TT #3: Words of Warning

I had my students complete end of the year reflections, so that I that as I plan for next year, I could better meet their needs. Following the example of another teacher, I had my students do words of warning for the next year's students. I am going to place the 13 best here-- these were the most truthful and/or caused me to laugh. When I reflect on them, they are all classroom management issues. I may not handle them in the best way, but they helped make my second year better than my first.

Words of Warning for Ms. A's 2007-08 classesfrom her 2006-07 students Don't walk around. I admit it, I can't stand students on the floor, especially when I'm teaching. It is distracting to everyone in the class. If you do not do the work, you will not pass the class. In my best church voice: AMEN!! SPEAK TRUTH, SISTA . . . the student who wrote this was mainstreamed into my class and managed to get no grade below a C on her report card (she had very few modifications) Don't fail! Many students wrote this. . . none of them offered solutions to not failing Don't make her mad or Don't get on her nerves. Again, many students said this. I guess they didn't like my lectures on misbehavior or inappropriate attitudes. One person could affect the whole class and the "fussing" for the day. I've really got to work on that one! Get on Ms. A's good side. What more can be said about this? It works for every teacher. However, this does not mean talk to me all the time; specifically during my lunch--I need peace and quiet. You will get a bunch of minus tens if you don't do what you are supposed to. This is my feeble attempt at classroom management. But it works. Students are aware that participation is worth 10% of their grade. If you are off task or not participating appropriately, you could loss 10 points. Conversely, if you amaze me, you can gain 10 points. "Minus 10" adds up at the end of the term. It's boring. I'm really trying to do better. Sometimes history/law isn't that interesting. Bring a jacket because it stays cold!!! She even put the explanation points. I always tell them that the temperature in the room is for me, not for them. And I even warn them to get a uniform compliant jacket. I can't stand the heat and I move around a lot. Therefore, I'm ALWAYS hot. This will never change; but EXCELLENT words of wisdom. Don't eat food in class. I got tired of seeing roaches in my classroom. So, depending on my mood: I'd eat it, I'd crush it; I'd put it in my drawer, I'd put it in the trash, I'd dance on it. Tuck in your shirt. I absolutely CAN NOT stand to see a slouchy young man. Droopy, baggy pants are my worst nightmare. Students could not enter my classroom until I stood post. I would check the guys clothes there. Guys would have to have their shirts tucked in a pants pulled up to there waist. "Start over" or "You look nice, today" were my favorite words. I hate this hip hop trend b/c you can't go into the real world and get a job looking like that. Have your notes. Sometimes, I'd give pop quizzes in which they could use their notes. Students quickly learned that the notebook and notes were important as their books. DON'T SLEEP! She wrote it in all caps. When people fall asleep, I sing loudly next to them. The singing is bad and the students get a good laugh. Sometimes, I let them pick the song. I can't sleep on the job, neither can anyone else! Be Quiet and Listen to the Lesson. Smart Girl! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Thirteen Reasons Your School Should Hire CaliforniaTeacher Guy 2. Thirteen Things Lara Needs, According to Google 3. (Leave your link in the comments & I'll post it here) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Rainy Day

It rained all day, but it wasn’t a bad day.

So after my day off, I came back in a pretty good mood, but it didn’t take long for it to turn sour. I kicked a smart-mouthed kid out my room with in 5 minutes of the day starting. I get so tired of saying “be quiet” all day, So that I can talk and probably answer the question that the kid was going to ask in the first place. I’ve had enough of this school year and I’m tired of negotiating, so my favorite response is : “you got a choice, you can do it my way or get out.” I know I don’t sound like a good teacher, but I’m tired of begging.

My classes were supposed to watch videos this week. In law, they are watching 12 angry men and in W. Hist, the 6 wives of Henry VIII. None of my classes are remotely interested in these videos. I thought it would be a nice break for both of us, b/c last week was hectic. Didn’t work, most of them couldn’t stay awake, sooooo I guess it’ll be book work and lecture tomorrow. Pitty.

Today was report card day. I was expecting tons of students (as usual) to stop by my classroom after school to ask why they received the grades they did. Not one showed up. I am surprised. For a change, I gave kids EXACTLY what they earned. For example, some students got 27 , 35 or even 12. Our school said that we should NEVER give a child below a 50 if we don’t have strict documentation—meaning we saved their work and called their parents. I wanted to see what would happen if I didn’t give children 50s. Nothing. No one from the administration said anything. Not one of the children said anything. I’ll wait to hear from the parents.

Next week is our big testing week and the asst principal told me today that I would be protoctoring all next week. That means I am going to loose an entire week of teaching time and I need to cover 3 more chapters in World History before the end of the year. Additionally, what do I do with the kids I will have in class for the second half of the day? Maybe I should show a good film, maybe something to do with a current issue. Any suggestions?