...especially for teachers who are trying to get the attention of certain rowdy students! I am a very spontaneous person and have quite a wit, if I do say so myself. It is a trait that I believe I inherited from my father, and it is also a trait that runs deep in my family. There have been many times that my spontaneous wit and sense of humor have helped defuse situations that could have been uncomfortable.
So, one day last week, one of my classes was out of control in the behavior department. This is a class of kids that, psychologically speaking, should have matured over the summer and should be settling in quite nicely. Not the case so far. I, also being a very determined person, decided that we would not have a repeat of last year's behavior issues. As the bad behavior continued and the lesson I had so carefully prepared was falling on deaf ears, I impulsively told the students that they were acting like a bunch of baboons. Always wanting to challenge me, one of the students boldly asked, "How does a baboon act?"
So, I demonstrated! Putting my hands under my armpits and "scratching", I definitely got their attention. I scratched my head, pretended I was picking fleas off of my arms and made the noises I assumed a baboon would make. "OOOOOh, OOOOOh, OOOOOh, OOOOOh, OOOOOh". The kids were flabbergasted. They erupted into fits of laughter and they could not beleive I was doing what I was doing.
If this was the way I had to get their attention, then so be it. I told them it was much better to act like a classroom of students who wanted to learn than to act like baboons in zoo cages who, unfortunately, never get to learn anything of much importance. It worked! They began to settle down and listen. The rest of the class time went well that day. But that was certainly not the end of it.
The next day, one of the female students from that class approached me. She told me that the English teacher had given the class an assignment that consisted of creating a story board containing information about something that happened in one of their favorite classes. She explained to me that she couldn't think of anything to do her story board on because most classes are boring! She said, "Then in History class you started doing that baboon thing and I knew what I was going to do for my story board!" How flattering! I say this in jest, of course, but whatever gets their attention...!
The student later brought me her index cards containing her story board and asked me to look at them. She had drawn stick figures depicting each segment of that day's class. For instance, on the first card she had drawn stick figure students sitting at desks and a stick figure teacher standing at the front of the room. On the back of the card she had written, "we get ready for Teacher Jane's class". Each card proceeded in sequence and when I got to the card that depicted the teacher with her stick figure arms under her armpits I cracked up! This student had hit the nail on the head! On the back of that card she had written, "Teacher Jane shows us how baboons act". The next card showed the stick figure students sitting straight at their desks and all looking at the teacher. I thought that female student had done an excellent job of replicating the baboon incident and I knew that at least I had gotten her attention in class that day.
Not the best way to get your class to pay attention, but sometimes a teacher's gotta do what a teacher's gotta do! Hopefully I won't have to act like a wild animal every time I want the class to listen, but I really think they got the point. And another teacher got an assignment out of it!
Happy Tales.....
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The First Week of the Second Year
Well.... The first week of my second year of teaching has come and gone! I was so excited when the first day finally arrived! But I must say, it went by in a blur. I remember welcoming all my classes, passing out books, going over procedures and rules...but beyond that, it was like your wedding day that you plan so long for and then it is over and you hardly remember what happened. I know you cannot really compare your wedding day to the first day of school, but it did move too quickly to be clearly perceived!
What I do know is this......I was born to teach. This is my true calling. I LOVE IT! Teaching to me is like having a job that is not really a job at all. It is fun! Though there is stress, of course, at the end of the day, I am happily tired but ready for the next day. I especially love teaching sixth grade. This year I got new sixth graders. My other classes are repeats because I teach in a small private school and teach grades 6 through 10 so I basically have the same students who have graduated into the next grade. I did have a few new students in my other classes, but for the most part, I know all the students already and it was more like reuniting after a long break (summer was 3 1/2 months long this year).
So....back to the sixth grade. I have 11 students in my World History Class. They are all just precious! The thing I like the most about 6th grade is that they are still eager to learn and are usually very attentive. They are also still a little needy, even the boys, and since I am a consumate mother, as well as a teacher, this suits me just fine. I have to be careful to separate the two, but I am a nurturing person by nature, so I am glad I can still nurture and teach. It makes me miss my own children a bit less. And after all, teaching is nurturing in a different way.
On the first day, in marched my sixth graders, one at a time. There are 5 boys and 6 girls. I had my seating chart all ready, kind of randomly sitting them around the room. Then I noticed that there were 3 very tiny girls that I needed to sit up front. They are so small that their feet don't even touch the floor when they sit at their desks! Picture my heart melting as I look at these precious children (I know I could never teach elementary school because all I would want to do would be play with the kids and read them stories, and sing with them and hug them all to death!). The girls' soft little voices go along with their tiny statures as well. BUT...I could not underestimate their intelligence just because they were small. And, believe me, these girls are bright. The other three girls are taller and look older than their little peers, but they are just as precious and just as bright. Thus, I have my girl brigade figured out so far. The boys are all as different as can be, some short, some taller, some quiet, some not so quiet, but they are AWESOME! They are also bright and are little zealots when it comes to learning. They talk among themselves a little more than the girls, and I have had to remind them to pay attention a few times, but for the most part, so far, they are compliant with all the classroom rules and procedures. My boy brigade may be a little harder to tame, but I think I have them figured out as well. It is going to be a wonderful year with this class, I just know it.
