I don't have much else to add to Wednesday's blog, except for the fact that I almost fell asleep about twenty times. I wanted to give up administering the test because I couldn't stand it anymore. It was hard to keep the kids quiet, hard to stay quiet myself and even harder to keep the kids somewhat quiet while trying to find a comfortable sleeping position in their seats. I've never seen a desk slept on so many different ways. I wish I could have taken pictures...they found comfort in the oddest ways.
In the midst of their boredom, they all tried wrapping their jackets/hoodies around their heads in order to have a pillow and darkness to sleep. I've never seen hoodies wrapped around a head so many different ways either.
While I was watching them all try to make themselves comfortable, I flashed back to when I took the TAAS test in junior high and high school. I remember in junior high I had a teacher who brought me red and pink Starbursts to keep me awake during the test. This was while I was sitting in my desk with both legs on the desk and the test in the middle. I was a mover who couldn't sit the same way for more than five minutes and had a hard time staying awake. Even in high school I remember falling asleep during the reading test because sleeping was definitely more exciting. I tried conveying my empathy for my kiddos and explain that watching them take the test was definitely worse than taking it myself. If I had been able to take it, at least I would have been able to do something.
Have any of the old men who developed these tests and regulations ever administered one? That should be a requirement before they can make a state mandated test. Seriously...how well would they hold up? I know I didn't and fell asleep at 7:30 after the second day of this extreme boredom. I'm much better off being actively engaged in teaching all day than I am walking around actively monitoring.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Day 1 of Hell
It was day one of a TAKS that doesn't really matter. Well, I'll change my wording...it matters for the state, it matters for our school, but it means nothing to whether or not the kids pass 4th grade. We've been reviewing our math strategies and operations for the past 2 weeks in hopes that all the kiddos would be prepared for today and for the most part, I feel it was helpful in one way or another.
For one particular child, it doesn't matter what we teach...she's not going to apply it to the test. The rules are very strict in regards to the administering of the test, but within the rules, I observed this child take her test. She didn't turn from the sample page for about 2 hours and when she finally did, she was flipping rapidly through every page. For those 2 hours, she sat staring at the wall, playing with her fingers on her desk, laying her head down, and looking for things to play with (that I kept taking from her). When she finally decided she wanted to do her test, she filled in bubbles on her answer document and never looked back. She didn't write a single thing down and finished her test within a matter of seconds. This is when I know that it doesn't matter what I teach...if it's not applied when needed, it's useless.
For my other kiddos who appeared to take their time on the test, they quickly became bored after finishing. Their options upon turning in their test was to read or sleep. Some chose sleep and other chose to read. Both choices didn't last for long...they became anxious within a matter of minutes. While I was "actively monitoring", a group of students began to mock me. Any movements I made, they made. Any whispering I did, they pretended to do as well. It broke the monotony of the day and gave us all a laugh, but it got close to a test "abnormality". I know exactly how those poor children felt sitting in their desks all day, not being able to talk or get up (except bathroom and lunch) and mocking me just made it more enjoyable. They did it multiple times throughout the day and it was funny to see how more kids caught on to the mockery each time. I was in the same boat as them as far as the boredom factor, although I was able to move around. It's hard knowing how much I need to do and not being able to touch a single bit of it. And I have another day of it tomorrow...can you sense the joy in my voice?
For one particular child, it doesn't matter what we teach...she's not going to apply it to the test. The rules are very strict in regards to the administering of the test, but within the rules, I observed this child take her test. She didn't turn from the sample page for about 2 hours and when she finally did, she was flipping rapidly through every page. For those 2 hours, she sat staring at the wall, playing with her fingers on her desk, laying her head down, and looking for things to play with (that I kept taking from her). When she finally decided she wanted to do her test, she filled in bubbles on her answer document and never looked back. She didn't write a single thing down and finished her test within a matter of seconds. This is when I know that it doesn't matter what I teach...if it's not applied when needed, it's useless.
For my other kiddos who appeared to take their time on the test, they quickly became bored after finishing. Their options upon turning in their test was to read or sleep. Some chose sleep and other chose to read. Both choices didn't last for long...they became anxious within a matter of minutes. While I was "actively monitoring", a group of students began to mock me. Any movements I made, they made. Any whispering I did, they pretended to do as well. It broke the monotony of the day and gave us all a laugh, but it got close to a test "abnormality". I know exactly how those poor children felt sitting in their desks all day, not being able to talk or get up (except bathroom and lunch) and mocking me just made it more enjoyable. They did it multiple times throughout the day and it was funny to see how more kids caught on to the mockery each time. I was in the same boat as them as far as the boredom factor, although I was able to move around. It's hard knowing how much I need to do and not being able to touch a single bit of it. And I have another day of it tomorrow...can you sense the joy in my voice?
Monday, April 28, 2008
You Know You're in the Ghetto When...
As I pulled up to school this morning, I noticed the 
custodian trying to clean graffiti off of the gym doors. It was a bad word and I assumed that was all I would see. Well, I then turned the corner onto the ramp of my portable only to see "F**K WBE" spray painted in very large letters (the picture was photo-shopped because of content and WBE are the school initials). I notified the secretary so that she can have the custodian begin working on this. He scrubs for quite some time and unfortunately, it looked as though he hadn't scrubbed anything.
When I picked the kids up in the morning meeting location, they were already talking about the graffiti on the gym doors. I told them that they also sprayed our building and that the custodian was working on cleaning it off. They became very upset that someone wrote that work on our classroom. I had kids yelling:
"Who was it? I want to beat them up?"
"Why would someone do that?"
"I bet it was a 5th grader! They're bad kids!"
"I don't understand why someone would spray paint the school."
And my favorite..."Whoever did it doesn't have very good handwriting."
I ignored the kids who said they wanted to beat up the vandal because the vandal probably needs a good butt kicking (although I imagine a vandal would probably be able to hold his own in a fight).
I admired the kids who wanted to know why anyone would vandalize the school. I sensed their pride in going to a school that doesn't look like the ghetto.
I giggled under my breath at the child who blamed it on a 5th grader. (He's most likely right...they don't like to follow rules.)
And I just plain laughed out loud at the kid who didn't like the vandal's handwriting. Even after the initial comment, he continued to harp on the bad handwriting, "I guess anyone would have bad handwriting if they were using spray paint. I bet it's hard to do your best handwriting with a can."
The maintenance team finally cleaned the bad word off of our "precious learning building" (aka portable) and things got back to usual when walking down the ramp...well, sort of...they still talked about it (see above comments).
I thought my portable was the last of the graffiti...again I was wrong...I later learned that another phrase was tagged on the back of the cafeteria, "RIP Pimp" (or something similar). I just keep telling myself that there is something very charming about all of this "ghettoness" where I work...well, that and the kids!
custodian trying to clean graffiti off of the gym doors. It was a bad word and I assumed that was all I would see. Well, I then turned the corner onto the ramp of my portable only to see "F**K WBE" spray painted in very large letters (the picture was photo-shopped because of content and WBE are the school initials). I notified the secretary so that she can have the custodian begin working on this. He scrubs for quite some time and unfortunately, it looked as though he hadn't scrubbed anything.
When I picked the kids up in the morning meeting location, they were already talking about the graffiti on the gym doors. I told them that they also sprayed our building and that the custodian was working on cleaning it off. They became very upset that someone wrote that work on our classroom. I had kids yelling:
"Who was it? I want to beat them up?"
"Why would someone do that?"
"I bet it was a 5th grader! They're bad kids!"
"I don't understand why someone would spray paint the school."
And my favorite..."Whoever did it doesn't have very good handwriting."
I ignored the kids who said they wanted to beat up the vandal because the vandal probably needs a good butt kicking (although I imagine a vandal would probably be able to hold his own in a fight).
I admired the kids who wanted to know why anyone would vandalize the school. I sensed their pride in going to a school that doesn't look like the ghetto.
I giggled under my breath at the child who blamed it on a 5th grader. (He's most likely right...they don't like to follow rules.)
And I just plain laughed out loud at the kid who didn't like the vandal's handwriting. Even after the initial comment, he continued to harp on the bad handwriting, "I guess anyone would have bad handwriting if they were using spray paint. I bet it's hard to do your best handwriting with a can."
The maintenance team finally cleaned the bad word off of our "precious learning building" (aka portable) and things got back to usual when walking down the ramp...well, sort of...they still talked about it (see above comments).
I thought my portable was the last of the graffiti...again I was wrong...I later learned that another phrase was tagged on the back of the cafeteria, "RIP Pimp" (or something similar). I just keep telling myself that there is something very charming about all of this "ghettoness" where I work...well, that and the kids!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Disney Mania
Tonight I had The Crew over for a home made dinner, dessert and a few games. Instead of playing the games I'm very good at (that I own), Jackie brought her games. These consist of Disney Trivia and Disney Charades. I already knew that I don't know much about Walt Disney, Disney movies or the theme parks, but I realized how clueless I am once I sat down for what I thought would be a casual game. I thought wrong...Jesse and Jackie are HARDCORE, did I say HARDCORE Disney fans. I had NO chance against these two fanatics. They were screaming, jumping up and down, and getting more excited than necessary over the games.
As the games went on, Jesse and Jackie continued to progress through the game board because of their correct answers, while I sat back and didn't go anywhere. They were an easy 10-15-20-30 spaces ahead of me and wouldn't even let me move up one "I'm losing please help me space". Just plain MEAN! If I learned anything from tonight it is that even though you cook your friends a delicious dinner and dessert, it doesn't matter when it comes to a game...they will let you sit back in misery and feel no sympathy. We'll see the next time I try a new recipe for you!
