I cannot believe it is almost October! Does this mean I can finally smile? I'm kidding, of course, as I can't help but smile each and every day with these awesome students. They amaze me constantly. At moments I feel I am not good enough to be teaching them, not qualified, not mature, not ready. And then one of them will explain a concept that I TAUGHT THEM to another student I know I had a hand in making that student become a teacher. That is what it is all about. The confidence of knowledge.
Here are my 5 awesome highlights of the week.
1. One of my female students was asked to prom by her boyfriend, in my class! He came by before school started and asked (politely) if I would leave this on her desk for her to find. It was adorable. He had a little token for each class and by the end of the day she had notes and snacks overflowing in her bag-pack. Of course she said yes!
2. One of my students coined the phrase "Gunner Approves". He was explaining that he enjoyed some of my more interactive activities. So of course I made a big (sarcastic) deal about how if he approves, then I MUST be doing something right! Everyone was smiling and he was proud of his "Gunner Approves" idea. So the next day I put this up on my wall. I gave him a few stickies and asked him to add any activities, stories, and games that he enjoyed in class. None of the students could believe that I gave him a WALL! Now it has become VERY coveted to earn a wall. I have one more already up called "Sally's Choice" and she gets to choose what we do first and last during some of my lessons. I put up a few blank squares and told them that I was awaiting some brilliant ideas from exceptional students and it almost feels like a competition for them to get up on the wall. I love that we turned some positive recognition into a part of our classroom culture. I see it as proof of my vision coming to life! (I will be taking these down and putting up new ones every couple of weeks!)
3. I received 30 new freshman. This brings my totals during 4th, 5th, and 6th period to 32, 35, and 41, respectively. That is correct. I HAVE 41 HYPER 13/14 year-olds during LAST PERIOD. My goal has become to teach a whole lesson where NOT A SINGLE ONE of them looks at the clock. Wish me luck. I do however, really enjoy the bigger classes. The energy is better and I can do a lot of group work. Below is a picture of some reading circles. They are diving into "Harrison Burgeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, a futuristic story in which the strong, smart, and beautiful must wear handicaps to "equalize" any advantage. The story has some truly dark tones and I was impressed with their ability to pick out positive themes from such a sad story.
5. And finally, I heard from another one of my summer school students! She finally e-mailed me with some stellar news: she made it into AP English! (I taught her remedial English 9 this summer, so this is A HUGE accomplishment!) I am so incredibly proud of her, and even more impressed with her new confidence, which shines through the whole e-mail. The students who keep in touch with me truly make every late-night, early morning, and busy weekend worth it! I love my job!
Lots of love to all,
Danielle
