Wow! It has been forever since I updated this thing. I was only halfway through my first school year the last time I blogged! Now I sit here on summer vacation after finishing my second year! I guess it doesn't really matter that I have neglected this poor blog. I really write in it for me--I'm not sure too many people know of its existence =P
I would just scrap the whole thing, but it was kind of fun to read back on the experiences from last year's teaching. I think I will try and start up again. Plus, it's summer! So, I should have plenty of time...
This past school year in so many ways was wonderful. I truly enjoyed my sophomores--to the point that I was genuinely sad to see them go at the end of the year. And not just that nostalgic feeling teachers get at the end of the year simply because they know they won't deal with those kids again. I think the kids feel the same way a bit. They kept asking if I could have them again as seniors. I only wish that I could! I will still see some of the girls often though, because I am now the assistant coach for the Varsity girls' basketball team. Crazy to take on, I know, but I think it should be a fun and fulfilling experience once I get more comfortable with it.
Next year will be a bit different. For one thing, I am no longer teaching freshmen. This makes me happy for several reasons. Namely, I won't be teaching freshmen. Also, my grading load will go down tremendously since I will not be teaching the grammar and composition. Instead, I will be teaching an ESL class, which I am somewhat nervous about. I don't really have any clue how to do this, and we are supposedly going to have a workshop on it. I really hope that we do! I also may be teaching a creative writing class. If so, I would also like to go to a workshop for that. I am not great at just throwing things together, and to be honest, I think it does a disservice to the students and the parents when you just try and skate by. I do not have the personality that allows me to think "just getting by" is okay. I think that is what has made me successful.
In my personal life, I made a New Year's resolution to read at least one book each month. So far, I am ahead of the curve. I have read Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham; Love Wins by Rob Bell; Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane; No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy; Lord of the Flies by William Golding and a couple others that I am not able to think of without getting up to look at my bookshelf! Needless to say, I thorougly enjoyed some of the books and found a few others very difficult to get through.
Today I am going to Borders to pick up The Poisonwood Bible and maybe a couple other novels. I will try and write an analysis after my next read. Maybe soon I will write my opinion on some of the novels that I have read so far this year. For now, I think I will go purchase my new ones!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
...that day was a wonderful day...
Today was a really good day. I figured I should document this, since I often lose my good days through exhaustion and stress.
Nothing monumental happened today, but it still seemed to change everything. Yesterday I was so frustrated with the freshman research papers that I was practically pulling my hair out. Everyday they would come and not even have sources yet on days when we were supposed to be taking notes. I was going crazy trying to figure out whether I was just a horrible teacher, or if they were lazy, or a combination of both. I talked with Randy about how these papers went for him last year, and then I talked with Becky to see how the 8th grade research paper went with this same group of kids last year. By the end of the day, I just felt defeated.
I went into today with a mission: to forcefully pull my freshmen and sophomores through this research paper process. I started with the freshmen 1st hour and told them that they had twenty notecards due at the end of the hour. I also gave out demerits immediately to the students who were talking. After that, the students quietly worked. I rejoiced in my having beaten them into submission. My Honors freshmen worked well also, but they are not as difficult to deal with.
I took my sophomores to the computer lab and most of them were able to find some really good sources for their research papers. It took a lot of hand holding and guidance, but they were able to use EBSCO. It is exhausting to help them in the computer lab because they all need my help at once. It never ceases to amaze me how needy these high schoolers are. Maybe I was like this when I was in high school, but I don't think I was.
The other fun thing is I have been working on my Jan-Term class that I am going to be teaching in January. Studying up once again on African American literature puts me in a good mood. AND Dr. Perry is going to come and guest lecture for my class, so I am very excited about that!
Tonight I am just going to relax. Teaching this research paper is exhausting, but right now I am feeling pretty good about how things are going! It is amazing the difference one day can make!
Nothing monumental happened today, but it still seemed to change everything. Yesterday I was so frustrated with the freshman research papers that I was practically pulling my hair out. Everyday they would come and not even have sources yet on days when we were supposed to be taking notes. I was going crazy trying to figure out whether I was just a horrible teacher, or if they were lazy, or a combination of both. I talked with Randy about how these papers went for him last year, and then I talked with Becky to see how the 8th grade research paper went with this same group of kids last year. By the end of the day, I just felt defeated.