The seventh grade consists of only five students. Four boys and one girl. Two students from last year have left for public school and I was disappointed and I will truly miss them, but these five are all students I had last year. This year we will be studying Geography. So far, these students are still anxious learners and since they were one of my favorite classes last year (sixth graders....go figure!), I think we are going to have a good year. They are a very cohesive class and work well together. I look forward to doing many fun projects with them and teaching them all about the world and its cultures.
The eighth grade is the largest class I have, with 19 students. 8 girls and 11 boys. It seems like a small amount, but when you get that many hormonal teens in a small classroom, and most of them boys, it can be overwhelming at times. Last year was a challenge, at best, but this year they seem more mature. Since I love American History so much, and this is their subject, I think I can engage them in some serious and interesting learning this year. My biggest surprise was the physical changes in them. So many of the boys were taller and their voices had dropped an octave or two since last May. Some of my smallest boy students have now filled out and grown taller and their faces are taking on the look of what they will become in a few years. The girls are beginning to grow taller as well and their once baby faces are taking on the look of beauty that will be theirs soon. It is amazing to see them change so much! I love all of these kids because their personalities are so random. They always seem happy and they love to talk. I have to help them channel their energies in class, which is more often than not hard to do, but this entire class is bright, and I tell them that they will someday give the world huge contributions. I hope they take me seriously!
Ninth grade is my old favorite eighth grade class. There are 11 students... 5 girls and 6 boys. There are three new students in this class and it is a little cramped, but once I get used to the extra number, I think it is going to be a wonderful year. Last year this class and I bonded so well that they were like a little family to me. The boys and girls were even in number and in intelligence. We had some great discussions and they did some awesome projects pertaining to American History. They all got A's every term and they were just my pride and joy class. This year the challenge is World History from the Byzatine Empire to who knows where we will end up! I started with teaching about Rome for review and to build on the fact that the Byzantines based most of their world on what the Roman Empire had done. So far, to my amazement, the kids are loving it. They told me they love World History, which makes my life with them easier, because it is not my favorite, and I was afraid I may not be able to make it as engaging and as challenging for them as I would like it to be. They need stimulation because most of them are such deep thinkers, so I feel better knowing that they at least like the subject. I look forward to another year with these kids.
The jury is still out on tenth grade, I am afraid. There are 5 students....4 boys and 1 girl. American History from the Civil War to present day. Two of these students are serious learners and want to succeed. Two are still a bit immature for this age and I am not sure about their true desire for learning. The last one fluctuates between being amazing with learning to daydreaming and then asking totally irrelevant questions. This student is incredibly bright but not focused. I have my work cut out for me with this class, but I am determined to figure out a way to make them all love the subject and become a cohesive and high achieving class. I like all of them personally, but I am not sure how to teach them in a way that will be beneficial to all. Last year I only had 2 students in this grade and they were both so competetive and eager to learn that I breezed through the year with them as if it were the 3 of us just hanging out talking about American History and the events of the current world every day. I already miss them so much this year!
I must admit, Middle School is more my forte than any other area.
When all is said and done, I can say that the first week of the second year went well. By Friday, I came away exhausted and a little overwhelmed, but happy for the most part. I have come to realize this year that teaching five different subjects to five different grades is not as easy as it seemed to be last year. Perhaps my age is catching up with me. BUT I am a fighter and a surviver..... I will succeed with all of these amazing kids and I know they will do their part to help me!
Happy Tales!
What I do know is this......I was born to teach. This is my true calling. I LOVE IT! Teaching to me is like having a job that is not really a job at all. It is fun! Though there is stress, of course, at the end of the day, I am happily tired but ready for the next day. I especially love teaching sixth grade. This year I got new sixth graders. My other classes are repeats because I teach in a small private school and teach grades 6 through 10 so I basically have the same students who have graduated into the next grade. I did have a few new students in my other classes, but for the most part, I know all the students already and it was more like reuniting after a long break (summer was 3 1/2 months long this year).
So....back to the sixth grade. I have 11 students in my World History Class. They are all just precious! The thing I like the most about 6th grade is that they are still eager to learn and are usually very attentive. They are also still a little needy, even the boys, and since I am a consumate mother, as well as a teacher, this suits me just fine. I have to be careful to separate the two, but I am a nurturing person by nature, so I am glad I can still nurture and teach. It makes me miss my own children a bit less. And after all, teaching is nurturing in a different way.