As the games went on, Jesse and Jackie continued to progress through the game board because of their correct answers, while I sat back and didn't go anywhere. They were an easy 10-15-20-30 spaces ahead of me and wouldn't even let me move up one "I'm losing please help me space". Just plain MEAN! If I learned anything from tonight it is that even though you cook your friends a delicious dinner and dessert, it doesn't matter when it comes to a game...they will let you sit back in misery and feel no sympathy. We'll see the next time I try a new recipe for you!
BFH
For the past few days, I've been sending a few girls to the counselor's office daily to get a problem straightened out. I'm not even sure what happened, but our counselor has a very open policy and knows that kids will request to see her when they need her. She does an amazing job with all the crazy kiddos we have at our school. Anyway...it seemed that when the girls came back today that everything was over and done with. I asked the counselor if I should know what's going on and if I needed to do anything. She then informed me that one of the girls was heard saying BFH (but not using the acronym) and another girl thought she was saying it to her and then the confusion began. The one who said it, denied it. The others were all witnesses and confirmed that she did say it.
Apparently, this was also a problem last year with the same child and her mother ran to her defense and said she did not say it. The counselor is afraid that she is going to defend her again and this child won't ever have to face consequences for inappropriate actions/language. I'm glad the counselor took care of all of this because I don't have time for that...I have to teach my new kid how to multiply before the TAKS on Tuesday.
Oh, are you wondering what BFH stands for? I was too...try B*t*h from Hell.
Other than that it was a usual day, you know a usual early dismissal...crazy kids who knew they would be leaving early and didn't want to work all morning, extra recess, short specials, and no kids for me in the afternoon. I spent the time after the kids left working on parent conference forms and making sure that if a parent does request a conference, I'm ready. My only real dilemma was how to write on a form that your child has not met grade level expectations and will not go to 5th grade if the school has the final say (which they don't). Word usage is critical and no way do I already have that skill as a first year teacher...it's something to work on!
Apparently, this was also a problem last year with the same child and her mother ran to her defense and said she did not say it. The counselor is afraid that she is going to defend her again and this child won't ever have to face consequences for inappropriate actions/language. I'm glad the counselor took care of all of this because I don't have time for that...I have to teach my new kid how to multiply before the TAKS on Tuesday.
Oh, are you wondering what BFH stands for? I was too...try B*t*h from Hell.
Other than that it was a usual day, you know a usual early dismissal...crazy kids who knew they would be leaving early and didn't want to work all morning, extra recess, short specials, and no kids for me in the afternoon. I spent the time after the kids left working on parent conference forms and making sure that if a parent does request a conference, I'm ready. My only real dilemma was how to write on a form that your child has not met grade level expectations and will not go to 5th grade if the school has the final say (which they don't). Word usage is critical and no way do I already have that skill as a first year teacher...it's something to work on!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Is the rumor true?
Ever since I've gotten my newest student, I've been skeptical about the abilities shes claims to have in math and reading. Today I did a bit of investigating into her records (which are usually put in my mailbox for me to look at for a few days, but didn't happen this time). I didn't find anything of real interest, I was just a bit surprised when I saw her grades. Then I put things back into perspective realizing that she was only at her last school for less than 2 months. Her records from prior schools were not in her folder yet.
In the past couple weeks, since her arrival, I've asked her where she came from before and she always said a nearby district. I kept probing...turns out that she came from Louisiana before. Now, I've never been in a classroom in Louisiana, but I have heard many things about the lack of an educational system. I've also never had a student who grew up in the Louisiana school system...until now.
I know that there are fourth graders at other schools who are farther along in their learning, mostly because they were born with an advantage (whether it is financially or intellectually), but we do our best with the kiddos we have. We don't have much parental support and our school seems to be a place to drop kids off for the day and hope they learn something. We do the best we can, as teachers, to help these kids be successful or learn to be successful. The whole point is that...my kids are far above my new kiddo. She is far behind where she should be and often asks me for help on basic questions. I don't mind when kids ask for help (I greatly encourage it), but she NEEDS my help on EVERY question.
We are currently reviewing for the TAKS test...that's right...REVIEWING. The only problem is that for this new kiddo, it doesn't seem to be a review at all. Apparently she's never seen any of this material before. We're talking fractions, decimals, multiplication, division, reading for context clues, basic comprehension, main idea, etc. Ever since she arrived, I've been spending more time each day walking her through questions than I have with every other student in my class combined. I find it difficult to review the other kids when I'm teaching it to one particlar student.
I know this will be a problem that I'll encounter many more times throughout my teaching career, but it's becoming one of my hardest first year struggles. And...could she have come when we were learning a new topic instead of reviewing for a state test??? Come on parents! (see the blog titled "Parents Are Stupid")
In the past couple weeks, since her arrival, I've asked her where she came from before and she always said a nearby district. I kept probing...turns out that she came from Louisiana before. Now, I've never been in a classroom in Louisiana, but I have heard many things about the lack of an educational system. I've also never had a student who grew up in the Louisiana school system...until now.
I know that there are fourth graders at other schools who are farther along in their learning, mostly because they were born with an advantage (whether it is financially or intellectually), but we do our best with the kiddos we have. We don't have much parental support and our school seems to be a place to drop kids off for the day and hope they learn something. We do the best we can, as teachers, to help these kids be successful or learn to be successful. The whole point is that...my kids are far above my new kiddo. She is far behind where she should be and often asks me for help on basic questions. I don't mind when kids ask for help (I greatly encourage it), but she NEEDS my help on EVERY question.
We are currently reviewing for the TAKS test...that's right...REVIEWING. The only problem is that for this new kiddo, it doesn't seem to be a review at all. Apparently she's never seen any of this material before. We're talking fractions, decimals, multiplication, division, reading for context clues, basic comprehension, main idea, etc. Ever since she arrived, I've been spending more time each day walking her through questions than I have with every other student in my class combined. I find it difficult to review the other kids when I'm teaching it to one particlar student.
I know this will be a problem that I'll encounter many more times throughout my teaching career, but it's becoming one of my hardest first year struggles. And...could she have come when we were learning a new topic instead of reviewing for a state test??? Come on parents! (see the blog titled "Parents Are Stupid")
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
What are buttons made out of?
After yesterday's blog that expressed the difficult part of teaching, I'm in the mood for a little laughter.
On the way to the classroom from where my kids gather in the morning, I usually host as many conversations as possible with my kiddos. These range from what they did last weekend, last night, or something they've been dying to tell me. Along with the conversation they have with me, they are having conversations of their own...which 99% of the time are more interesting.
Brandon: "They're made of this gooey stuff and then they harden it. Once it's hard, they poke holes in it."
Hmmm...the things a 4th grader's mind is thinking about!
After school yesterday I allowed two kids to stay and help me. These kids usually go to the after-school YMCA program and stay there until around 6 (when it closes). They were very helpful because they were so thankful they didn't have to go to YMCA for a while and wanted to do anything I handed them...helps me out tremendously because it gets tedious things done twice as fast!
While they were working, Brandon asked, "Are we a pain in the butt...the class?"
Me: "No! Sometimes the non-stop talking drives me a bit crazy, but nothing more."
Brandon: "I was just wondering because that's what my mom tells me and I understand what she means because my little brother is a pain in my butt. He is always asking me, "Whatcha doing? Can I help? Whatcha gonna do now?" and that bothers me so much. I just want him to leave me alone!"
Really? Because sometimes I think that too!
After school yesterday I allowed two kids to stay and help me. These kids usually go to the after-school YMCA program and stay there until around 6 (when it closes). They were very helpful because they were so thankful they didn't have to go to YMCA for a while and wanted to do anything I handed them...helps me out tremendously because it gets tedious things done twice as fast!
While they were working, Brandon asked, "Are we a pain in the butt...the class?"
Me: "No! Sometimes the non-stop talking drives me a bit crazy, but nothing more."
Brandon: "I was just wondering because that's what my mom tells me and I understand what she means because my little brother is a pain in my butt. He is always asking me, "Whatcha doing? Can I help? Whatcha gonna do now?" and that bothers me so much. I just want him to leave me alone!"
Really? Because sometimes I think that too!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Frustration, Disappointment, Anger
Since I began my teaching career, there has been one issue that causes lots of unrest in my mind. Because of confidentiality issues, I'm unable to go into depth about what the problem is, but it's something I never stop thinking about...with that said...
I have a student in my class who is not progressing like she should. She rarely turns in assignments (done in class or homework), she often gets distracted (it doesn't matter what we are doing), and she is tardy almost daily and absent semi-frequently. Most of her difficulties stem from these problems. I've done lots of investigating and pushing to see what else could be done by the school to get her interventions, but nothing can be done until we talk to her parents. Unfortunately, dad is on a different schedule than we are (nights) and it is very hard to get in touch with him. She is already receiving the interventions that are available to her.
As a teacher, it's hard to see how hard this child's life is and attempt to help her with no success. I see the sadness in her eyes each day and it hurts me to know there isn't much I can do on my own. I give her the support she needs while she is in my classroom, but once she walks out that door, she forgets what I've said/done. I've tried talking to her about how she can care for herself (make breakfast) at home, but it seems it was unsuccessful. Even while she is in my room, I find it very difficult to connect with her because she is often "off in space" or playing catch up. My goal as a teacher this year will be to try and "save" this child from a school career of struggle and disappointment.
I have a student in my class who is not progressing like she should. She rarely turns in assignments (done in class or homework), she often gets distracted (it doesn't matter what we are doing), and she is tardy almost daily and absent semi-frequently. Most of her difficulties stem from these problems. I've done lots of investigating and pushing to see what else could be done by the school to get her interventions, but nothing can be done until we talk to her parents. Unfortunately, dad is on a different schedule than we are (nights) and it is very hard to get in touch with him. She is already receiving the interventions that are available to her.
