Time to Retire from Teaching

April Fools!

Plans for the future: Did you really think I could leave these 160 incredible teenagers with just two months left in the school year? I wouldn't even consider it. In fact, I'm starting to think staying here in Las Vegas for four years might be ideal. If I could teach these freshmen again for their senior honors English class, it would truly be a full-circle experience. Of course no matter what I decide I will come back to watch my 120 freshmen walk the stage in 2017, those flights are already booked! But staying for four years to watch the young kiddos grow would be pretty cool too.

And I think my students would like having me again their senior year as well! (See right - a student messaged me after a week when she was struggling and I just found it yesterday since we are NOT facebook friends)

Students are VERY curious: Lately students have been asking more and more about my personal life. Most of the time it is very innocent. I am a (hopefully) strong female role model in their lives and they want to know what all aspects of adulthood look like. However, I'm getting annoyed with the "Miss, did you party in college" and "Miss, do you have a boyfriendddddd" questions. I told two students who came by my room NOT to ask about it anymore and they drew this picture. I couldn't help but laugh. Even without the words they were badgering me for a response! 

Testing With ELLs: A few weeks ago we did proficiency testing at school. Every teacher participates in some capacity, and my room was designated as one of many ELL (English Language Learner) testing rooms. I met the 10 or so students who would be taking their proficiency tests in my room and they were not excited, to say the least. Over the few days though I think I chipped away at their tough exterior. They especially came around to my phone rule: I take phones if I see phones (this is for their own benefit because if they use their phone to text their test becomes invalid). By day four we had begun playing Spanish hangman when everyone was finished with their test, and this was perhaps the funniest answer! (It translates to, "I want my phone")

Public Speaking: My Freshmen just finished a big group presentation but before we jumped into that I had them each give a 1-minute speech about how to do something. The goal for these "how-to" speeches was to get them comfortable speaking in front of their peers, and for the most part it worked. And the speeches were absolutely hilarious! From how to put on pants to how to hit a home run, each student put their own twist on the assignment and I saw some kids truly come out of their shell. A few decided to be extra funny and speak about "how to be Ms. Landau" and "how to annoy Mrs." (this one was especially great because step one is to call me Mrs.!)

On the right you'll see the steps Jackson outlined in his speech on how to annoy Mrs., but I'll list them in case they are tough to see.

1. Walk around during class when you are supposed to be doing work like when I had to write this speech
2. Talk out of turn, especially when she gives instructions.
3. Next, raise your hand and shout Miss, Miss, I need you!
4. After, write her a letter using Mrs.
5. And you have to get other students off task like you by shouting "Ayo whatup bro" across the room.
6. Finally, make sure to rip up all your quizzes and work that she hands back to you.

He did a great job, everyone was laughing. And he is the sweetest kid who just happens to be a bit energetic in my class. And at least now I can call him out because he KNOWS these are my pet peeves!

Sending love... and excitement for Spring Break in one week!

Danielle

P.S. Enjoy the pictures of me getting "pied" by some of my students! (For a track and field fundraiser on 3.14 - Pi Day!)