On the first day, in marched my sixth graders, one at a time. There are 5 boys and 6 girls. I had my seating chart all ready, kind of randomly sitting them around the room. Then I noticed that there were 3 very tiny girls that I needed to sit up front. They are so small that their feet don't even touch the floor when they sit at their desks! Picture my heart melting as I look at these precious children (I know I could never teach elementary school because all I would want to do would be play with the kids and read them stories, and sing with them and hug them all to death!). The girls' soft little voices go along with their tiny statures as well. BUT...I could not underestimate their intelligence just because they were small. And, believe me, these girls are bright. The other three girls are taller and look older than their little peers, but they are just as precious and just as bright. Thus, I have my girl brigade figured out so far. The boys are all as different as can be, some short, some taller, some quiet, some not so quiet, but they are AWESOME! They are also bright and are little zealots when it comes to learning. They talk among themselves a little more than the girls, and I have had to remind them to pay attention a few times, but for the most part, so far, they are compliant with all the classroom rules and procedures. My boy brigade may be a little harder to tame, but I think I have them figured out as well. It is going to be a wonderful year with this class, I just know it.
The seventh grade consists of only five students. Four boys and one girl. Two students from last year have left for public school and I was disappointed and I will truly miss them, but these five are all students I had last year. This year we will be studying Geography. So far, these students are still anxious learners and since they were one of my favorite classes last year (sixth graders....go figure!), I think we are going to have a good year. They are a very cohesive class and work well together. I look forward to doing many fun projects with them and teaching them all about the world and its cultures.
The eighth grade is the largest class I have, with 19 students. 8 girls and 11 boys. It seems like a small amount, but when you get that many hormonal teens in a small classroom, and most of them boys, it can be overwhelming at times. Last year was a challenge, at best, but this year they seem more mature. Since I love American History so much, and this is their subject, I think I can engage them in some serious and interesting learning this year. My biggest surprise was the physical changes in them. So many of the boys were taller and their voices had dropped an octave or two since last May. Some of my smallest boy students have now filled out and grown taller and their faces are taking on the look of what they will become in a few years. The girls are beginning to grow taller as well and their once baby faces are taking on the look of beauty that will be theirs soon. It is amazing to see them change so much! I love all of these kids because their personalities are so random. They always seem happy and they love to talk. I have to help them channel their energies in class, which is more often than not hard to do, but this entire class is bright, and I tell them that they will someday give the world huge contributions. I hope they take me seriously!
Ninth grade is my old favorite eighth grade class. There are 11 students... 5 girls and 6 boys. There are three new students in this class and it is a little cramped, but once I get used to the extra number, I think it is going to be a wonderful year. Last year this class and I bonded so well that they were like a little family to me. The boys and girls were even in number and in intelligence. We had some great discussions and they did some awesome projects pertaining to American History. They all got A's every term and they were just my pride and joy class. This year the challenge is World History from the Byzatine Empire to who knows where we will end up! I started with teaching about Rome for review and to build on the fact that the Byzantines based most of their world on what the Roman Empire had done. So far, to my amazement, the kids are loving it. They told me they love World History, which makes my life with them easier, because it is not my favorite, and I was afraid I may not be able to make it as engaging and as challenging for them as I would like it to be. They need stimulation because most of them are such deep thinkers, so I feel better knowing that they at least like the subject. I look forward to another year with these kids.
The jury is still out on tenth grade, I am afraid. There are 5 students....4 boys and 1 girl. American History from the Civil War to present day. Two of these students are serious learners and want to succeed. Two are still a bit immature for this age and I am not sure about their true desire for learning. The last one fluctuates between being amazing with learning to daydreaming and then asking totally irrelevant questions. This student is incredibly bright but not focused. I have my work cut out for me with this class, but I am determined to figure out a way to make them all love the subject and become a cohesive and high achieving class. I like all of them personally, but I am not sure how to teach them in a way that will be beneficial to all. Last year I only had 2 students in this grade and they were both so competetive and eager to learn that I breezed through the year with them as if it were the 3 of us just hanging out talking about American History and the events of the current world every day. I already miss them so much this year!
I must admit, Middle School is more my forte than any other area.
When all is said and done, I can say that the first week of the second year went well. By Friday, I came away exhausted and a little overwhelmed, but happy for the most part. I have come to realize this year that teaching five different subjects to five different grades is not as easy as it seemed to be last year. Perhaps my age is catching up with me. BUT I am a fighter and a surviver..... I will succeed with all of these amazing kids and I know they will do their part to help me!
Happy Tales!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Waiting...
Last week was the first week of pre-planning for my new year of teaching. It was filled with meetings, trainings, visiting with colleagues and getting the classroom ready. And believe me...I am ready!
I had really wanted to paint my classroom but the furniture is much too heavy to move and I just ran out of time, money and motivation. So I improvised.
Since I teach three different subjects (World History, Geography and American History) to middle and high schoolers, I wanted to have a little corner for each subject. I did my Geography corner first. I placed a large world map on one wall with the words, "Guess what? The world is not just you and me" framing it above and on the right side in bright colored letters. I then placed a poster map of the continents and maps of North America, South America, and Europe along with a colorful poster of Geographic terms in a collage type of arrangement on the adjacent wall. I stuck little globe cut outs here and there and that was done. I will change out the posters periodically depending on what we are studying. The little corner is colorful and not too juvenile for 7th graders.