As a teacher, it's hard to see how hard this child's life is and attempt to help her with no success. I see the sadness in her eyes each day and it hurts me to know there isn't much I can do on my own. I give her the support she needs while she is in my classroom, but once she walks out that door, she forgets what I've said/done. I've tried talking to her about how she can care for herself (make breakfast) at home, but it seems it was unsuccessful. Even while she is in my room, I find it very difficult to connect with her because she is often "off in space" or playing catch up. My goal as a teacher this year will be to try and "save" this child from a school career of struggle and disappointment.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Rounding Duck
While trying to review my kiddos for the TAKS test I noticed they needed help on rounding to estimate answers. I googled possible lessons and found a story that a teacher tells her kids each year to have them think about rounding.
The story goes like this: "Once there was a duck that needed to cross the street. She waddled to the corner and looked carefully up and down the street for cars or trucks, and when she was sure she was safe, she began to waddle across the street. She got only a waddle or two when suddenly a huge truck appeared. She knew she would need to get out of the street. What were her two choices?
The truck barrels past, and once again the duck can venture out into the street, after looking both ways, of course. She gets most of the way to the other corner when, wouldn't you know it... another huge truck is bearing down on her. What can she do?
Now, I go back one more time to the first corner, and give the duck one last waddle across the street. This time she gets exactly halfway across the street, and there comes another truck, and I ask them what she should do. I remind them that she always picked the closer corner to waddle to, and now both corners are the same distance away. They decide that she should go on to the far corner since that is where she wanted to go anyway.
My kids found this story to be quite ridiculous and funny at the same time. They really seemed to get it though. Anytime they weren't sure, I would just ask, "What would the duck do?" I remind them that they don't want the duck to get hit by a truck, they have to make up their mind about which side of the street the duck should go to.
Oh, like the teacher warned in the lesson, she had to rein her kids back in and ask them to work with her on this. I had to do the same...my kids said that when the duck was exactly in the middle of the street, he was safe because a truck would drive on either side of him. I then had to draw a picture of the "road" (aka number line) on the board and a truck that took up the entire street to reinforce the idea that the duck MUST make a decision!
When we were discussing the light rail that is going to be in Austin soon, we mentioned that the duck would no way survive the train if it were coming and the duck had to make up his mind to cross the street or go back. It may have survived the locomotives that were first brought to Texas to bring supplies and people (Texas history), but definitely not the speed of the light rail. This duck may be the new mascot of our class because they thought more about him today than they've thought about anything all year.
The story goes like this: "Once there was a duck that needed to cross the street. She waddled to the corner and looked carefully up and down the street for cars or trucks, and when she was sure she was safe, she began to waddle across the street. She got only a waddle or two when suddenly a huge truck appeared. She knew she would need to get out of the street. What were her two choices?
The truck barrels past, and once again the duck can venture out into the street, after looking both ways, of course. She gets most of the way to the other corner when, wouldn't you know it... another huge truck is bearing down on her. What can she do?
Now, I go back one more time to the first corner, and give the duck one last waddle across the street. This time she gets exactly halfway across the street, and there comes another truck, and I ask them what she should do. I remind them that she always picked the closer corner to waddle to, and now both corners are the same distance away. They decide that she should go on to the far corner since that is where she wanted to go anyway.
My kids found this story to be quite ridiculous and funny at the same time. They really seemed to get it though. Anytime they weren't sure, I would just ask, "What would the duck do?" I remind them that they don't want the duck to get hit by a truck, they have to make up their mind about which side of the street the duck should go to.
Oh, like the teacher warned in the lesson, she had to rein her kids back in and ask them to work with her on this. I had to do the same...my kids said that when the duck was exactly in the middle of the street, he was safe because a truck would drive on either side of him. I then had to draw a picture of the "road" (aka number line) on the board and a truck that took up the entire street to reinforce the idea that the duck MUST make a decision!
When we were discussing the light rail that is going to be in Austin soon, we mentioned that the duck would no way survive the train if it were coming and the duck had to make up his mind to cross the street or go back. It may have survived the locomotives that were first brought to Texas to bring supplies and people (Texas history), but definitely not the speed of the light rail. This duck may be the new mascot of our class because they thought more about him today than they've thought about anything all year.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A Person's A Person No Matter How Small
I woke up way too early for a Saturday in order to take my ESL supplemental test...we'll find out how I did in 3-4 weeks. I'll never recover from waking up so early on my weekend!
Last month at our Spring Festival, I said I would donate "Teacher Time" to be auctioned off. Today was the day my kiddo cashed it in. We planned to meet at the movie theater to see Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who. It started off really cute and I was in love with Horton...that's until I fell asleep out of boredom. I woke up and still wasn't quite entertained, so I at least made head rest in a good place. When I woke up again, I was once again engaged. I then finished watching the rest of the movie and only heard, "A person's a person, no matter how small," about 20 times. The characters were cute and there was even one named Katie and I kept seeing myself as the little yellow fuzz ball. Horton was adorable, the monkeys were scary, and the Mayor of Whoville had a pretty cool son.
After the movie, we sent the kids home with their parents and headed back to Jackie's to lay on the couch for a bit. We had some dinner, a few laughs while shopping and another on the way home when the radio DJ didn't like my request. I reacted with, "Whatever!"
Last month at our Spring Festival, I said I would donate "Teacher Time" to be auctioned off. Today was the day my kiddo cashed it in. We planned to meet at the movie theater to see Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who. It started off really cute and I was in love with Horton...that's until I fell asleep out of boredom. I woke up and still wasn't quite entertained, so I at least made head rest in a good place. When I woke up again, I was once again engaged. I then finished watching the rest of the movie and only heard, "A person's a person, no matter how small," about 20 times. The characters were cute and there was even one named Katie and I kept seeing myself as the little yellow fuzz ball. Horton was adorable, the monkeys were scary, and the Mayor of Whoville had a pretty cool son.
After the movie, we sent the kids home with their parents and headed back to Jackie's to lay on the couch for a bit. We had some dinner, a few laughs while shopping and another on the way home when the radio DJ didn't like my request. I reacted with, "Whatever!"
Friday, April 18, 2008
Spring Fever!
It's that time of year that the kiddos are turning loco (or so I'm told that's the reason). They've decided that the rules they've been living by for the past 7 months aren't good enough for them anymore. Well, that's what I hear from the other teachers...I know that my class hasn't lived by any rules (more or less) for the last 7 months. Even since I've been their teacher, it's been quite difficult to instill structure because of so much resistance. Anyway...
Yesterday I got fed up with a group of boys who continually disrupt learning in my classroom and called the principal to step in. She had a little talk with them and if you read yesterday's blog, you know it was ineffective. Today I told them that my fuse was short. I would warn them and then their clips would be moved. If they moved it 4 times, it wouldn't be lunch detention, but an office referral. I can talk a big game, but I hate backing it up. I know that I have to in order to make myself credible. Fortunately, I did not have to write any of them up...they were close, but not quite there. Woooo on that note...
We were getting ready to pack up for the day (before our assembly) when an incident happened with 2 boys, an innocent bystander, and a chair. Somehow the chair leg ended up in the stomach of the innocent bystander and the other two boys were playing around. Neither wanted to claim responsibility and kept putting it on the other person. I asked them each to move their clips. After one of them did this, he walked across the room and on his way, pushed a desk and yelled at another kid to "SHUT UP!" I couldn't let a kid pull this in class...the others would think they could as well (and I have plenty that would try).
Did I mention that this same kid had already been called down for his referral from his bus driver this morning? He came back without any consequence because it was his first referral since he's been at our school, but he felt the need to brag about it and tell the kids what he did and that nothing happened. He even bragged before he left the room about getting a referral, like it was an accomplishment. After I spoke to the principal, he was called back down to discuss choices and consequences and that in the future the consequences would be more severe.
Well, they were definitely more severe when he visited the office for the third time in one day. He will now be thinking about his anger management in ISS for two days. But, he's not the only one...It's Spring Fever for a reason and there are many other 4th graders that will be keeping him company next week. I do feel bad for the boy because he doesn't have the greatest role models at home, but it's still important that he understand appropriate choices and that his actions determine his future.
Yesterday I got fed up with a group of boys who continually disrupt learning in my classroom and called the principal to step in. She had a little talk with them and if you read yesterday's blog, you know it was ineffective. Today I told them that my fuse was short. I would warn them and then their clips would be moved. If they moved it 4 times, it wouldn't be lunch detention, but an office referral. I can talk a big game, but I hate backing it up. I know that I have to in order to make myself credible. Fortunately, I did not have to write any of them up...they were close, but not quite there. Woooo on that note...
We were getting ready to pack up for the day (before our assembly) when an incident happened with 2 boys, an innocent bystander, and a chair. Somehow the chair leg ended up in the stomach of the innocent bystander and the other two boys were playing around. Neither wanted to claim responsibility and kept putting it on the other person. I asked them each to move their clips. After one of them did this, he walked across the room and on his way, pushed a desk and yelled at another kid to "SHUT UP!" I couldn't let a kid pull this in class...the others would think they could as well (and I have plenty that would try).
Did I mention that this same kid had already been called down for his referral from his bus driver this morning? He came back without any consequence because it was his first referral since he's been at our school, but he felt the need to brag about it and tell the kids what he did and that nothing happened. He even bragged before he left the room about getting a referral, like it was an accomplishment. After I spoke to the principal, he was called back down to discuss choices and consequences and that in the future the consequences would be more severe.
