I have long since known that I have always been called to be a teacher. I know it within my heart that I truly could do nothing else...this being said, I have days that I just want to run screaming from the halls.
Our students are full of mischief lately. I think they are figuring out the limits of tolerance in what they can do and how far they can push. I know that I have made at least three phone calls just in the past two days to parents of students who are doing all they can to upset the room, and I know that I will being calling more in the near future.
I think calling home has to be one of the most difficult things a teacher can do. Parents see the number from the school and they cringe. They just know something bad is coming and they are going to have to deal with a child who has not been on his or her best behavior. As I was walking to lunch today, the thought occurred to me, "Where is the line? How far, exactly, is too far for these kids to push?"
I don't tolerate swearing in my classroom. I cringe every time I hear the worst of the worst words all come flying out and I know they are more intelligent than to just allow their language to fly in all kinds of bad directions. Punishment for such profanity: warning, then call home and detention for 20 minutes, then 40 minutes, and so forth of copying from the dictionary by hand...the idea is to give them a broader vocabulary, and they eventually get to the point where they do not want to write like that any longer. Parents seem to love the idea and want to add days when I call home...go figure.
Disrespect- this is a no-no. I am here for them. I am here to guide them, and I believe every teacher to ever set foot into this building and other buildings in our district, every teacher that makes the choice to stay and work long hours, to place themselves, heart and soul on the line day in and day out deserves the respect of their students. I reflect on this idea and these feelings, and I know that I have to be a reasonable person about my expectations. I will never be able to fully control every eye roll, deep sigh, or the everyday complaints of "This is too much," or, "this is too hard." If I tried to control this, I would never get a lesson in otherwise. I had a class today where the kids were rather talkative, and I had told everyone to quiet down. Only a handful of students stopped and listened and waited for their classmates to calm themselves. Instead of getting angry at those who were rowdy, I told those that were waiting patiently and quietly thank you and that I apologize for their wait. An interesting thing happened...others wanted me to say that to them and they quieted down like a set of dominoes being knocked over. I am not sure that this will always work, but it sure did today and we were able to get to work. I will definitely do this more often.
I think when it comes to the disrespect, it is a personal level of tolerance. Out-right and blatant disrespect is going to be dealt with immediately....and after every warning, a write up and call home will follow.
For our failing students, I realize that I have a responsibility to my students and that I need to keep them busy, to teach them and keep them engaged. I work hard to do this and will always do so. I also believe my students have the responsibility to follow through with their work. If we coddle them, hold their hands through every assignment, begging and pleading with them to complete the assignments so they can pass the class, is not teaching them anything other than it is the fault of the teacher when they fail. That is not helping our almost grown students. The responsibility must be placed on their shoulders as well. If they are not passing and I have done all I can do to help them by taking late work, helping them in my plan hour or after school, it is their turn to make the full effort. I allow a grade check and will remind them often of their grades, but I will always move forward. I have generation of students to go.
Even when I feel like running from the halls, I know my true place is here. I know I am here to help guide and direct...teaching is my calling always.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
A Week of Really Intense Learning
I have decided that it really is not all that wrong to stay with one story for an extended period of time. I usually would push forward and skim the material and not focus on the process of learning. Let me explain...
My English II class has been working on "Contents of a Dead Man's Pocket" for a week and a half now- it would have been faster without my absences last week- and I am trying something new with the story. I used the predictions I discussed in the last blog to help with the next process.
The students folded a blank piece of paper (hot dog style) and titled the left half "My Predictions," and the right "What Really Happened?" We looked over the story, the new vocabulary, the photos, etc. I had them write about the first activity, the photos, and new vocabulary under My Predictions. Then we talked. I asked the students what they wrote and why. It was very interesting.
Then, I told them that I could not read aloud to them in the EOI Test or in any other exam like that, so we are going to practice reading silently for comprehension. I assigned a chunk of the story for them to read and told them once they finished reading, they needed to write a quick summary to explain what they read under the section "What Really Happened?" and then I told them to go for it.....amazingly, they did it! I have been so pleased with them! I was able to read along side them and write as well- once I finished mine, I walked around and looked at the work they were doing. Once everyone was finished, we talked about the reading, and kids who never really speak up had something to say! It was so cool to watch, and to be a part of the experience. I was able to call on kids to share their thoughts and they all had something that they had written down to share. Once we shared all that we had, I had them predict what would happen next. We had a small discussion and those that didn't have much written down added to their papers and we read another chunk again. I have taken 3 days so far, and we are almost finished with the story. I hope to have it completed by Tuesday, but if it takes to Wednesday, that is alright. I believe that I am teaching them and experiencing with them a stronger process for comprehension- and gaining a tool that they will be able to use across curriculum.
