Reflections: 10/22-10/26/07

I think the best way I ever did this blog was when I did weekly reflections. It was an assignment, but it forced me to really look at the week as a whole rather than getting fixated on a single event. It helped me organize my thoughts and notice patterns better.

So, end of my second week at my new school and I'm still loving it as much as I did last week, if not more. I'm really starting to settle into the school environment and into my individual classes.

Freshmen
We finished the Odyssey in the freshman classes and have moved onto short stories, which the kids aren't too thrilled with, but it's an easy way for me to get ahead. I'm always amazed how different multiple sections of the same class can have such distinct personalities. My 1st period, for example, is a great group of kids that, while a bit chatty, get their work done and are quite engaged in what is going on. My 3rd period has several students who are too smart for their own good and I am constantly on their cases about focusing, not disrupting class, and getting their work done. My 4th period is a pretty lazy group. They are plenty smart, but they choose to waste a lot of time, go to the wrong lunch (even though the schedule hasn't changed in the 8 weeks they've been in school), and even fall asleep in class. They frustrate me a lot. Oh well - we'll do short stories through next week at least and then on to lit circles hopefully - something new and exciting!

Juniors
The juniors are working on The Crucible. They had just about finished Act I when I joined them. Together we've done Acts II and III - today we'll probably finish the play. They've got some great insights into the work and really seem engaged. In 6th period, there are some kids that dominate the conversation because they are so excited about the piece. I hate to discourage that, but I want to give the other students a chance to participate in the conversation. I've also liked the assignments I have come up with for them - two acts had some questions, but Act II concluded with a creative monologue written my a real or made up character of their choice. I got some great pieces! Today assignment is to write a newspaper article as if you are an editor in Boston, hearing all the stories. I think the students will enjoy it and I can hardly wait to see what I get back next week.

Pep Assembly today - last one of the year. I haven't been to a pep assembly since I was in high school, so this will be interesting. Not sure what I need to do, however, so I better find that out. All in all, a good week and next week will be better!