Well, they were definitely more severe when he visited the office for the third time in one day. He will now be thinking about his anger management in ISS for two days. But, he's not the only one...It's Spring Fever for a reason and there are many other 4th graders that will be keeping him company next week. I do feel bad for the boy because he doesn't have the greatest role models at home, but it's still important that he understand appropriate choices and that his actions determine his future.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Boys, Boys, Boys!
Today started off on a good note...everything was going smoothly for most of the morning. We were adding words, pictures, and definitions to our homemade math dictionaries and talking about problems that were commonly missed on a recent worksheet. Throughout this, I'm asking "the boys" to please raise their hand if they would like to make a comment or share their thinking. The disruptions continue...
I warn them that if they don't raise their hand and make only appropriate comments, they will "move their clip" (which means 5 minutes of recess). The disruptions continue...
They're off to specials and I'm off to the the principal's office to see if she can talk with them and scare them into behaving. She tells me that she can meet with them at lunch and I should bring them in. I later find out that they all started crying like babies and admitting everything they've done wrong in class. (These kids think they are so tough in the classroom, yet they are babies at heart!) She talks about what will happen next (referral -> ISS) if they don't get their act together and sends them back to class. The disruptions return...
I didn't get much teaching done this afternoon because of all their talking and infectious laughing (it never infected me, but it did get to the other kids). As the boys walked out the door I asked each of them who I should call home to speak to (knowing full well, that I would just talk to whoever I could get a hold of). It just sparked a little more fear in their eyes and they all claimed that they would "be better tomorrow". I've already given them more chances than any of them deserve. I was trying to handle my classroom management on my own and these boys are beyond my control. Tomorrow they will be written up if they don't choose to make good choices (being on task and raising their hand to speak--or just not yelling out will work too). Their parents are also going to remind them of their future if they don't make good choices tonight!
Some of you may have noticed that I only mention this talkative bunch to be boys...well...it is ONLY boys! I am not being sexist in any way...it's just the way they are!
I warn them that if they don't raise their hand and make only appropriate comments, they will "move their clip" (which means 5 minutes of recess). The disruptions continue...
They're off to specials and I'm off to the the principal's office to see if she can talk with them and scare them into behaving. She tells me that she can meet with them at lunch and I should bring them in. I later find out that they all started crying like babies and admitting everything they've done wrong in class. (These kids think they are so tough in the classroom, yet they are babies at heart!) She talks about what will happen next (referral -> ISS) if they don't get their act together and sends them back to class. The disruptions return...
I didn't get much teaching done this afternoon because of all their talking and infectious laughing (it never infected me, but it did get to the other kids). As the boys walked out the door I asked each of them who I should call home to speak to (knowing full well, that I would just talk to whoever I could get a hold of). It just sparked a little more fear in their eyes and they all claimed that they would "be better tomorrow". I've already given them more chances than any of them deserve. I was trying to handle my classroom management on my own and these boys are beyond my control. Tomorrow they will be written up if they don't choose to make good choices (being on task and raising their hand to speak--or just not yelling out will work too). Their parents are also going to remind them of their future if they don't make good choices tonight!
Some of you may have noticed that I only mention this talkative bunch to be boys...well...it is ONLY boys! I am not being sexist in any way...it's just the way they are!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
YAY!
Today was a day of randomness. A lot happened today and a lot of random comments from my kids and coworkers were said. I tried writing down as many as I could, but there were too many to keep up. (I forgot them at school and will have to add them tomorrow.)
My kids are showing progress in their behavior and also their ability to turn work in. That may be because I'm tired of listening to them talk non-stop and I'm also tired of seeing "missing" in the grade book. I'm "cracking the whip" on both...a warning is given for talking out and then they miss 5 minutes of recess. It may seem a bit harsh for some of you, but these kiddos think they can talk all day and nobody can tell them otherwise. Having their recess taken away seems to be the only consequence that means anything to them...even though it's already worn off for some. I've also looked through my grade book and told those with missing work that they will not be going to recess until I have the work. Fortunately, those with lots of missing work haven't figured out that they could get away with a little speaking out because they've already lost all of their recess. DUH!
I felt like a successful teacher today...kids were working, quality work was being done, and cooperative learning conversations were taking place. YAY!!!!
Today was also my first interview on the "other side of the table". I can't even claim to be very experienced with them because I was hired after my second interview (unheard of, right?!). The other aspect of this interview that was different was that the interviewee was a current long-term sub at our school who is already liked by her teammates and administration. Unfortunately, we aren't that crazy about her. They don't really want to give us any other choices, but we want choices. In the end, she may be the best choice, but we need to learn that for ourselves. With our team, there are two things that you need to show in the interview...good answers and a great personality. We're a lively bunch and need someone who can keep up, but also do a quality job with our crazy kiddos. We're still looking for the just right person to have a portable to themselves next year (just like I've lived with since I started). hahahaha
My kids are showing progress in their behavior and also their ability to turn work in. That may be because I'm tired of listening to them talk non-stop and I'm also tired of seeing "missing" in the grade book. I'm "cracking the whip" on both...a warning is given for talking out and then they miss 5 minutes of recess. It may seem a bit harsh for some of you, but these kiddos think they can talk all day and nobody can tell them otherwise. Having their recess taken away seems to be the only consequence that means anything to them...even though it's already worn off for some. I've also looked through my grade book and told those with missing work that they will not be going to recess until I have the work. Fortunately, those with lots of missing work haven't figured out that they could get away with a little speaking out because they've already lost all of their recess. DUH!
I felt like a successful teacher today...kids were working, quality work was being done, and cooperative learning conversations were taking place. YAY!!!!
Today was also my first interview on the "other side of the table". I can't even claim to be very experienced with them because I was hired after my second interview (unheard of, right?!). The other aspect of this interview that was different was that the interviewee was a current long-term sub at our school who is already liked by her teammates and administration. Unfortunately, we aren't that crazy about her. They don't really want to give us any other choices, but we want choices. In the end, she may be the best choice, but we need to learn that for ourselves. With our team, there are two things that you need to show in the interview...good answers and a great personality. We're a lively bunch and need someone who can keep up, but also do a quality job with our crazy kiddos. We're still looking for the just right person to have a portable to themselves next year (just like I've lived with since I started). hahahaha
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
Once again Jackie came to the rescue, similarly to the way she cleared my balcony of yellow jackets. As I walked into my classroom after dropping off my kiddos at specials, I see a lizard crawling across my wall. I screamed and ran into the classroom next to me, sure as not to let the lizard into that classroom (it was crawling very close to the shared door). I informed her of my "emergency" and then returned to my room. As I sat at my desk trying to work, the only think I could think of was the lizard crawling closer and closer to my desk. I even screamed a little at one point because my pants touched my foot and I thought it was the lizard. I was sitting at my desk long enough to send an e-mail for another teacher to come rescue me from the terror this lizard was causing me.
Within minutes, Jackie and the class from next door arrived. One of the little girls said, "I catch lizards all the time...I kind of like them." EWWW! I tried standing on a table and knocking things off of the shelf where I saw the lizard...unsuccessful. Jackie then stood on the same table and gently removed things from the same shelf. (Her strategy was much more thoughtful.) Sure enough, the lizard came running out and I ran away screaming. The girls then ushered the lizard towards the door and returned it back to nature. It was a team effort to save the day. This also rescued me from dealing with my screaming class when they returned from specials.
Besides this excitement...my day was, by far, the best I've had in quite some time!
Within minutes, Jackie and the class from next door arrived. One of the little girls said, "I catch lizards all the time...I kind of like them." EWWW! I tried standing on a table and knocking things off of the shelf where I saw the lizard...unsuccessful. Jackie then stood on the same table and gently removed things from the same shelf. (Her strategy was much more thoughtful.) Sure enough, the lizard came running out and I ran away screaming. The girls then ushered the lizard towards the door and returned it back to nature. It was a team effort to save the day. This also rescued me from dealing with my screaming class when they returned from specials.
Besides this excitement...my day was, by far, the best I've had in quite some time!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Parents Are Stupid!
Some of you may think the title is a bit harsh, but some of you completely understand.
When all my kids came in the room I noticed there was one missing. It wouldn't usually phase me, but this particular kid told me his last day would be last Friday. When I got my hopes up, I realized I should call home and check with mom to be sure. My dreams were crushed when mom said, "We are not moving soon. We will sometime, but I don't know when yet. We can't go anywhere until I get my health problems under control and I've been in and out of the hospital almost daily."
Today when he didn't show up, I assumed he was absent because his mom was in the hospital and couldn't bring him (which was a very common occurrence). When I went to specials, I informed the registrar that he wasn't here AGAIN, but mom said they weren't moving. When I went to lunch I checked my mailbox and only to find a withdrawal form for none other than Disrespectful.
This usually wouldn't be a big deal, but this child has only been in my class for about 9-10 weeks. He and his family are actually what is known as Traveling Gypsies. (I will have to explain this in another blog.) My biggest concern with this child no longer being in my class is that he has some serious learning and behavior problems. I understand that many of his problems stem from moving school-to-school every 9 weeks, but he is also not at a school long enough to have an interventions done. He needs some serious help and it seems as though he's never going to receive it.
To piggyback on the idea of this child moving with only 5 weeks left in the school year, a teacher that I work with received a new student today. I was fortunate in knowing that she was coming because she is from the school that I did my student teaching at (I still have contacts). My question is...why doesn't her mom just commute her to school each day. The schools are only 10 minutes apart and one is an IB World School and the other is not. I'll leave it at that!
Crazy, crazy parents...
When all my kids came in the room I noticed there was one missing. It wouldn't usually phase me, but this particular kid told me his last day would be last Friday. When I got my hopes up, I realized I should call home and check with mom to be sure. My dreams were crushed when mom said, "We are not moving soon. We will sometime, but I don't know when yet. We can't go anywhere until I get my health problems under control and I've been in and out of the hospital almost daily."
