Salvete,
I hate to be obvious, but because I couldn't find a YouTube video that I wanted, the Title of Today is actually from "Love Actually," where Colin Firth's slut girlfriend tells him she feels sick and he can still make the wedding. Alyssa's comment on the previous post inspired the title.
Friday is indeed just 'round the corner. Tomorrow, in fact! Tuesday, my co-worker came up to me and goes, "It's only Tuesday. We're not even halfway there yet." Wednesday, someone else came up to me and griped about the fact that it wasn't even Thursday yet. Today, I thought it was Friday.
All this to say, this week was long. The new kids in my classes are getting used to one another, and this creates more chatting. More chatting creates less listening, and less listening creates less focused activity. Not that there's much of that in high school classrooms anyway.
I lost my voice yesterday. The temperature dropped from 80 to 30 overnight, leading to vocal cord trauma. I awoke with a sore throat, wondering how I was going to cope with the children. Then, I remembered that I had given fourth period quite a few successful silent treatments when they were my worst class. If I could handle my worst class without speaking, surely I could handle all five classes with no voice.
As it turns out, I was correct (of course), and the day went reasonably smoothly.
Seventh period has been my out-of-control class lately. I don't know if it is because my numbers went up to 32 (as previously mentioned) or what, but I do know that now they have become monkeys. The grace of God was granted me, however, when I opened my gradebook this morning to find that my loudest class clown was transferred to a different class. I had mixed feelings about this transferrance. I like this kid. He's smart (and a smart mouth). He is a good writer (and a good distracter of others). He's personable (and vulgar). The other kids like him (the other kids also can't stand him). On the whole, seventh period ran much smoother today.
If you are looking for stories (Bret), here they are:
Story 1 of 3: I was walking back from my team meeting today when I saw a young man [still] wandering the halls. I asked him if he had a pass, and he very honestly told me no. I asked him where he was going, and he pointed, very honestly, down the hallway. I asked him where he was supposed to be, and he said that he was supposed to be in the office. I pointed out that he was walking in the opposite direction of the office, and he evasively told me that he had health right then. I asked why he wasn't in health, and he said that he walked out. Such honesty from one so-about-to-be-in-trouble! Anyway, the lunch bell rang, and he told me he was supposed to be at lunch. I asked his name, and he told me, which was nice of him, and I went to the AP to let her know about Mr. ---. She said she was already calling him in that day anyway, so she'd talk to him. These kids are too much.
Story 2 of 3: I was sorting out the kids' spirals when I found one with a five-pointed crown on it. Apparently, this is the symbol of the gang, the Latin Kings. I turned in the spiral. We are obligated to report gang-related activities. The student was not very friendly to me later in the day, so we'll see how that goes tomorrow in class.
Story 3 of 3: As the other teachers and I were sweeping the kids out of the building at the end of the day, I saw an infamous child, formerly from my Latin class. He had been shipped off to alternative school at the start of the third six weeks. I had been anticipating his return, hoping he wouldn't be put back in Latin. Anyway, as I walked down the main hallway, I saw him in a confrontation with one of my co-workers. Mr. X was asking him to take off his hat, which the child refused to do, and his friends were pretty much holding him back as he cussed and lunged at Mr. X. As it turns out, the child wasn't even supposed to be on campus, which makes him a Trespasser. I doubt the child will be returning to our campus for some time. Which is fine with me.
If you were wondering, yes, I got my voice back for today. However, I think I'm running a fever and my throat is still sore. We'll see what happens!
I miss my love terribly.
Valete,
Magistra
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
NKotB
Salvete,
Today was my first day of the new semester, even though it was everyone else's second. I had so many new students today! I now have 32 in my 7th period class. This is problematic, as I only have 30 desks/chairs. Luckily, two of the 32 were absent, so the children fit perfectly into my little classroom. Precious.
The assignment that I left the Latin kids was to write me a letter regarding their thoughts on how last semester went--what I could do better, what they could do better, what they liked, what they didn't like, what challenged them, etc. The letters came out pretty much how I expected. I wish I had brought them home so I could exerpt them. They were so cute! Everyone's letters that I got loved the class. One of the major strands throughout all of the letters was that they like my charismatic personality and teaching style. I wasn't surprised at this, but still was flattered. As a first year teacher, you doubt yourself and your skill, but the kids help so much to boost your self-esteem back up again (after working so hard to tear it down in the first place...).