For the American History corner I placed colorful posters of the Bill of Rights, a map of Indian Territories, a poster depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War and one depicting scenes from the Civil War. I also placed little globe cut outs and some little notebook cutouts with the subject printed on them. At the top of the collage I put a poster that explains why we study history. Not too shabby.
For the World History corner, which is on the wall opposite the American History corner, I placed colorful posters depicting scenes from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. This corner is not quite finished, so I need to come up with some ideas to fill it up. Plus it is behind the door so it can only really be seen if the door is closed. But I will figure out a way to make it look inviting.
Now, I hate blank walls and spaces and I love color. I still had space to fill, so I placed colorful motivational posters on the other wall spaces throughout the class room. I even put one above my desk and one above the white board that I use to illustrate lessons and post assignments. I put up a clock, a colorful calendar, a schedule and a welcome sign on other blank wall space. It looks really nice, even though it sounds crowded.
By the end of the day Friday, I had finished hanging posters, had arranged student desks until I got them where I wanted them and then looked around and was satisfied. I had a few other teachers come in and give me opinions as well. Most said they liked the look. One said "well, if your kids tune you out, they will have plenty to look at on the walls." I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult, but I didn't let it bother me. I think it looks tasteful. I have curtains to hang on the window and books shelves to arrange, but for the most part, I am finished arranging my lovely little home away from home.
My only problem now is...we have another week off before students start school and I am chomping at the bit to get them into the class room and to start teaching. I have at least a week's worth of lesson plans completed and I should have another week or more completed this coming week, but I am anxious to start using the lesson plans instead of just writing them and waiting! While I was "decorating" my classroom, I kept imagining the students in their seats and interaction taking place. I..Can't..Wait!
All the while, I hear my Dad's voice saying, "Don't wish your life away." I know that is true. I should enjoy this last week to relax and reflect. So, I shall wait, and I shall happily greet the first day of school when it finally arrives.
Happy Tales!
I had really wanted to paint my classroom but the furniture is much too heavy to move and I just ran out of time, money and motivation. So I improvised.
Since I teach three different subjects (World History, Geography and American History) to middle and high schoolers, I wanted to have a little corner for each subject. I did my Geography corner first. I placed a large world map on one wall with the words, "Guess what? The world is not just you and me" framing it above and on the right side in bright colored letters. I then placed a poster map of the continents and maps of North America, South America, and Europe along with a colorful poster of Geographic terms in a collage type of arrangement on the adjacent wall. I stuck little globe cut outs here and there and that was done. I will change out the posters periodically depending on what we are studying. The little corner is colorful and not too juvenile for 7th graders.
For the American History corner I placed colorful posters of the Bill of Rights, a map of Indian Territories, a poster depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War and one depicting scenes from the Civil War. I also placed little globe cut outs and some little notebook cutouts with the subject printed on them. At the top of the collage I put a poster that explains why we study history. Not too shabby.
For the World History corner, which is on the wall opposite the American History corner, I placed colorful posters depicting scenes from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. This corner is not quite finished, so I need to come up with some ideas to fill it up. Plus it is behind the door so it can only really be seen if the door is closed. But I will figure out a way to make it look inviting.
Now, I hate blank walls and spaces and I love color. I still had space to fill, so I placed colorful motivational posters on the other wall spaces throughout the class room. I even put one above my desk and one above the white board that I use to illustrate lessons and post assignments. I put up a clock, a colorful calendar, a schedule and a welcome sign on other blank wall space. It looks really nice, even though it sounds crowded.
By the end of the day Friday, I had finished hanging posters, had arranged student desks until I got them where I wanted them and then looked around and was satisfied. I had a few other teachers come in and give me opinions as well. Most said they liked the look. One said "well, if your kids tune you out, they will have plenty to look at on the walls." I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult, but I didn't let it bother me. I think it looks tasteful. I have curtains to hang on the window and books shelves to arrange, but for the most part, I am finished arranging my lovely little home away from home.
My only problem now is...we have another week off before students start school and I am chomping at the bit to get them into the class room and to start teaching. I have at least a week's worth of lesson plans completed and I should have another week or more completed this coming week, but I am anxious to start using the lesson plans instead of just writing them and waiting! While I was "decorating" my classroom, I kept imagining the students in their seats and interaction taking place. I..Can't..Wait!
All the while, I hear my Dad's voice saying, "Don't wish your life away." I know that is true. I should enjoy this last week to relax and reflect. So, I shall wait, and I shall happily greet the first day of school when it finally arrives.
Happy Tales!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A new start..
Well, summer has finally ended for me, so to speak. I went back to work yesterday for the first time since late May. Pre-planning.....such fun! I am beginning my second year of teaching at the small private school I taught at last year and I couldn't be happier right now.