Today when he didn't show up, I assumed he was absent because his mom was in the hospital and couldn't bring him (which was a very common occurrence). When I went to specials, I informed the registrar that he wasn't here AGAIN, but mom said they weren't moving. When I went to lunch I checked my mailbox and only to find a withdrawal form for none other than Disrespectful.
This usually wouldn't be a big deal, but this child has only been in my class for about 9-10 weeks. He and his family are actually what is known as Traveling Gypsies. (I will have to explain this in another blog.) My biggest concern with this child no longer being in my class is that he has some serious learning and behavior problems. I understand that many of his problems stem from moving school-to-school every 9 weeks, but he is also not at a school long enough to have an interventions done. He needs some serious help and it seems as though he's never going to receive it.
To piggyback on the idea of this child moving with only 5 weeks left in the school year, a teacher that I work with received a new student today. I was fortunate in knowing that she was coming because she is from the school that I did my student teaching at (I still have contacts). My question is...why doesn't her mom just commute her to school each day. The schools are only 10 minutes apart and one is an IB World School and the other is not. I'll leave it at that!
Crazy, crazy parents...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Goldilocks
I woke up early to walk the Bun Run downtown with a close friend while my mom was running. We had to do a bit of negotiating (smiling) in order to get a shirt and number for a friend who wasn't there but said she signed up. She only wanted the shirt even though she couldn't make it because it's "one of the most coveted shirts in Austin". It happened...everyone got a shirt and we had an enjoyable walk. We walked towards the capitol, with some people dressed in Southwest Airlines mini airplanes, and ran in the last .005 mile. It was nice to get out and get a bit of exercise on such a beautiful day.
My mom and I then ventured to Home Depot to pick out some flowers for my apartment. They were definitely the right choices. We also wanted to get some balcony furniture but everything was too expensive. She traveled home and left me to find balcony chairs on my own. I am incapable of picking some things out on my own and these were one of those things. Jackie (my tennis partner) came over so we could find some chairs. After all, she would be using these chairs when she came over. We went to Big Lots and sat in about 5 different chairs...they were all too hard, too cheap, or too expensive. Luckily our next stop was Wal-Mart and we found chairs that were JUST RIGHT...comfort and price. As we were trying to maneuver these chairs into my car (which is full of boxes of books for school), a Wal-Mart guy came up and asked if we were okay. I laughingly said no. He then told us exactly how to make them fit and moved things around. He got them in the first try without any sort of struggle. He did get a few laughs from us though (hopefully it made his day). I said today that each day I like to make someone else laugh...even if it's at my expense. As long as I'm laughing too, all is well...and even if I'm not, I probably deserve it.
With only two scraps on our legs, we managed to carry the chairs up the stairs and arrange them on my balcony. Now my balcony is an extension of my living room on beautiful Austin days.
My mom and I then ventured to Home Depot to pick out some flowers for my apartment. They were definitely the right choices. We also wanted to get some balcony furniture but everything was too expensive. She traveled home and left me to find balcony chairs on my own. I am incapable of picking some things out on my own and these were one of those things. Jackie (my tennis partner) came over so we could find some chairs. After all, she would be using these chairs when she came over. We went to Big Lots and sat in about 5 different chairs...they were all too hard, too cheap, or too expensive. Luckily our next stop was Wal-Mart and we found chairs that were JUST RIGHT...comfort and price. As we were trying to maneuver these chairs into my car (which is full of boxes of books for school), a Wal-Mart guy came up and asked if we were okay. I laughingly said no. He then told us exactly how to make them fit and moved things around. He got them in the first try without any sort of struggle. He did get a few laughs from us though (hopefully it made his day). I said today that each day I like to make someone else laugh...even if it's at my expense. As long as I'm laughing too, all is well...and even if I'm not, I probably deserve it.
With only two scraps on our legs, we managed to carry the chairs up the stairs and arrange them on my balcony. Now my balcony is an extension of my living room on beautiful Austin days.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Liar Liar Pants on Fire
This blog is a day late, so just keep in mind that it should have been posted on Friday.
After two days off at staff development, it was hard to return to the chaos that is my class. I couldn't remember if it was Monday or Friday or ? I tried taking them to their normal Monday special, but I was wrong because it was Friday. Thank goodness they know where they are supposed to go.
But before specials, we had the Mini Metric Olympics. This was supposed to be a fun, hands-on, competitive event that had everyone active and practicing their measurement skills. What it actually did was show me how much my class can cheat and lie in order to win. The rules of the game were easy...estimate a measurement for the event (mass, distance, volume), complete the event, and then write the difference between their estimation and actual scores. Sounds simple enough, right? As I walk around checking on groups, I see many kids who have perfect guesses on multiple events. I wonder how in the world they managed one perfect guess, never mind multiple, especially when they've had such a problem understanding measurement in the past.
When I collected their score sheets in order to decide winners and those who would receive "medals", I noticed that a few students had a total difference of ZERO because they managed to guess correctly on EVERY event. I then say, "As I'm looking at these score cards, I'm noticing lots of estimations that were right one your actual score. When I tried these events, I know it was very difficult to estimate the exact answer, especially to the millimeter or centimeter. I feel it is near impossible to guess one correctly, never mind, all of them. I definitely know that that is IMPOSSIBLE. Because of this, I am going to set aside the score cards that had two or more perfect estimates and only consider the others for the medals." This caused lots of moans and groans but those who did complete the Olympics correctly thought it was a great idea. Those who knew they were wrong did not say anything, which was a good idea.
This has taught me that next year, I am going to work on my strategies in teaching this lesson in order to prevent cheating and lying in order to win a paper medal. But, for those who did win these medals were unimaginably happy..."I've never won anything before." (That's why I teach.)
After two days off at staff development, it was hard to return to the chaos that is my class. I couldn't remember if it was Monday or Friday or ? I tried taking them to their normal Monday special, but I was wrong because it was Friday. Thank goodness they know where they are supposed to go.
But before specials, we had the Mini Metric Olympics. This was supposed to be a fun, hands-on, competitive event that had everyone active and practicing their measurement skills. What it actually did was show me how much my class can cheat and lie in order to win. The rules of the game were easy...estimate a measurement for the event (mass, distance, volume), complete the event, and then write the difference between their estimation and actual scores. Sounds simple enough, right? As I walk around checking on groups, I see many kids who have perfect guesses on multiple events. I wonder how in the world they managed one perfect guess, never mind multiple, especially when they've had such a problem understanding measurement in the past.
When I collected their score sheets in order to decide winners and those who would receive "medals", I noticed that a few students had a total difference of ZERO because they managed to guess correctly on EVERY event. I then say, "As I'm looking at these score cards, I'm noticing lots of estimations that were right one your actual score. When I tried these events, I know it was very difficult to estimate the exact answer, especially to the millimeter or centimeter. I feel it is near impossible to guess one correctly, never mind, all of them. I definitely know that that is IMPOSSIBLE. Because of this, I am going to set aside the score cards that had two or more perfect estimates and only consider the others for the medals." This caused lots of moans and groans but those who did complete the Olympics correctly thought it was a great idea. Those who knew they were wrong did not say anything, which was a good idea.
This has taught me that next year, I am going to work on my strategies in teaching this lesson in order to prevent cheating and lying in order to win a paper medal. But, for those who did win these medals were unimaginably happy..."I've never won anything before." (That's why I teach.)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Another Long Day
Today was another exhausting day of ESL training. It's much easier to teach all day and "entertain" a class full of kids than it is to sit in a 7 hour training.
We did one activity in which we were all standing in a circle...as I looked around, I noticed how many teachers were unable to stand still. They were rocking, playing with the cards in their hands, and looking around the lecture hall. We are the ones who expect our students to sit in their seat, not to play with the materials on their desks and to look at us while we are teaching. I found it quite ironic...but I'll admit I was one of them. I didn't hear a word the presenter said.
I'm anxious and skeptical about going back to school tomorrow. It's been a nice break, but I don't know how people sit in meetings all day...I need more interaction...and believe me, my kiddos provide PLENTY of interaction.
We did one activity in which we were all standing in a circle...as I looked around, I noticed how many teachers were unable to stand still. They were rocking, playing with the cards in their hands, and looking around the lecture hall. We are the ones who expect our students to sit in their seat, not to play with the materials on their desks and to look at us while we are teaching. I found it quite ironic...but I'll admit I was one of them. I didn't hear a word the presenter said.
I'm anxious and skeptical about going back to school tomorrow. It's been a nice break, but I don't know how people sit in meetings all day...I need more interaction...and believe me, my kiddos provide PLENTY of interaction.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
You's A "Hoe"!
Today started off well because I was able to sleep in an extra hour. It was going to be a long day of staff development, but an extra hour did me some good. Luckily, there were other teachers from my school at this workshop and we were able to sit together to make the day go faster.
There were a few interesting moments during this mostly boring day of learning about ESL learners.
One of these moments was when we heard some yelling coming from the hallway. (Did I mention this workshop took place in a high school?) All we hear is, "You's a 'hoe'! No, you's a 'hoe'! No I ain't...but you is!" (I know I spelled hoe wrong!) The other teachers from my school who think they have some very behaviorally challenged fifth graders then realized that they have nothing to worry about. It made us laugh.
The rest of the day was filled with boredom and realizations that I am smarter than any of my older counterparts that I work with. We were reading a passage and one of the teachers couldn't even understand what it said...I had to explain the meaning. By older counterparts, I mean older, but that's just at my school. I was definitely the youngest in the room, but here were many close to my age asking what I like to call STUPID questions. These are questions that could be answered by being aware of what happens around you, listening to the speaker (even though I wasn't doing that), and just knowing because it's stuff we are supposed to know.
