Deep Discussion

Yesterday I attempted something new: deep, menaingful converstaion about real-world issues. I know, I know, sounds too much for sixteen-year-olds to handle, but it worked well! It was time to talk about racial inequality (since I chickened-out and never had a discussion with them about the use of the n-word in the book). I gave them horrifying statistics: 44% of all US prisoners are black, while only 12% of the US population is black. I had to explain what a census was, which I didn't expect. First period was much quieter than third. I imagine they are still sleeeping. Third period had a great discussion that quickly turned to the legalization of marijuana, which I had expected. Fifth period was upset with me for not having statistics for Latinos and Mexican Americans.

Spring is in the air

I forgot to mention that before I left on vacation my kids convinced me to teach class outside for a day. We were just reading the book, so it was simple. It was a beautiful day out and I did not blam my kids for wanting to be outside in the spring. I was substituting for my CT, or else I would have never done it. One girl suggested it and then the rest of the class ganged up on me. They were well-behaved. I read the chapters to them instead of us listening to it on tape. It made me really glad that I did not have to read to the kids every day, my throat would be so hoarse! One boy asked me to read in a Southern accent and I couldn't, so I suggested he read instead. He made it about two pages with his little girl Southern accent before he gave up and let me finish reading. The novelty of being outside really inticed the kids. I think I will teach outside often! I remember the few times when my high school teachers took us outside as a special treat. Good idea, class!

Plan to Grade

I am buried in papers! I am realizing how incredibly intellegent my CT is. For the last book her classes are reading, she assigned literature groups. Each group is responsible for teaching a section of the book to the rest of the class. She grades one group a week and does not have to worry about taking home projects or getting behind in her grading. This is such a wonderful way to assign projects! I will have to think about this more as I plan future units.

A-ha!

Today I was lucky enough to witness an "A-ha!" moment on a student's face. She figured out that it was Boo Radley that saved Jem and Scout from mean old Bob Ewell at the end of To Kill a Mockingbird. I asked her a question about the story and she thought for a minute, and then the realization washed over her face. Her eyes got big and she started squirming in her seat. It was so amazing! It is moments like this that make me realize I really am making a difference in students' lives.
After reading the predictions and repsponses from the students, I realized how beautifully hopeful they are. So many of these kids, even though they are 16 or so, still believe that good will overcome evil, that humans are essentially kind and that the world is a beautiful place. It makes me so happy to have these kids in my life on a daily basis. I feel blessed.

Closing In

Back from a week of fun and sun in California. I know people don't believe me, but I really missed my kids! I was saddened by not being able to travel with them through the exciting climax of To Kill a Mockingbird. We only have a few chapters left in the novel and I am glad we have another month to proccess it all before school is out. The pace of the class feels much more managable without trying to stuff another book into the last six weeks, which started last week. It seems like the year is over already!

Do and Don't List of Parent/Teacher Conferences

After a week of student-led parent/teacher conferences, I have created my own survival list:

DO:

Remain humble. You may be an expert at school, but parents remain the expert of their children
Listen more than you talk. You talk all the time during class, let someone else share how they feel.

Stay positive. Focus on the future and stress that you’re main goal is the success of the student.

Create an atmosphere of openness. You have the home advantage; you’re on your turf. To make up for that, you must be extra welcoming and understanding.

Come prepared with students’ grades, examples of work, issues you have observed and (most important) suggestions for solutions.

DON’T:

Judge families or assume things about families. You only spent about an hour with them, you do not know them.

Ever talk bad about other teachers, parents or students in front of families.

Focus on negative aspects about the past. Even if this student gave you hell last semester, this is water under the bridge and it is time to move forward.

Waste parents’ time with explaining things that are unimportant or irrelevant. If the student does not have an attendance problem, don’t go over the attendance policy again.

Humanization

“I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate; it’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture, or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated or a child humanized or dehumanized.”
- Haim Ginott