I went into today with a mission: to forcefully pull my freshmen and sophomores through this research paper process. I started with the freshmen 1st hour and told them that they had twenty notecards due at the end of the hour. I also gave out demerits immediately to the students who were talking. After that, the students quietly worked. I rejoiced in my having beaten them into submission. My Honors freshmen worked well also, but they are not as difficult to deal with.
I took my sophomores to the computer lab and most of them were able to find some really good sources for their research papers. It took a lot of hand holding and guidance, but they were able to use EBSCO. It is exhausting to help them in the computer lab because they all need my help at once. It never ceases to amaze me how needy these high schoolers are. Maybe I was like this when I was in high school, but I don't think I was.
The other fun thing is I have been working on my Jan-Term class that I am going to be teaching in January. Studying up once again on African American literature puts me in a good mood. AND Dr. Perry is going to come and guest lecture for my class, so I am very excited about that!
Tonight I am just going to relax. Teaching this research paper is exhausting, but right now I am feeling pretty good about how things are going! It is amazing the difference one day can make!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
PT PT PT PT
Whoa parent/teacher conferences. I have been here for almost 8 hours, and I had seen 50 parents. CRAZINESS!!!
Overall, the conferences went really well. I had one that escalated quickly, but I was also able to diffuse the situation quickly. The whole thing was caused by a misunderstanding because of the way our on-line grading system appears to the parents. Once I explained the situation, the mom actually seemed kind of embarrassed for being so angry.
What is really funny is that almost all of my 5th hour parents came and told me how much their child loves me and loves the class. This is only funny because that hour is definitely not my all-time favorite. And I teach them grammar and composition, which I think is much more dull than literature.
Today is the day that the job overall pays off. Hearing from parents that their child is learning alot from you, or that their daughter told them they HAD to meet their English teacher even if they didn't meet anyone else.
I think part of why today went so smoothly is because I had been pretty proactive with the parents whose students are having troubles and have called them long before today. Mostly for them, today was just reinforcing things that have already been discussed.
Tomorrow conferences are by appointment only, and I only have one conference. I get out at noon and then I get to go and meet with my florist. YAY!
Overall, the conferences went really well. I had one that escalated quickly, but I was also able to diffuse the situation quickly. The whole thing was caused by a misunderstanding because of the way our on-line grading system appears to the parents. Once I explained the situation, the mom actually seemed kind of embarrassed for being so angry.
What is really funny is that almost all of my 5th hour parents came and told me how much their child loves me and loves the class. This is only funny because that hour is definitely not my all-time favorite. And I teach them grammar and composition, which I think is much more dull than literature.
Today is the day that the job overall pays off. Hearing from parents that their child is learning alot from you, or that their daughter told them they HAD to meet their English teacher even if they didn't meet anyone else.
I think part of why today went so smoothly is because I had been pretty proactive with the parents whose students are having troubles and have called them long before today. Mostly for them, today was just reinforcing things that have already been discussed.
Tomorrow conferences are by appointment only, and I only have one conference. I get out at noon and then I get to go and meet with my florist. YAY!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
...time flies...
Holy cow the school year is a fourth of the way over.
This week was better than last week, but it was still quite stressful. I finally got my service day ironed out. I also graded all the honors papers. This week my freshmen were writing satires. From the ones I have read so far, they have turned out pretty good and funny! My sophomores were writing their own original short story. They also have been pretty good thus far. The downside of first quarter being over is the fact that I have to have all the grades in by 4:00 on Tuesday. Considering most of the short stories and satires won't even be turned in until Monday that will be quite a feat.
We also were asked to fill out a sheet about the Jan-Term class we will be teaching the first week of January. Honestly, I had not given a thought. Part of the problem was that no one ever really told me what it was exactly. One of the most frustrating parts of being a new teacher is the lack of communication. I only find out information about something if I ask someone about it. I guess this is why they have the mentor program in public school.
I didn't get my sheet filled out for Jan-Term, but now that I have gotten some more information about it, I think I have an idea of what I am going to do. I am going to have students meet at a different coffee shop each day. We are going to read, analyze, and discuss African American literature and history. There are very few black students in my school, and I think most of the white students have never been exposed to that culture. I wish when I was in high school that we had read some African American literature. I honestly cannot remember on text we read that was written by a black author. I think it is important for these kids to learn that they live in the world of privelege and not everyone does. From comments made in class, it is obvious these students need some instruction in race relations.
I am currently reading the book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria. I am finding it fascinating. Most of what the author is saying are things that Alex and I have already discussed. While it is not easy to sit there and read a book that tells you that you are in a seat of privelege just for being white, it is the reality of the situation. Even if you do not feel that you are racist, you are living in a society that operates under a racist system. We all have gotten advantages that we don't even realize. I think I will be able to tie some of this into my Jan-Term class.
