., C.S.A., S.J., M.R. and R.S. who were sitting on rocking chairs and reading their books out loud to girls sitting on little rugs on the floor.
I took pictures of all the other groups and one of R.R. dissecting a real frog.
I then had to take a break and "psychologise" E.F.G. who was dead upset at T.K. (7b). Now I understood why T.K. was upset as well.
It's a funny thing though, T.K. seems to be turning up in everyone's problems.
I sat around most of the day just supervising and observing my students.
Lately, C.O. became friends with S.G.L. I don't like the friendship, but we'll see. S.G.L., C.O., M.R., and G.S. were running off together all day. I managed to snap a picture of S.G.L. and C.O. together, even though C.O. kept trying to run out of all the pictures.
My co and I stayed late to clean up, and the principal came to talk to us about doing the wax museum.
I think we've come to the conclusion that the girls already were too priveleged. They really didn't need the wax museum. We still have to see about that.
I left at about 5, but my co stayed until 6 with some girls who helped her clean up. M.R. stayed behind with her, and my co tried talking to her about her friendship with S.G.L. Both principals had already spoken to her as well as another teacher, so M.R. already knew the drill. She looked up at my co and said, "I don't need a psychologist, don't worry."
I love the kid, she's so cute!
I got a message to call T.K.'s mother. I can't wait for this conversation.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Sick
I wasn't looking forward to going back to school after a day off, especially since I wasn't feeling well.
I had been feeling really badly last night, and I wasn't feeling that great this morning either. Luckily, I want going to be doing too much today. My co was doing this huge science project with the girls. They were studying animals and they each had to make a book on animals. They came out amazing. Tomorrow, they're going to have a major presentation for the whole school. They needed time off today to make signs and booths for tomorrow. They're bringing in actual animals and everything.
I gave the girls a grammar quiz, and then tried to teach a little bit of history. It didn't work too well. I switched classes halfway through the period, and did the same thing in the other class. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Anyway, by the time recess came, I needed it. I was feeling terrible. I was considering leaving as I wasn't going to be doing anything anyway after recess.
I decided to stick it out there anyway, and I got some aspirin so I could go into class.
I came up to the fourth floor and the principal was already standing at the door. She gave me a telling off for coming late to class. I was polite, I got my point across, and I told her that I would appreciate it if she would talk before she'd judge.
I walked into a class of 10 girls. 20 of the girls were downstairs in the lunch room setting up for tomorrow, and the girls I was stuck with were making signs.
I was enlisted to draw Hebrew letters for a group's sign. I like to draw, but it was funny, how the girls thought I could do anything just because I'm a teacher.
I am all powerful!!
Now, If you'll excuse me, I need to go throw up.
I had been feeling really badly last night, and I wasn't feeling that great this morning either. Luckily, I want going to be doing too much today. My co was doing this huge science project with the girls. They were studying animals and they each had to make a book on animals. They came out amazing. Tomorrow, they're going to have a major presentation for the whole school. They needed time off today to make signs and booths for tomorrow. They're bringing in actual animals and everything.
I gave the girls a grammar quiz, and then tried to teach a little bit of history. It didn't work too well. I switched classes halfway through the period, and did the same thing in the other class. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Anyway, by the time recess came, I needed it. I was feeling terrible. I was considering leaving as I wasn't going to be doing anything anyway after recess.
I decided to stick it out there anyway, and I got some aspirin so I could go into class.
I came up to the fourth floor and the principal was already standing at the door. She gave me a telling off for coming late to class. I was polite, I got my point across, and I told her that I would appreciate it if she would talk before she'd judge.
I walked into a class of 10 girls. 20 of the girls were downstairs in the lunch room setting up for tomorrow, and the girls I was stuck with were making signs.
I was enlisted to draw Hebrew letters for a group's sign. I like to draw, but it was funny, how the girls thought I could do anything just because I'm a teacher.
I am all powerful!!
Now, If you'll excuse me, I need to go throw up.
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