I am going to bed early tonight because I'm just so anxious about another day of ESLness tomorrow....NOT!
There were a few interesting moments during this mostly boring day of learning about ESL learners.
One of these moments was when we heard some yelling coming from the hallway. (Did I mention this workshop took place in a high school?) All we hear is, "You's a 'hoe'! No, you's a 'hoe'! No I ain't...but you is!" (I know I spelled hoe wrong!) The other teachers from my school who think they have some very behaviorally challenged fifth graders then realized that they have nothing to worry about. It made us laugh.
The rest of the day was filled with boredom and realizations that I am smarter than any of my older counterparts that I work with. We were reading a passage and one of the teachers couldn't even understand what it said...I had to explain the meaning. By older counterparts, I mean older, but that's just at my school. I was definitely the youngest in the room, but here were many close to my age asking what I like to call STUPID questions. These are questions that could be answered by being aware of what happens around you, listening to the speaker (even though I wasn't doing that), and just knowing because it's stuff we are supposed to know.
I am going to bed early tonight because I'm just so anxious about another day of ESLness tomorrow....NOT!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"That sucks!"
Those are two words that sum up my day. Days like today make me want to call in sick. As I was driving to school this morning, a bird flew into the side of my car. Luckily there wasn't any damage, but it was still odd and how the rest of my day would be.
The kids came in and were chatty, chatty, chatty. I'm now in the search for new strategies to get a class quiet. Disrespectful came in and said his last day is Friday. Did you see the smile come over my face? It was there...well, until my conference period when I called his mom to check and she said it wasn't true. He will be moving sometime, eventually, "soon", but not this week. She's having too many health problems to leave. Poor thing...I hope she gets well soon! ;)
Recess for my misbehaving, talkative squirts is dwindling fast. I do have about 5 kids who are on task and making good choices 99% of the time and then another 5 who are on task about 75% of the time and then the last 50% is why I want to call in sick. We manage to make it to specials (i.e., time for me to breath and regroup) and then it's another struggle until lunch. They just won't stop talking and I refuse to teach over them. Yes, there are kids who do want to listen, but the others are so disruptive that it's impossible.
Yay...finally lunch and recess for as long as it takes me to have the urge to line them up to go in. I had a majority of the class sitting out some time for recess. Some of the boys decided that they wanted to throw rocks at each other's heads. They are tattling on each other non-stop. I separate them even more and they still decide they are going to throw rocks. I've asked them to stop along with the other 4th grade teachers and also a 3rd grade teacher. They should have just stopped, but that would be too easy. Because they didn't, the first thing I did when I got back to our room was to write two of them up. I wrote referrals and said, "Take these to the office. They will want to talk to you." They came back later with the referral that said they both got one day of In School Suspension. This was a minor success in regards to my day and for some reason made me feel wonderful!
I'm going to be out for the next two days at a prep class for an ExCet test I am taking next weekend and it made me feel a lot better that the sub will not have to handle those two boys along with everyone else. Too bad I couldn't be there tomorrow to enjoy their absences myself. :)
The kids came in and were chatty, chatty, chatty. I'm now in the search for new strategies to get a class quiet. Disrespectful came in and said his last day is Friday. Did you see the smile come over my face? It was there...well, until my conference period when I called his mom to check and she said it wasn't true. He will be moving sometime, eventually, "soon", but not this week. She's having too many health problems to leave. Poor thing...I hope she gets well soon! ;)
Recess for my misbehaving, talkative squirts is dwindling fast. I do have about 5 kids who are on task and making good choices 99% of the time and then another 5 who are on task about 75% of the time and then the last 50% is why I want to call in sick. We manage to make it to specials (i.e., time for me to breath and regroup) and then it's another struggle until lunch. They just won't stop talking and I refuse to teach over them. Yes, there are kids who do want to listen, but the others are so disruptive that it's impossible.
Yay...finally lunch and recess for as long as it takes me to have the urge to line them up to go in. I had a majority of the class sitting out some time for recess. Some of the boys decided that they wanted to throw rocks at each other's heads. They are tattling on each other non-stop. I separate them even more and they still decide they are going to throw rocks. I've asked them to stop along with the other 4th grade teachers and also a 3rd grade teacher. They should have just stopped, but that would be too easy. Because they didn't, the first thing I did when I got back to our room was to write two of them up. I wrote referrals and said, "Take these to the office. They will want to talk to you." They came back later with the referral that said they both got one day of In School Suspension. This was a minor success in regards to my day and for some reason made me feel wonderful!
I'm going to be out for the next two days at a prep class for an ExCet test I am taking next weekend and it made me feel a lot better that the sub will not have to handle those two boys along with everyone else. Too bad I couldn't be there tomorrow to enjoy their absences myself. :)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Is everyone allergic to bullets?
Today started off with good intentions, all the kids came in and began their morning work. We began our math review because I apparently didn't teach angles well enough the first time. This is where it began sliding downhill. I explained numerous times that we would go question by question to make sure you understand why you missed it and you'll know the answer and similar ones for next time. Well, I never said my class was blessed with patience and so this review didn't go as smoothly as it should have. I had kids yelling, "Do number 3! Do number 6! No, number 1 on the next page!" If they would have just waited, I would have done every one of them in order.
Then comes my new computer. The kids knew I was super excited about this new computer and they were excited about it as well, because this meant my old computer was now going to be available for them to use as a privilege. This disturbed any semblance of a lesson I had remaining. I thought the kids couldn't be any more distracted at this point...I thought WRONG!
My door was open today due to the computer arrival and while I was working on something with a kid, I hear, "We have a new student!" WHAT?!?!?! Did I just get one two weeks ago and 3 weeks prior to that? Seriously! Well, at least it was a girl this time. I could not have handled one more boy in my classroom. She seems sweet, while her mom could have cared less that I was her new teacher. She was texting the entire time she was standing at my door dropping her off. She didn't acknowledge me and I'm not sure if she even said bye to her daughter. I can see that this one is all about parent involvement. Getting a new kid situated is always tricky...trying to manage/control the rest of the class who have endless questions for the new kid and also making sure she knows the procedures, etc. I usually try to stop the lesson and we have a class meeting to let the new kid know about us and our class, but this week is special. I will be out 2 days and have already written my lesson plans, which means I must stay on task so that we are exactly where the sub needs to pick up.
So by now the day is shot and it's only 9:05! I definitely have high hopes for the rest of the day...but not really! The day continues with non-stop chatting, unacceptable classroom behavior, and incomplete work. It's a lot to manage and it makes me grateful that there are only 37 days of school left.
In the midst of today, I had a humorous conversation with one of my students on the way to lunch. Most of the class freaks out because there is a wasp flying around the sidewalk we are on and then one of the students asks me, "Ms. L, is everyone allergic to bullets?" In my mind, I heard bees or wasps or ants, but no...you read correctly, she said bullets! I said, "Well, you CAN'T be allergic to bullets. You can die from them, but you can't be allergic." And she turns to a friend and says, "HA!" This concerned me. She was not right in any argument and didn't know the difference. She is one of my lower performing students, but I still didn't expect this from any kid, not a second grader and definitely not a fourth grader! Maybe we'll have a discussion tomorrow about things you can actually be allergic to.
Then comes my new computer. The kids knew I was super excited about this new computer and they were excited about it as well, because this meant my old computer was now going to be available for them to use as a privilege. This disturbed any semblance of a lesson I had remaining. I thought the kids couldn't be any more distracted at this point...I thought WRONG!
My door was open today due to the computer arrival and while I was working on something with a kid, I hear, "We have a new student!" WHAT?!?!?! Did I just get one two weeks ago and 3 weeks prior to that? Seriously! Well, at least it was a girl this time. I could not have handled one more boy in my classroom. She seems sweet, while her mom could have cared less that I was her new teacher. She was texting the entire time she was standing at my door dropping her off. She didn't acknowledge me and I'm not sure if she even said bye to her daughter. I can see that this one is all about parent involvement. Getting a new kid situated is always tricky...trying to manage/control the rest of the class who have endless questions for the new kid and also making sure she knows the procedures, etc. I usually try to stop the lesson and we have a class meeting to let the new kid know about us and our class, but this week is special. I will be out 2 days and have already written my lesson plans, which means I must stay on task so that we are exactly where the sub needs to pick up.
So by now the day is shot and it's only 9:05! I definitely have high hopes for the rest of the day...but not really! The day continues with non-stop chatting, unacceptable classroom behavior, and incomplete work. It's a lot to manage and it makes me grateful that there are only 37 days of school left.
In the midst of today, I had a humorous conversation with one of my students on the way to lunch. Most of the class freaks out because there is a wasp flying around the sidewalk we are on and then one of the students asks me, "Ms. L, is everyone allergic to bullets?" In my mind, I heard bees or wasps or ants, but no...you read correctly, she said bullets! I said, "Well, you CAN'T be allergic to bullets. You can die from them, but you can't be allergic." And she turns to a friend and says, "HA!" This concerned me. She was not right in any argument and didn't know the difference. She is one of my lower performing students, but I still didn't expect this from any kid, not a second grader and definitely not a fourth grader! Maybe we'll have a discussion tomorrow about things you can actually be allergic to.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
15-Love
It was a beautiful day in Austin...perfect weather to spend the entire day outside or inside with windows open. I did a little of both. I went to lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a while to catch up on how her job is going and what her plans are for next year. It was a delicious lunch and perfect for outside dining. We walked around some shops looking for "work shoes"...(i.e., any shoes that would look good on the weekend but we could swing appropriate for work).