The summer was long, tedious, and somewaht boring for me for the most part. The reason being, I was "stuck" at home quite a bit and it was too quiet! Though I had plans to "see the world" this summer, I couldn't travel due to the crazy high expense of airline tickets. My mom, my siblings and my children live in other parts of the world (except for my oldest daughter and her family, who live about 14 miles away and with whom I did spend much cherished time this summer), and trying to make plans to get to visit just didn't work out. My granddaughter visited from California and we had a wonderful time. We swam in the pool, shopped at the mall and toured all the great spots here. When she left, I spent lazy days at the pool reading and sunning, worked out at the gym, shopped a bit and I did spend a few wonderful days with friends at little lunches and dinners as well, but most of the days were long and the nights were even longer. I got completely out of my routine, stayed up very late watching TV and reading, slept much too late in the mornings and generally got melancholy by the time mid-August rolled around, so to say that I am grateful to be able to get back to work would be an understatement!
I love teaching and I am enjoying getting my classroom ready for the new school year. I ordered new versions of books for each class I teach, but next year the State will be updating the Social Studies curriculum and I will need to change books again, so I didn't go all out with brand new books, just updated and more comprehensive ones than what I had used last year. I have to prepare new lesson plans and I had started doing that earlier in the summer in order to get ahead and stay in practice. I teach grades 6 through 10 and teach three different subjects. I am finding the 9th grade lesson plans to be the most challenging. These students in my 9th grade class are bright and curious and will be taking World History this year. I strongly dislike the subject of World History, finding there is almost no way to make it as interesting as I would like it to be. This class of new 9th graders were in American History last year and we had a great experience. None of them made less than an 'A' in any semester. They were involved, engaged and frankly, they were my favorite class. Thus the dilemma: keeping them interested and engaged this year with a subject I detest. However, I am a very positive person, and I know there is a way, and I shall seek and find it! I will also spend a lot of time praying for wisdom and guidance to help make World History exciting and challenging for these bright kids.
Because my school is small and I am the only Social Studies teacher in Middle and High School, I will be teaching most of the same students that I taught last year, but I will have a brand new 6th grade class. I CANNOT WAIT for them to arrive!! I LOVE teaching 6th grade. They are impressionable, are young enough that they still want to learn and they soak up the knowledge like sponges. I love molding their minds! They too will be studying World History (from the beginning of civilization to The Byzantine Empire), but I seem to find this earlier era of that subject easy to teach and enjoy. Last year my 6th grade class loved learning about ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome the Vikings, and the Byzantine Empire. We also had fun with "early man", as we discussed how he evolved from a hunter/gatherer to a farmer to a craftsman and trader and how he discovered how to make weapons and fire, clothing and housing. They also loved learning about how civilization actually began and how education and writing came to be. They were so much fun to teach. The other classes (8th and 10th) will be learning American History (on different levels) and that is probably my favorite subject, so I feel confident that it will be a good year for them. 7th grade will be studying Geography. The class is very small and I find the subject of Geography easy and interesting to teach, so I am looking forward to it as well.
So...here I go....diving into the tasks at hand....getting the classroom ready and preparing lesson plans...as well as meetings, training and other tasks.
Here's to a great year with all my classes!
Happy Tales!
The summer was long, tedious, and somewaht boring for me for the most part. The reason being, I was "stuck" at home quite a bit and it was too quiet! Though I had plans to "see the world" this summer, I couldn't travel due to the crazy high expense of airline tickets. My mom, my siblings and my children live in other parts of the world (except for my oldest daughter and her family, who live about 14 miles away and with whom I did spend much cherished time this summer), and trying to make plans to get to visit just didn't work out. My granddaughter visited from California and we had a wonderful time. We swam in the pool, shopped at the mall and toured all the great spots here. When she left, I spent lazy days at the pool reading and sunning, worked out at the gym, shopped a bit and I did spend a few wonderful days with friends at little lunches and dinners as well, but most of the days were long and the nights were even longer. I got completely out of my routine, stayed up very late watching TV and reading, slept much too late in the mornings and generally got melancholy by the time mid-August rolled around, so to say that I am grateful to be able to get back to work would be an understatement!
I love teaching and I am enjoying getting my classroom ready for the new school year. I ordered new versions of books for each class I teach, but next year the State will be updating the Social Studies curriculum and I will need to change books again, so I didn't go all out with brand new books, just updated and more comprehensive ones than what I had used last year. I have to prepare new lesson plans and I had started doing that earlier in the summer in order to get ahead and stay in practice. I teach grades 6 through 10 and teach three different subjects. I am finding the 9th grade lesson plans to be the most challenging. These students in my 9th grade class are bright and curious and will be taking World History this year. I strongly dislike the subject of World History, finding there is almost no way to make it as interesting as I would like it to be. This class of new 9th graders were in American History last year and we had a great experience. None of them made less than an 'A' in any semester. They were involved, engaged and frankly, they were my favorite class. Thus the dilemma: keeping them interested and engaged this year with a subject I detest. However, I am a very positive person, and I know there is a way, and I shall seek and find it! I will also spend a lot of time praying for wisdom and guidance to help make World History exciting and challenging for these bright kids.