As much negativity as I put forth in this blog at the beginning, I hope I can respond with more positivity now. Things are better...they are so much better that I actually find myself happy to walk into the school in the mornings. Outrageous, I know (refer to entry on October 15th). Teaching is stressful. Teaching builds character (a.k.a. Teaching is painful). Teaching is trying. But! Teaching is also rewarding in ways I never thought it could be. The things I say every day may very well stick with these kids forever.
Today in tutorials, I taught a girl how to understand inequalities as exhibited on a number line. She is one of my English students, but she needed help in math. Her math teacher wasn't there, so she came to my class to do her work. I was so glad to help her with something besides English. I can't put my finger on why that was so rewarding, seeing her grasp the idea that the circle is filled in if the inequality is "equal to" whatever. Maybe it is because in English, the concepts are more abstract, and seeing if the students are "getting it" takes more time and patience. In math, you get instant gratification if a student can figure out the concept. Bret, this is the part where you make some snide remark about Liberal Arts.
That's all for today, I guess.
Valete,
Magistra
Today was my first day of the new semester, even though it was everyone else's second. I had so many new students today! I now have 32 in my 7th period class. This is problematic, as I only have 30 desks/chairs. Luckily, two of the 32 were absent, so the children fit perfectly into my little classroom. Precious.
The assignment that I left the Latin kids was to write me a letter regarding their thoughts on how last semester went--what I could do better, what they could do better, what they liked, what they didn't like, what challenged them, etc. The letters came out pretty much how I expected. I wish I had brought them home so I could exerpt them. They were so cute! Everyone's letters that I got loved the class. One of the major strands throughout all of the letters was that they like my charismatic personality and teaching style. I wasn't surprised at this, but still was flattered. As a first year teacher, you doubt yourself and your skill, but the kids help so much to boost your self-esteem back up again (after working so hard to tear it down in the first place...).
As much negativity as I put forth in this blog at the beginning, I hope I can respond with more positivity now. Things are better...they are so much better that I actually find myself happy to walk into the school in the mornings. Outrageous, I know (refer to entry on October 15th). Teaching is stressful. Teaching builds character (a.k.a. Teaching is painful). Teaching is trying. But! Teaching is also rewarding in ways I never thought it could be. The things I say every day may very well stick with these kids forever.
Today in tutorials, I taught a girl how to understand inequalities as exhibited on a number line. She is one of my English students, but she needed help in math. Her math teacher wasn't there, so she came to my class to do her work. I was so glad to help her with something besides English. I can't put my finger on why that was so rewarding, seeing her grasp the idea that the circle is filled in if the inequality is "equal to" whatever. Maybe it is because in English, the concepts are more abstract, and seeing if the students are "getting it" takes more time and patience. In math, you get instant gratification if a student can figure out the concept. Bret, this is the part where you make some snide remark about Liberal Arts.
That's all for today, I guess.
Valete,
Magistra
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A.W.O.L.
Salvete,
Yes, I have been A.W.O.L. I blame my new fascination with RPGs. Don't ask.
My love is gone, and has been for 1.5 months. He will return in April. Until then, starting now, I will try to do better with updating this thing.
I have several comments about the past few months which I will now put forth.
First on my mind is this: I love these children. I love them. I didn't mean to fall in love with them, but I have, and it takes its toll. They are my kids. Mine. I suprise myself by missing them when I am not around them, say, over Thanksgiving or Christmas break. They are all so individual--another thing I did not expect. While each one is like the other, each one is also very different from his peers, no matter how much he tries to be the same. They are like precious jewels, and I ache to know what will become of some of them. For many, the future is not promising, but I try not to look at that. I try to focus on how each one is succeeding now. Sometimes, this can be really hard, because they can all be major pains. But, at the end of the day, when I leave, I love them all over again, and I love them even more the next day when I walk into the school building.
Next, no one tells you exactly how much work the end of the semester is. I practically had a stinking anxiety attack on Friday, trying to get everything ready to turn in. My paperless district had me turn in page after page of grade print-outs, each of which prints an exra blank page. There are about fifty different types of reports to choose from, and the school has randomly selected two or three (I'm still not sure which) of these to be printed and turned in. Figuring out which three, and in what order, and for what six weeks, is not easy, and likens itself to pulling out one's adult teeth. I had to call fifteen-plus parents to let them know their children are failing for the six weeks or for the entire semester. All I can say is, learn Spanish. It will help so much: [student name] no esta pasando la classe de [class name]. No esta trabajando en la classe de [class name], y no tarea tambien. If anyone can give me a better way to say that last part, I would appreciate it.