I am looking at other forms of MAX teaching to give them another tool to use for the reading process. I really do not feel that much has gone wrong with the activities other than pacing, I really like this process and will continue to use it as often as possible with other readings.
English III is finally falling into place. I have reverted and reached back to their fifth grade inner child by using cartoons and manipulatives to help them understand writing dialogue. I have seen them grow this week, and everyday, they are working. I believe with the exception of a couple of students, they liked the activities I have assigned. The ideas are more challenging than they look, and I believe they will be able to effectively use dialogue in their narrative writings. I was asked this week why we haven't written a full essay yet. I told the student that I did not feel like ready long poorly written essays from unprepared students- that building one paragraph into something better was much more manageable. I think we are close, and we will start the actual essay next Friday.
As far as Thursday morning went, I guess I just lost my cool when the student fully disrespected me. I believe it did make a difference. Another student told those that caused the issues to not push me that hard again. We will see if this lasts and if something positive came out of the experience.
On another front, I have been at the school late every single night. I needed to catch up with grading and lesson planning and... I am looking forward to my weekend for relaxing- though I plan to spend time cleaning my home and preparing for next week....yeah me!
My English II class has been working on "Contents of a Dead Man's Pocket" for a week and a half now- it would have been faster without my absences last week- and I am trying something new with the story. I used the predictions I discussed in the last blog to help with the next process.
The students folded a blank piece of paper (hot dog style) and titled the left half "My Predictions," and the right "What Really Happened?" We looked over the story, the new vocabulary, the photos, etc. I had them write about the first activity, the photos, and new vocabulary under My Predictions. Then we talked. I asked the students what they wrote and why. It was very interesting.
Then, I told them that I could not read aloud to them in the EOI Test or in any other exam like that, so we are going to practice reading silently for comprehension. I assigned a chunk of the story for them to read and told them once they finished reading, they needed to write a quick summary to explain what they read under the section "What Really Happened?" and then I told them to go for it.....amazingly, they did it! I have been so pleased with them! I was able to read along side them and write as well- once I finished mine, I walked around and looked at the work they were doing. Once everyone was finished, we talked about the reading, and kids who never really speak up had something to say! It was so cool to watch, and to be a part of the experience. I was able to call on kids to share their thoughts and they all had something that they had written down to share. Once we shared all that we had, I had them predict what would happen next. We had a small discussion and those that didn't have much written down added to their papers and we read another chunk again. I have taken 3 days so far, and we are almost finished with the story. I hope to have it completed by Tuesday, but if it takes to Wednesday, that is alright. I believe that I am teaching them and experiencing with them a stronger process for comprehension- and gaining a tool that they will be able to use across curriculum.
I am looking at other forms of MAX teaching to give them another tool to use for the reading process. I really do not feel that much has gone wrong with the activities other than pacing, I really like this process and will continue to use it as often as possible with other readings.
English III is finally falling into place. I have reverted and reached back to their fifth grade inner child by using cartoons and manipulatives to help them understand writing dialogue. I have seen them grow this week, and everyday, they are working. I believe with the exception of a couple of students, they liked the activities I have assigned. The ideas are more challenging than they look, and I believe they will be able to effectively use dialogue in their narrative writings. I was asked this week why we haven't written a full essay yet. I told the student that I did not feel like ready long poorly written essays from unprepared students- that building one paragraph into something better was much more manageable. I think we are close, and we will start the actual essay next Friday.
As far as Thursday morning went, I guess I just lost my cool when the student fully disrespected me. I believe it did make a difference. Another student told those that caused the issues to not push me that hard again. We will see if this lasts and if something positive came out of the experience.
On another front, I have been at the school late every single night. I needed to catch up with grading and lesson planning and... I am looking forward to my weekend for relaxing- though I plan to spend time cleaning my home and preparing for next week....yeah me!
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