Because my school is small and I am the only Social Studies teacher in Middle and High School, I will be teaching most of the same students that I taught last year, but I will have a brand new 6th grade class. I CANNOT WAIT for them to arrive!! I LOVE teaching 6th grade. They are impressionable, are young enough that they still want to learn and they soak up the knowledge like sponges. I love molding their minds! They too will be studying World History (from the beginning of civilization to The Byzantine Empire), but I seem to find this earlier era of that subject easy to teach and enjoy. Last year my 6th grade class loved learning about ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome the Vikings, and the Byzantine Empire. We also had fun with "early man", as we discussed how he evolved from a hunter/gatherer to a farmer to a craftsman and trader and how he discovered how to make weapons and fire, clothing and housing. They also loved learning about how civilization actually began and how education and writing came to be. They were so much fun to teach. The other classes (8th and 10th) will be learning American History (on different levels) and that is probably my favorite subject, so I feel confident that it will be a good year for them. 7th grade will be studying Geography. The class is very small and I find the subject of Geography easy and interesting to teach, so I am looking forward to it as well.
So...here I go....diving into the tasks at hand....getting the classroom ready and preparing lesson plans...as well as meetings, training and other tasks.
Here's to a great year with all my classes!
Happy Tales!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The end of the beginning.....
Well, today marks a milestone of sorts for me.
Though I received a bachelors degree in Social Sciences in 1980, I never really used it for the purpose I had originally intended, which was to become a Family Counselor. I have worked in several professions in my adult life including doing voice overs and commercials for an advertising cable channel and writing for a newspaper, both of which I enjoyed immensly. I have worked in cable and advertising sales, customer service and I even worked as a car rental agent for a time. But when I turned 59, I decided to go back to school and pursue a teaching certificate to be able to teach my favorite subject....History. I accomplished this feat shortly after my 60th birthday. It wasn't an easy task since I had been out of school for so long, but my desire, determination and tenacity.....plus many prayers and much faith...allowed me to forge on and focus. I got a teaching job not long after in a small, diverse middle/high school.
So, today was the last day of my first year of teaching Social Studies to middle and high school students. I cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful year this has been for me! I love my job! Don't get me wrong, there were struggles and plenty of days when I wondered if I had lost my mind, but in the end, I would not have traded this experience for a million dollars! I not only got to teach, but I got to relearn things I'd long since forgotten in the subject areas of History and Geography. I've met some of the most wonderful people and I have often wondered why God put me in this particlar place, but that is another story for another time. I have also been able to get the intellectual stimulation that I have literally needed for so long simply by teaching and learning at the same time. My students have, for the most part, been wonderful. I did have one class that I felt I couldn't reach at times. Their discipline issues, disrespect, and nonchalant attitude about things bothered me to such a degree that I dreaded teaching their class every day. But I trudged on and I know they learned and I really did grow to love every one of them. The other four classes I had were almost always delightful. Eighth and sixth grades were my favorites and the easiest to teach and handle. I taught American History..my first love... to eighth grade and we had a fantastic year. There were only eight students in the class, but we faced challenges together and learned so much. I got into so many interesting discussions with them about all kinds of topics. I usually allowed one day a week for getting "off track" just for discussing issues that were of interest to them. It was never trivial, as they were all deep thinkers. They were usually always fully engaged in the subject and I was able to do so much with supplemental materials as well as with the text and curriculum. Sixth grade was World History and we had such fun because I could illustrate things on the board for them to teach them concepts and they would never make fun of my art, or, better stated, lack of ability in that area! They were such eager learners! The subject area was never dull, and even though I don't enjoy this particular phase of history as much as others, it turned out to be a great subject to teach and relearn. Not to mention the sweet and engaging students I had lucked out with in that class. Ninth grade was the most challenging subject wise. They had World History as well, but much further on than sixth grade. It was dull and boring and hard to make interesting for them. There were days when I couldn't engage them at all and it was very frustrating. Their age is a factor too, since they are in the middle of hormonal hell for one thing, and they are still not quite as mature as is necessary to keep their focus for very long. This may not be indicative of all kids in ninth grade, but it definitely was a factor with this particular group. Some days I loved them, some days I wanted to strangle them! Tenth grade was actually the most difficult at first because there were only 2 students in the class and I felt intimidated at times trying to challenge them and keep their attention. As it turned out, these two students were awesome! They enjoyed learning, discussing, reading and all the other things that go along with history. I was able to engage them most days and we had a great year. I became very close to both of them and I will truly miss them next year. Another highlight of my year was the History Fair. I was in charge and I pushed the kids hard to do the best projects they could. I made them work on some phase of the project every Friday until the Fair itself and they did a great great job.....every single one of them! I was so proud. 12 projects went to the Regional Fair and of those, 3 went on to State. It was one of the most fantastic experiences for me! I got to meet some wonderful teachers from other schools, both at the regional and state levels, and we bonded as they welcomed me into the "group". I can't wait to do it again next year! The rest is a blur....but those have been the highlights of my first year as a history teacher.