Third, children skip class. If you ever want to be a teacher, you should know this. Of course, I had heard of skipping, but never took part in it myself, being perfect. I had students with upwards of 40 absences for the semester. Let's think about this: The semester is 18 weeks long, times five days per week, which yields 90 instructional days. Having 40 absences is a huge deal. This means you came to class a little more than half the time. WHAT?!?!?! I know. It never crossed my mind in high school either.
Fourth, don't trust the little angels. Yes, I love them, but I lock up my crap, especially since I had my iPod stolen. I think I know who did it, but I have no proof whatsoever. It broke my heart when I found that my iPod was gone, because I wanted to think the best of them all. Most of them were shocked when I told the classes what happened, but some of them said, "Miss, you can't trust the students. Leave stuff out, especially around here, and it will be gone." They know their peers better than anyone, I suppose. So, take it from me. Your students are not more honest or above reproach than anyone else's. Lock up your stuff. Leave your valuables at home. If it will make you upset to lose it or have it broken, don't bring it to school.
I'm sure I have other insights, but I'm very tired. I drove to Louisiana yesterday and drove back today to see my love. I miss him so much, but I know that this visit will help get me through the next two and a half months. At least, I hope so. Darling, I love you.
Valete,
Magistra
Yes, I have been A.W.O.L. I blame my new fascination with RPGs. Don't ask.
My love is gone, and has been for 1.5 months. He will return in April. Until then, starting now, I will try to do better with updating this thing.
I have several comments about the past few months which I will now put forth.
First on my mind is this: I love these children. I love them. I didn't mean to fall in love with them, but I have, and it takes its toll. They are my kids. Mine. I suprise myself by missing them when I am not around them, say, over Thanksgiving or Christmas break. They are all so individual--another thing I did not expect. While each one is like the other, each one is also very different from his peers, no matter how much he tries to be the same. They are like precious jewels, and I ache to know what will become of some of them. For many, the future is not promising, but I try not to look at that. I try to focus on how each one is succeeding now. Sometimes, this can be really hard, because they can all be major pains. But, at the end of the day, when I leave, I love them all over again, and I love them even more the next day when I walk into the school building.
Next, no one tells you exactly how much work the end of the semester is. I practically had a stinking anxiety attack on Friday, trying to get everything ready to turn in. My paperless district had me turn in page after page of grade print-outs, each of which prints an exra blank page. There are about fifty different types of reports to choose from, and the school has randomly selected two or three (I'm still not sure which) of these to be printed and turned in. Figuring out which three, and in what order, and for what six weeks, is not easy, and likens itself to pulling out one's adult teeth. I had to call fifteen-plus parents to let them know their children are failing for the six weeks or for the entire semester. All I can say is, learn Spanish. It will help so much: [student name] no esta pasando la classe de [class name]. No esta trabajando en la classe de [class name], y no tarea tambien. If anyone can give me a better way to say that last part, I would appreciate it.
Third, children skip class. If you ever want to be a teacher, you should know this. Of course, I had heard of skipping, but never took part in it myself, being perfect. I had students with upwards of 40 absences for the semester. Let's think about this: The semester is 18 weeks long, times five days per week, which yields 90 instructional days. Having 40 absences is a huge deal. This means you came to class a little more than half the time. WHAT?!?!?! I know. It never crossed my mind in high school either.
Fourth, don't trust the little angels. Yes, I love them, but I lock up my crap, especially since I had my iPod stolen. I think I know who did it, but I have no proof whatsoever. It broke my heart when I found that my iPod was gone, because I wanted to think the best of them all. Most of them were shocked when I told the classes what happened, but some of them said, "Miss, you can't trust the students. Leave stuff out, especially around here, and it will be gone." They know their peers better than anyone, I suppose. So, take it from me. Your students are not more honest or above reproach than anyone else's. Lock up your stuff. Leave your valuables at home. If it will make you upset to lose it or have it broken, don't bring it to school.
I'm sure I have other insights, but I'm very tired. I drove to Louisiana yesterday and drove back today to see my love. I miss him so much, but I know that this visit will help get me through the next two and a half months. At least, I hope so. Darling, I love you.
Valete,
Magistra
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