OK Today reminded me why I teach! I had a great lunch! And as Mariann put it, I needed it. I have just had to deal with some hoodlums this week and silly games that frustrate me.
So what happened today...I was giving a test for my general classes. Nothing abnormal. But I have this kid that was a total snot at the beginning of the year and has made a concerted effort to do better in class over the past about 6 weeks. Unfortunately, his grade was so low it isn't completely showing on his letter grade yet. He has worked so hard this unit and been doing really well. Its all math problems which is not his strong suite, but he was getting them and able to do things right. So I am super hopeful for his test. He even had his notes prepared that they get to use on the test, a first for him. Then he gets going and just flipped out. He got confused and frustrated and lost it all. So after class I stopped him, and asked him if he would like to come try working on the test some more with fresh eyes. I really didn't think he would come in but he did! And sat with me all of lunch to do the test. The best news is he did every single one of the problems correctly. All he needed was a little encouragement and some reminders on his note page. The part that made me cry was to watch him bounce out of my classroom with such confidence. He was so happy and I am so proud of him!
I am so glad I get to do this and get paid for it! Who could ask for a better job...ok so it has it low spots too but this is one of the best parts!!!
Merry Christmas everyone! I am excited for the time I get to spend with my family at the Happiest Place on earth!!!...pictures and details to come.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving to All
Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving. That means Christmas (and most importantly Winter Break) is almost here!
I thought of Thanksgiving and felt I needed to really think about what I have and am so thankful for. I think the first thing is my testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ. Second on my list and very close is my family, especially my parents. They have done so much for me and I am grateful for the sacrifices they made to raise me and help me in every way. My mom always tries to keep a scorecard or something, but I know I can never catch up! I am also grateful for all my friends who put up with crazy me! My seminary kids are another thing I am grateful for. Even though seminary is SOOOOOO early, they help me get my day started right and I cherish the time I get to spend preparing for class and also trying to keep my students awake. My job is another thing I am grateful for. I love teaching high school. High school students are a unique breed. They lack this little link in their brains that make it impossible for them to see some consequences of their actions, but they are so fun to help develop that link (and frustrating at the same time) This last week some of my former students have stopped by to visit me. It has been so fun to see them grow and talk with them abotu what they have done! This is something else I am grateful for. I know this is not a complete list, but it is some of what I am grateful for!
Have a wonderful holiday and hopefully you are spending it with people you love!
I thought of Thanksgiving and felt I needed to really think about what I have and am so thankful for. I think the first thing is my testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ. Second on my list and very close is my family, especially my parents. They have done so much for me and I am grateful for the sacrifices they made to raise me and help me in every way. My mom always tries to keep a scorecard or something, but I know I can never catch up! I am also grateful for all my friends who put up with crazy me! My seminary kids are another thing I am grateful for. Even though seminary is SOOOOOO early, they help me get my day started right and I cherish the time I get to spend preparing for class and also trying to keep my students awake. My job is another thing I am grateful for. I love teaching high school. High school students are a unique breed. They lack this little link in their brains that make it impossible for them to see some consequences of their actions, but they are so fun to help develop that link (and frustrating at the same time) This last week some of my former students have stopped by to visit me. It has been so fun to see them grow and talk with them abotu what they have done! This is something else I am grateful for. I know this is not a complete list, but it is some of what I am grateful for!
Have a wonderful holiday and hopefully you are spending it with people you love!
Friday, November 7, 2008
And it begins!
Well, I guess I have just joined the blogging community! I figured I would give this a try and see how it goes. I am excited that Prop 8 passed. Hopefully the court system will honor the votes of the people and not destroy our democracy!
I am going to use this blog as mostly school musings and things that I learn as a teacher.
Something I have realized recently, if you do something really great every once in a while most students will appreciate it and use what has been given to them as a way to help themselves. For instance, yesterday I had several of my students come in asking for additional help for their test that was scheduled. I saw them trying to get the concepts (a little late mind you, but still making the effort) and I did something I have never done before! I moved their test, literally 5 minutes before the period started. Now half my students took advantage of the extra time and I hope their scores will be higher. Then there was the other group...my idiots who then come in today asking for an extension! How crazy is that? It just goes to show that some of the students expect everything to just be handed to them. Unfortunately the few that take advantage of the help seem to constantly get punished for the ones who choose to be slackers. How sad is that! and so discouraging for some the students that they just give up. I guess the moral of the story is "Remember the students that try, are doing their best, and putting forth the effort and be there to help them!"
I am going to use this blog as mostly school musings and things that I learn as a teacher.
Something I have realized recently, if you do something really great every once in a while most students will appreciate it and use what has been given to them as a way to help themselves. For instance, yesterday I had several of my students come in asking for additional help for their test that was scheduled. I saw them trying to get the concepts (a little late mind you, but still making the effort) and I did something I have never done before! I moved their test, literally 5 minutes before the period started. Now half my students took advantage of the extra time and I hope their scores will be higher. Then there was the other group...my idiots who then come in today asking for an extension! How crazy is that? It just goes to show that some of the students expect everything to just be handed to them. Unfortunately the few that take advantage of the help seem to constantly get punished for the ones who choose to be slackers. How sad is that! and so discouraging for some the students that they just give up. I guess the moral of the story is "Remember the students that try, are doing their best, and putting forth the effort and be there to help them!"
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