I am now taking Reading Endorsement so I can teach reading in the future, or at least help struggling readers. That is going well and I am loving the learning and it is rekindling my love for reading as well.
I figure I can teach for at least another 5 years ( hopefully, God willing). The end of a saga has come....but I think it is really just the beginning!
Happy Tales!
Though I received a bachelors degree in Social Sciences in 1980, I never really used it for the purpose I had originally intended, which was to become a Family Counselor. I have worked in several professions in my adult life including doing voice overs and commercials for an advertising cable channel and writing for a newspaper, both of which I enjoyed immensly. I have worked in cable and advertising sales, customer service and I even worked as a car rental agent for a time. But when I turned 59, I decided to go back to school and pursue a teaching certificate to be able to teach my favorite subject....History. I accomplished this feat shortly after my 60th birthday. It wasn't an easy task since I had been out of school for so long, but my desire, determination and tenacity.....plus many prayers and much faith...allowed me to forge on and focus. I got a teaching job not long after in a small, diverse middle/high school.
So, today was the last day of my first year of teaching Social Studies to middle and high school students. I cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful year this has been for me! I love my job! Don't get me wrong, there were struggles and plenty of days when I wondered if I had lost my mind, but in the end, I would not have traded this experience for a million dollars! I not only got to teach, but I got to relearn things I'd long since forgotten in the subject areas of History and Geography. I've met some of the most wonderful people and I have often wondered why God put me in this particlar place, but that is another story for another time. I have also been able to get the intellectual stimulation that I have literally needed for so long simply by teaching and learning at the same time. My students have, for the most part, been wonderful. I did have one class that I felt I couldn't reach at times. Their discipline issues, disrespect, and nonchalant attitude about things bothered me to such a degree that I dreaded teaching their class every day. But I trudged on and I know they learned and I really did grow to love every one of them. The other four classes I had were almost always delightful. Eighth and sixth grades were my favorites and the easiest to teach and handle. I taught American History..my first love... to eighth grade and we had a fantastic year. There were only eight students in the class, but we faced challenges together and learned so much. I got into so many interesting discussions with them about all kinds of topics. I usually allowed one day a week for getting "off track" just for discussing issues that were of interest to them. It was never trivial, as they were all deep thinkers. They were usually always fully engaged in the subject and I was able to do so much with supplemental materials as well as with the text and curriculum. Sixth grade was World History and we had such fun because I could illustrate things on the board for them to teach them concepts and they would never make fun of my art, or, better stated, lack of ability in that area! They were such eager learners! The subject area was never dull, and even though I don't enjoy this particular phase of history as much as others, it turned out to be a great subject to teach and relearn. Not to mention the sweet and engaging students I had lucked out with in that class. Ninth grade was the most challenging subject wise. They had World History as well, but much further on than sixth grade. It was dull and boring and hard to make interesting for them. There were days when I couldn't engage them at all and it was very frustrating. Their age is a factor too, since they are in the middle of hormonal hell for one thing, and they are still not quite as mature as is necessary to keep their focus for very long. This may not be indicative of all kids in ninth grade, but it definitely was a factor with this particular group. Some days I loved them, some days I wanted to strangle them! Tenth grade was actually the most difficult at first because there were only 2 students in the class and I felt intimidated at times trying to challenge them and keep their attention. As it turned out, these two students were awesome! They enjoyed learning, discussing, reading and all the other things that go along with history. I was able to engage them most days and we had a great year. I became very close to both of them and I will truly miss them next year. Another highlight of my year was the History Fair. I was in charge and I pushed the kids hard to do the best projects they could. I made them work on some phase of the project every Friday until the Fair itself and they did a great great job.....every single one of them! I was so proud. 12 projects went to the Regional Fair and of those, 3 went on to State. It was one of the most fantastic experiences for me! I got to meet some wonderful teachers from other schools, both at the regional and state levels, and we bonded as they welcomed me into the "group". I can't wait to do it again next year! The rest is a blur....but those have been the highlights of my first year as a history teacher.
I am now taking Reading Endorsement so I can teach reading in the future, or at least help struggling readers. That is going well and I am loving the learning and it is rekindling my love for reading as well.
I figure I can teach for at least another 5 years ( hopefully, God willing). The end of a saga has come....but I think it is really just the beginning!
Happy Tales!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Johnny Tremain and other interesting stories....