I had prior arrangements to go play tennis with The Crew yesterday afternoon, so after lunch, I headed that way. Tennis was interesting...interesting in that I sucked at it. I thought I would be decent at tennis, but I thought wrong. It includes lots of upper body strength, which I don't have. Based on my friends' comments, it doesn't matter how much tennis you've watched on TV, it doesn't mean you can play. I gave it my best shot and my best shot wasn't even a good attempt. It was good fun though. We have another match scheduled for later today...after my massage, a little grocery shopping, and looking for some plants for my balcony.
I had prior arrangements to go play tennis with The Crew yesterday afternoon, so after lunch, I headed that way. Tennis was interesting...interesting in that I sucked at it. I thought I would be decent at tennis, but I thought wrong. It includes lots of upper body strength, which I don't have. Based on my friends' comments, it doesn't matter how much tennis you've watched on TV, it doesn't mean you can play. I gave it my best shot and my best shot wasn't even a good attempt. It was good fun though. We have another match scheduled for later today...after my massage, a little grocery shopping, and looking for some plants for my balcony.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Who will buy it for 2 tickets?
Today was an okay day at school...compared to others it was actually more than okay. I guess my expectations are set a bit too high for this particular group of kids. (Not for individual kids, but as a whole...cause I do have some amazing kids.)
Of course the bargaining chip on the table for good behavior and attentive listening was again letting them open their stores for business. Again, kids brought in their backpacks filled with books that they could barely carry. They piled up the books by their desk and awaited the words, "You can open your stores now." Other kids had novelty school supplies today (pink paper, cool erasers and pencils). This kid had it down...1 ticket for one piece, 5 tickets for ten pieces, and 10 tickets for 10. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me...it paid to buy more.
Another kid came to me and told me he would have to lower his prices in order to get more customers...this is why I'm letting them do this...to problem solve how they can attract the most customers and ultimately make the largest profit.
As I sat back and watched each child deal with their own business issues (they won't pay me how much I asked, I sold it to them and they want to return it, I want my eraser back if they are just going to sell it to someone else), I heard the kids advertising for something new. One kid was walking around with a baggy yelling, put your tickets in here for a raffle, you'll be able to pick anything from my store. Another was gathering other kids so he could conduct an auction. I heard, "Who will buy it for one ticket? Two tickets?" The teacher next to me came over to visit and began laughing at everything that was taking place...she found it quite humorous, but also productive. It's wonderful when kids are allowed to explore ideas and learn as they go.
After a humorous afternoon, I was ready to spend some time with The Crew. The Crew consists of one of my coworkers (who I will hopefully be sharing a portable with next year), a friend who rarely hangs out because she has a hard time answering her cell phone, and a close friend who I did my student teaching with (and spend time with often). We went to Olive Garden to share some laughs over dinner (and not the wine that costs $5/glass when I've bought it at HEB before for $4/bottle). One thing I found particularly interesting is that all of my friends commented on how "mean" my words can be but how nice my actions are. I know I do this, but that each one of them realized it was funny. They referred to a time last semester when (I must have been having a rough day) I told each of them that the clothes they were wearing were bad (well, bad not be an accurate description). I have no recollection of this, but they all said it was true. WHATEVER! If I'm so mean, stop using me for my gift cards! hahaha I consider it part of my charm...and they know they couldn't live without me or my occasionally mean sarcasm. ;) If I couldn't take it, I wouldn't dish it out...
Of course the bargaining chip on the table for good behavior and attentive listening was again letting them open their stores for business. Again, kids brought in their backpacks filled with books that they could barely carry. They piled up the books by their desk and awaited the words, "You can open your stores now." Other kids had novelty school supplies today (pink paper, cool erasers and pencils). This kid had it down...1 ticket for one piece, 5 tickets for ten pieces, and 10 tickets for 10. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me...it paid to buy more.
Another kid came to me and told me he would have to lower his prices in order to get more customers...this is why I'm letting them do this...to problem solve how they can attract the most customers and ultimately make the largest profit.
As I sat back and watched each child deal with their own business issues (they won't pay me how much I asked, I sold it to them and they want to return it, I want my eraser back if they are just going to sell it to someone else), I heard the kids advertising for something new. One kid was walking around with a baggy yelling, put your tickets in here for a raffle, you'll be able to pick anything from my store. Another was gathering other kids so he could conduct an auction. I heard, "Who will buy it for one ticket? Two tickets?" The teacher next to me came over to visit and began laughing at everything that was taking place...she found it quite humorous, but also productive. It's wonderful when kids are allowed to explore ideas and learn as they go.
After a humorous afternoon, I was ready to spend some time with The Crew. The Crew consists of one of my coworkers (who I will hopefully be sharing a portable with next year), a friend who rarely hangs out because she has a hard time answering her cell phone, and a close friend who I did my student teaching with (and spend time with often). We went to Olive Garden to share some laughs over dinner (and not the wine that costs $5/glass when I've bought it at HEB before for $4/bottle). One thing I found particularly interesting is that all of my friends commented on how "mean" my words can be but how nice my actions are. I know I do this, but that each one of them realized it was funny. They referred to a time last semester when (I must have been having a rough day) I told each of them that the clothes they were wearing were bad (well, bad not be an accurate description). I have no recollection of this, but they all said it was true. WHATEVER! If I'm so mean, stop using me for my gift cards! hahaha I consider it part of my charm...and they know they couldn't live without me or my occasionally mean sarcasm. ;) If I couldn't take it, I wouldn't dish it out...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The 1st Graders I Left Behind
While at dinner (the same one I heard entertaining stories about clueless interns), I was told a few humorous stories about the first graders I left behind in order to get a paying job.
My CT is very unfamiliar with the operations of cell phones. During the year I spent working with her, I helped her operate her phone countless times...everything from saving a phone number to sending text messages. Well, one of her daughters was in town this weekend and was playing with CT's phone...knowing she wouldn't answer it until the next day (April Fool's)...and she was right! While there were observers (including the principal) in the room and it was perfectly quiet (except for the Writer's Workshop music), her cell phone rang..."Take this job and shove it! I ain't workin' here no more..."
The adults in the room start cracking up after realizing CT had no idea that was her ring. One of the very bold and energetic kids in the room (who's caused us both tons of stress), said, "Are you tired of this crap yet?"
My CT is very unfamiliar with the operations of cell phones. During the year I spent working with her, I helped her operate her phone countless times...everything from saving a phone number to sending text messages. Well, one of her daughters was in town this weekend and was playing with CT's phone...knowing she wouldn't answer it until the next day (April Fool's)...and she was right! While there were observers (including the principal) in the room and it was perfectly quiet (except for the Writer's Workshop music), her cell phone rang..."Take this job and shove it! I ain't workin' here no more..."
The adults in the room start cracking up after realizing CT had no idea that was her ring. One of the very bold and energetic kids in the room (who's caused us both tons of stress), said, "Are you tired of this crap yet?"
Miss. Clueless
After a never-ending day in 4th grade, I had a dinner scheduled with the teacher I did my student teaching and internship with (aka my CT -- cooperating teacher). I always enjoy our dinner and am so thankful to have had such a wonderful mentor and now friend. Anyway, since I have moved on, she's "replaced" me....but I do use the term loosely. I could, of course, NEVER be replaced. She had many stories to tell me about the new intern, all of which I was flabbergasted to hear and dumbfounded that someone like this might be in charge of children one day.
Incident #1: On the first day of the month, my CT asked the intern to fix the calendar for April. I had made the calendar last semester and even made little balloons with each kid's name and birthday, so that they could be put on the calendar without any thought...but nobody would get forgotten. She sends the intern into the hall to complete this. (I probably made the calendar from scratch faster than she wrote 1-30 on it.) She is working on it for quite some time when my CT goes to see what she's up to. CT sees another teacher and asks what intern is doing...she can't bring herself to ask. They finally ask and she says, "There are too many boxes."
Incident #2 (but probably more like 200): Intern is modeling a lesson (or something) on the overhead. She is using a transparency that looks identical to the paper the kids are using (I made the transparencies...and used them many times). To demonstrate how to set up the paper, the intern turns the transparency sideways to begin writing (keep in mind the kids are supposed to be reading this and those of you who know how transparencies and overheads work, know that this does not!). The kids and CT tell her, "We can't read that." She says, "But I can't write like that." (REALLY?!?!) And then, as she is writing, my CT is in awe..."Miss. Merr" she writes. A kid raises her hand to say, "Miss doesn't have a period." "Oh, it doesn't???" The story goes on in that she isn't writing on the transparency using the lines correctly and the kids get very upset and so does CT because she's taught this to her many times before. Kids need something done right...they can't handle when they've learned something and you still do it wrong. (Well, their last student teacher didn't do it wrong. *wink*wink*
Incident #300: Miss Clueless (intern) was scheduled to teach a lesson today and her supervisor was coming to watch. I know from experience that supervisors don't just drive to the school hoping they'll get to see you in action...they plan on it. Well, Miss Clueless writes it on CT's calendar, "Lesson 10:00". CT rearranges her whole morning schedule, doesn't do guided reading, work stations, etc. just so that Clueless can fit in her lesson. Well, she begins at 10:00 and no supervisor is seen...she keeps going, nobody...finally at 10:30, Miss Clueless' lesson is over and in walks her supervisor. CT is confused as to why she is showing up when the lesson was over...apparently Clueless told her supervisor 10:30 and didn't tell CT the real time.