Otherwise, I know that I want to include Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, bell hooks, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin. I have some theorists I have been thinking of using also.
Today I am a bit tired and feel like I have a cold. Maybe it's from sitting outside in the cold and rain last night watching my kids' soccer game. I have about 6-7 kids on the team, and it seems to mean a lot to them when I go to the games. They won 8-0! Now I will probably have to go to the next game, Regional Finals. Maybe it will warm up...
Monday we start research papers. Yuck. But, until then, I will enjoy my weekend!
This week was better than last week, but it was still quite stressful. I finally got my service day ironed out. I also graded all the honors papers. This week my freshmen were writing satires. From the ones I have read so far, they have turned out pretty good and funny! My sophomores were writing their own original short story. They also have been pretty good thus far. The downside of first quarter being over is the fact that I have to have all the grades in by 4:00 on Tuesday. Considering most of the short stories and satires won't even be turned in until Monday that will be quite a feat.
We also were asked to fill out a sheet about the Jan-Term class we will be teaching the first week of January. Honestly, I had not given a thought. Part of the problem was that no one ever really told me what it was exactly. One of the most frustrating parts of being a new teacher is the lack of communication. I only find out information about something if I ask someone about it. I guess this is why they have the mentor program in public school.
I didn't get my sheet filled out for Jan-Term, but now that I have gotten some more information about it, I think I have an idea of what I am going to do. I am going to have students meet at a different coffee shop each day. We are going to read, analyze, and discuss African American literature and history. There are very few black students in my school, and I think most of the white students have never been exposed to that culture. I wish when I was in high school that we had read some African American literature. I honestly cannot remember on text we read that was written by a black author. I think it is important for these kids to learn that they live in the world of privelege and not everyone does. From comments made in class, it is obvious these students need some instruction in race relations.
I am currently reading the book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria. I am finding it fascinating. Most of what the author is saying are things that Alex and I have already discussed. While it is not easy to sit there and read a book that tells you that you are in a seat of privelege just for being white, it is the reality of the situation. Even if you do not feel that you are racist, you are living in a society that operates under a racist system. We all have gotten advantages that we don't even realize. I think I will be able to tie some of this into my Jan-Term class.
Otherwise, I know that I want to include Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, bell hooks, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin. I have some theorists I have been thinking of using also.
Today I am a bit tired and feel like I have a cold. Maybe it's from sitting outside in the cold and rain last night watching my kids' soccer game. I have about 6-7 kids on the team, and it seems to mean a lot to them when I go to the games. They won 8-0! Now I will probably have to go to the next game, Regional Finals. Maybe it will warm up...
Monday we start research papers. Yuck. But, until then, I will enjoy my weekend!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Columbus...I love you.
Thank goodness for this three day weekend. I think I was starting to lose my mind. This past week was Rockford Christian's homecoming. Talk about crazy! The kids of course not only don't want to do anything but also believe they actually shouldn't have to do anything. I am the big bad teacher because I actually had a lesson planned for Friday instead of just showing a movie or letting them sit there and do nothing.
I also agreed to let the sophomores make their homecoming banner and decorations in my room. That was a mistake. While I love those kids dearly, I also need some alone time! I hardly got anything done while they were working in my room, because I was constantly watching to make sure that paint didn't end up on my floor, or they weren't stabbing themselves with scissors, or doing anything else they shouldn't be doing. After two weeks of spending 2 1/2 hours with these kids after school, I was ready to freak out!
First quarter ends on Friday which I think is crazy! I can't believe that the school year is almost a fourth of the way over already. I am happy to be done with short stories though. As much as I love reading them, 8 weeks is a long time! This week the kids are writing their own short stories, so those should be fun to read! My freshmen are spending the next week writing a saritical essay. Those should be even more fun to read! My honors kids are turning in their outside reading papers on Tuesday, so I am going to be loaded down with grading for sure.
Second quarter is all about research papers. While I am excited to move on to something new, I am also worried about all the independent work time the students will have. It is hard for them to concentrate on their own for an extended period of time, and I struggle to decide whether I should demand silence or I should let them just waste their time and have more homework. Also, the research paper unit I taught at Guilford only lasted a few weeks. This unit has to last 8! I will be teaching grammar mini lessons throughout, so that should help.