I have been reading the old Esther Forbes book, "Johnny Tremain" ever since I assigned it to my eighth grade American History class. I'd forgotten how much I love this story! I read it when I was in 5th grade and then again several years ago when I took a writing course and had to read my favorite childhood story for an assignment. It is the story of a young silversmith apprentice set in Boston in the days before the American Revolution. Johnny is the main character and he is quite on his way to becoming a master silversmith. However, one day he burns his hand with melted silver causing a serious defect which ends his dreams. He wanders the streets of Boston, ashamed, and looks for other work which he cannot seem to obtain due to his maimed hand. Things take a turn for the worst and then for the better as Johnny makes new friends, helps in the fight for independence and discovers who he really is. I have fallen in love with this book all over again and I am hoping my students are enjoying it as well. Time will tell, as they will be taking a quiz on it when school resumes, and in the end they will be doing a project regarding Johnny and his tragedies and triumphs. This is what I love about teaching....it gives me a chance to be a learner as well. It allows me to relive the love of history that I left behind when I graduated from college so many years ago. Teaching Social Studies has given me a new perspective on the world and what makes it go 'round. For instance, Geography has never really been one of my favorite subjects, but in teaching it to seventh graders, I have found a new appreciation for the subject. I have surprised myself in that I find I enjoy not only teaching map skills, but enjoy relearning them as well. I have relearned so many facts about countries that I would never dream of visiting, and now I want to travel the world. I want to visit Egypt and Rome and Greece and the Middle East and lots of other places! (In the past, the only two places I wanted to visit outside of the US were Ireland and Austria). I may never get to visit any of these countries but the possibilities somehow make life more interesting and exciting. It makes me a better teacher because I want to learn as much as I can and teach as well as I can. In the seventh grade class the students will be embarking on an adventure with a displaced young Mexican girl named Esperanza. The story of a wealthy child leaving her ranch in Mexico for a Migrant farm in California due to a family tragedy is what I chose for them to read in "Esperanza Rising". I am enjoying this read as well, though I am slower at reading it than I am "Johnny Tremain". Teaching geographic themes is the point of this exercise, however, I am hoping the students willl value reading it for pleasure too. Sixth grade World History classes are reading "The Trojan War". This is not Homer's version, but a novel by Olivia E Coolidge. It starts with three Greek Goddesses and how they manipulated Paris, the tragic hero of the story. We have only read the first 3 chapters but the students have loved it so far. With all I am able to teach and do, I feel especially blessed as a teacher and as a learner. As silly as it may sound, and with my love of reading and learning, I feel I have been given a second chance to enjoy life (and learning). I only hope my students feel the same about their own learning in my classes
Saturday, September 18, 2010
It's not cool
I am usually a very laid back, easy going kind of person, but sometimes I do lose my cool. Yesterday was one of those times and it has been bothering me ever since. I had "lunchroom duty" last week and it had been reasonably uneventful until yesterday. I was on my way into the room when I heard the distinct sound of males shouting and laughing and then a huge crash. It freaked me out because it sounded like glass breaking and I thought maybe one of the boys had fallen through a window or some such horrible thing. As it turned out, three of the high school boys were goofing off and one had slammed the refrigerator door so hard, while showing off, he had broken one of the shelves and knocked some of the items off. Laughter filled the room which had begun to fill up with students. The boy didn't even worry....he just walked away laughing and strode to his table. My school is a small private school and doesn't have a very big lunchroom. The kids usually put their lunches in one of two refrigerators. Now one was damaged. I called the three rowdy students over and told them to fix the shelf, but it was completely ruined and couldn't be fixed after all. I told them all to follow me to the office at which point they began arguing with me. For some reason at that precise moment, I realized that I had one last nerve and they were on it. My fuse blew (which I hate) and I told them they better follow me to the office or they would risk suspension. They complied. Once we got to the office, I told the principal what had happened and ofcourse the boys denied it. "I just shut the door and the shelf broke," said the main offender. At that point I totally lost my cool. (Oh how I really hate that!) "You slammed the door while showing off for your friends and didn't even care about the damages you caused," I spat, rather loudly. "I have had it with you boys acting the way you do. You are supposed to be leaders and you act worse than second graders," I continued. One of the boys stood there with his mouth agape, eyes huge, staring at me. The principal was silent for a few minutes (I think even he was shocked that I was "acting out"). He finally said that the boys would have detention and be grounded from free play on Monday. They contiued to argue. "But we didn't do anything," they protested in unison. Oh...my...blood...pressure! One of my pet peeves is when people do not accept responsibility for their actions. Just ask my children how that plays out! Another of my pet peeves is disrespect for others. My parents introduced that concept to me as I was growing up, reinforced it, and I have carried it with me. Respect is important in my book....don't disrespect parents, teachers or others. Kids today both refuse to accept responsibility and show amazing disrespect and it unnerves me. Well, not to beat a dead horse, but I totally lost my cool and then I felt guilty for doing so. I hate that flaw in me. I have to grow thicker skin. But, alas, I fear I will never change. I went as far as to buy these same boys a soccer ball (I donated it to the school really) because they like to play soccer during free time after lunch and they always had to depend on someone to bring the ball. They said thanks, but in my book, actions speak louder than words. This job is something I chose to do. And for the most part I love it. But I hate losing my cool and I hate allowing my blood pressure to rise over something that may not have been a big deal. But, frankly, it was a big deal. Give 'em an inch, they take a mile. I will continue to be who I am and occasionally I probably will lose my cool, but I am determined to teach and succeed.
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