Incident #4,000: Miss Clueless visits music class (as part of her internship assignment, we all had to do it). This is a special day in music class...it's a TAKS day for the rest of the school, which means everyone must be as quiet at possible and try not to disturb the hallways, etc. Well, that was a great plan until Miss Clueless starts playing clapping/paddy cake games in the corner of the room with some kids. (Yes, there is a lesson being taught by the music teacher at this time.) The music teacher gives THE GLARE and the kids move away, Miss Clueless apparently didn't take the class about THE GLARE. So, she is then seen braiding a girl's hair a few minutes later. CT had no idea this happened until it was all outlined in an e-mail in which the bottom read, "YOUR INTERN MAY NOT VISIT MY CLASS AGAIN UNTIL SHE HAS LEARNED HOW TO BEHAVE!"
If this girl only knew everything I did each week (during my internship, never mind student teaching) because I was expected to do it and because I was so efficient I needed more to do...CLUELESS!
Incident #1: On the first day of the month, my CT asked the intern to fix the calendar for April. I had made the calendar last semester and even made little balloons with each kid's name and birthday, so that they could be put on the calendar without any thought...but nobody would get forgotten. She sends the intern into the hall to complete this. (I probably made the calendar from scratch faster than she wrote 1-30 on it.) She is working on it for quite some time when my CT goes to see what she's up to. CT sees another teacher and asks what intern is doing...she can't bring herself to ask. They finally ask and she says, "There are too many boxes."
Incident #2 (but probably more like 200): Intern is modeling a lesson (or something) on the overhead. She is using a transparency that looks identical to the paper the kids are using (I made the transparencies...and used them many times). To demonstrate how to set up the paper, the intern turns the transparency sideways to begin writing (keep in mind the kids are supposed to be reading this and those of you who know how transparencies and overheads work, know that this does not!). The kids and CT tell her, "We can't read that." She says, "But I can't write like that." (REALLY?!?!) And then, as she is writing, my CT is in awe..."Miss. Merr" she writes. A kid raises her hand to say, "Miss doesn't have a period." "Oh, it doesn't???" The story goes on in that she isn't writing on the transparency using the lines correctly and the kids get very upset and so does CT because she's taught this to her many times before. Kids need something done right...they can't handle when they've learned something and you still do it wrong. (Well, their last student teacher didn't do it wrong. *wink*wink*
Incident #300: Miss Clueless (intern) was scheduled to teach a lesson today and her supervisor was coming to watch. I know from experience that supervisors don't just drive to the school hoping they'll get to see you in action...they plan on it. Well, Miss Clueless writes it on CT's calendar, "Lesson 10:00". CT rearranges her whole morning schedule, doesn't do guided reading, work stations, etc. just so that Clueless can fit in her lesson. Well, she begins at 10:00 and no supervisor is seen...she keeps going, nobody...finally at 10:30, Miss Clueless' lesson is over and in walks her supervisor. CT is confused as to why she is showing up when the lesson was over...apparently Clueless told her supervisor 10:30 and didn't tell CT the real time.
Incident #4,000: Miss Clueless visits music class (as part of her internship assignment, we all had to do it). This is a special day in music class...it's a TAKS day for the rest of the school, which means everyone must be as quiet at possible and try not to disturb the hallways, etc. Well, that was a great plan until Miss Clueless starts playing clapping/paddy cake games in the corner of the room with some kids. (Yes, there is a lesson being taught by the music teacher at this time.) The music teacher gives THE GLARE and the kids move away, Miss Clueless apparently didn't take the class about THE GLARE. So, she is then seen braiding a girl's hair a few minutes later. CT had no idea this happened until it was all outlined in an e-mail in which the bottom read, "YOUR INTERN MAY NOT VISIT MY CLASS AGAIN UNTIL SHE HAS LEARNED HOW TO BEHAVE!"
If this girl only knew everything I did each week (during my internship, never mind student teaching) because I was expected to do it and because I was so efficient I needed more to do...CLUELESS!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Rent 2 Get 1 Free
Of course after a store opened for business yesterday, I knew there would be more stores opening today. And I was right. The kids came in immediately and put out their open signs. The entrepreneur from yesterday even had a new "special" for his book rentals...Rent 2 Get 1 Free!
As I saw open signs pop up and kids gather the books that they brought to school in hopes of renting, I realized how many stores we had open. I was fully aware of each and every store because each child asked me for tape for their open/closed sign. Anyway, the kids started to notice this as well...and wondering who was going to rent books if everyone was operating a store of their own.
Here came our economics lesson...if there are so many competitors that nobody is left to buy, what happens? Well, in our case it didn't cost thousands of dollars to open their stores, so they decided that they were closed for today. Next economics lesson...Advertising. When I finally allowed the kids to open their stores and shop around, I saw them setting out their books for display, I heard kids saying, "World Records Books", "Newest Edition of Inside the Longhorns", "You get the CD with my version of the Wimpy Kid book." etc. They were also making deals about how much they would charge for the rental in order to beat out a competitor. I expect that some will have a list of their inventory by tomorrow, unless I just missed it today.
Did I mention that the original book rental store now has a salesperson who helps the owner? She works behind his desk with him when there are customers and helps manage his profits, inventory, and disorderly customers. I overheard that he pays her 1 ticket for every 3 books he rents. Clever on both of their parts...she earns tickets without her own inventory and he has help in renting out more books per hour.
I was fun to sit back and watch them run their businesses, figure out how to multitask, and try to attract the most customers.
As I saw open signs pop up and kids gather the books that they brought to school in hopes of renting, I realized how many stores we had open. I was fully aware of each and every store because each child asked me for tape for their open/closed sign. Anyway, the kids started to notice this as well...and wondering who was going to rent books if everyone was operating a store of their own.
Here came our economics lesson...if there are so many competitors that nobody is left to buy, what happens? Well, in our case it didn't cost thousands of dollars to open their stores, so they decided that they were closed for today. Next economics lesson...Advertising. When I finally allowed the kids to open their stores and shop around, I saw them setting out their books for display, I heard kids saying, "World Records Books", "Newest Edition of Inside the Longhorns", "You get the CD with my version of the Wimpy Kid book." etc. They were also making deals about how much they would charge for the rental in order to beat out a competitor. I expect that some will have a list of their inventory by tomorrow, unless I just missed it today.
Did I mention that the original book rental store now has a salesperson who helps the owner? She works behind his desk with him when there are customers and helps manage his profits, inventory, and disorderly customers. I overheard that he pays her 1 ticket for every 3 books he rents. Clever on both of their parts...she earns tickets without her own inventory and he has help in renting out more books per hour.
I was fun to sit back and watch them run their businesses, figure out how to multitask, and try to attract the most customers.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Now Open for Business!
Today was interesting my class and I have tons of things to write about, but I'll save those for days when I have nothing. I did find something very humorous today that I can't resist talking about...
While we were working this morning, I notice kids are constantly around a certain kid's desk (Brandon). He is also constantly around everyone else's desk...just being a busy bee all over the room. I'm starting to get quite agitated because he won't stop talking and walking around. He also keeps asking me what time it is (I didn't have the TV with the clock on today) and making notes on a piece of paper. I confiscate one of the papers and can't figure out what he is doing.
After specials, he's up to "no good" again. I call him over and ask what's going on. He explains that he is RENTING his personal books out to the class for tickets. I try to avoid laughing. You see, he's got great books all the time because his mom buys him new books on a weekly basis. He used to donate them to our class library, but he's found a new way to make tickets off of his books (and friends).He explained that he charges 1 ticket per hour and 4 tickets for 5 hours (it's a deal). He writes down the time the book was checked out, the time it was returned and how much the kids owe. There are rules that go along with renting his books: You cannot take them home and you cannot put them in your desks.
Anyway, I'm proud of him for developing his own business in our classroom (he even has an open/closed sign), but something still isn't right....He's earning tickets in my classroom (kind of like making money) and I'm not earning anything from him. So we made a deal that he owes me 1 ticket for every 5 he gets (that's 20% commission). He has to pay for running a business inside my classroom (in other words, he's renting his space in my classroom). Because Brandon was talking to me about paying me for tickets he makes, other kids were talking about starting up their own book rental business. The only problem is that Brandon has much better books than most of the other kids. They may try to start a business as well, but I think his will be much more profitable.
Although it may be causing distractions in class, the kid (and many others) are practicing their business skills and math (time, addition, percentages) without doing a single worksheet. Yay for hands-on, exploratory learning.
While we were working this morning, I notice kids are constantly around a certain kid's desk (Brandon). He is also constantly around everyone else's desk...just being a busy bee all over the room. I'm starting to get quite agitated because he won't stop talking and walking around. He also keeps asking me what time it is (I didn't have the TV with the clock on today) and making notes on a piece of paper. I confiscate one of the papers and can't figure out what he is doing.
After specials, he's up to "no good" again. I call him over and ask what's going on. He explains that he is RENTING his personal books out to the class for tickets. I try to avoid laughing. You see, he's got great books all the time because his mom buys him new books on a weekly basis. He used to donate them to our class library, but he's found a new way to make tickets off of his books (and friends).He explained that he charges 1 ticket per hour and 4 tickets for 5 hours (it's a deal). He writes down the time the book was checked out, the time it was returned and how much the kids owe. There are rules that go along with renting his books: You cannot take them home and you cannot put them in your desks.
Anyway, I'm proud of him for developing his own business in our classroom (he even has an open/closed sign), but something still isn't right....He's earning tickets in my classroom (kind of like making money) and I'm not earning anything from him. So we made a deal that he owes me 1 ticket for every 5 he gets (that's 20% commission). He has to pay for running a business inside my classroom (in other words, he's renting his space in my classroom). Because Brandon was talking to me about paying me for tickets he makes, other kids were talking about starting up their own book rental business. The only problem is that Brandon has much better books than most of the other kids. They may try to start a business as well, but I think his will be much more profitable.
Although it may be causing distractions in class, the kid (and many others) are practicing their business skills and math (time, addition, percentages) without doing a single worksheet. Yay for hands-on, exploratory learning.
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