I am spending more time reading now which is nice. I am reading Revolutionary Road. I decided I needed a break from the classics and time to just read for pleasure! The book is somewhat depressing but also good. I want to rent the movie once I finish the book. Today I bought a new book: Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria. I am excited to start reading it. While I absolutely LOVE Rockford Christian, I have been missing some of the diversity I had at Guilford (not the discipline problems, but the diversity). I have had several teaching opportunities though at RC. Most of these kids have gone to this school their entire lives and know nothing outside of it. They can't fathom that others in life have not been given the same opportunities that they have. While I personally believe I am teaching them Christian values (loving and understanding others), I also sometimes worry that my "leftist" views will get me in hot water. Since I think the kids need to hear these things, I am willing to take the risk.
Mostly, I think I am really doing a good job. I spend a lot of time not just trying to create lessons, but to make lessons that the students will actually enjoy and get something out of. If students don't think that the stories relate to their lives, they will never get anything out of them. I work hard to make connections, but I also challenge them to make the connections themselves. Likewise, I try and use song lyrics to make grammar more interesting for the freshmen. I am constantly learning, but I truly think that everyday I become a better teacher.
With all that said, I still love Columbus more than ever.
I also agreed to let the sophomores make their homecoming banner and decorations in my room. That was a mistake. While I love those kids dearly, I also need some alone time! I hardly got anything done while they were working in my room, because I was constantly watching to make sure that paint didn't end up on my floor, or they weren't stabbing themselves with scissors, or doing anything else they shouldn't be doing. After two weeks of spending 2 1/2 hours with these kids after school, I was ready to freak out!
First quarter ends on Friday which I think is crazy! I can't believe that the school year is almost a fourth of the way over already. I am happy to be done with short stories though. As much as I love reading them, 8 weeks is a long time! This week the kids are writing their own short stories, so those should be fun to read! My freshmen are spending the next week writing a saritical essay. Those should be even more fun to read! My honors kids are turning in their outside reading papers on Tuesday, so I am going to be loaded down with grading for sure.
Second quarter is all about research papers. While I am excited to move on to something new, I am also worried about all the independent work time the students will have. It is hard for them to concentrate on their own for an extended period of time, and I struggle to decide whether I should demand silence or I should let them just waste their time and have more homework. Also, the research paper unit I taught at Guilford only lasted a few weeks. This unit has to last 8! I will be teaching grammar mini lessons throughout, so that should help.
I am spending more time reading now which is nice. I am reading Revolutionary Road. I decided I needed a break from the classics and time to just read for pleasure! The book is somewhat depressing but also good. I want to rent the movie once I finish the book. Today I bought a new book: Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria. I am excited to start reading it. While I absolutely LOVE Rockford Christian, I have been missing some of the diversity I had at Guilford (not the discipline problems, but the diversity). I have had several teaching opportunities though at RC. Most of these kids have gone to this school their entire lives and know nothing outside of it. They can't fathom that others in life have not been given the same opportunities that they have. While I personally believe I am teaching them Christian values (loving and understanding others), I also sometimes worry that my "leftist" views will get me in hot water. Since I think the kids need to hear these things, I am willing to take the risk.
Mostly, I think I am really doing a good job. I spend a lot of time not just trying to create lessons, but to make lessons that the students will actually enjoy and get something out of. If students don't think that the stories relate to their lives, they will never get anything out of them. I work hard to make connections, but I also challenge them to make the connections themselves. Likewise, I try and use song lyrics to make grammar more interesting for the freshmen. I am constantly learning, but I truly think that everyday I become a better teacher.
With all that said, I still love Columbus more than ever.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
..I made a difference to that one...
So...I have not updated this beast in over a month, because, well, I have been teaching for over a month! Things are soooo busy.
I am teaching my 6 classes, and I have actually gotten used to them. The first week or so, I felt like I should be done after 5 classes like you are in public school. But, you adjust!
So far, I have been teaching short stories to my 10th graders. We have had a lot of class discussions, which I think is just great! I love hearing what they thought about the story rather than just lecturing at them about what I thought was important. We also relate the texts to their lives as much as possible. I guess my philosophy on literature is that it is important to be able to fill out a plot diagram sheet and identify different themes, but the most important thing is making the literature apply to your life. Why read something if it doesn't mean anything to you? Does anyone really believe that author's wrote for no purpose but to entertain? I think we are supposed to take what we read in literature and see how it fits into the world. How it fits into the conversations that are already occurring in society. The kids seems to respond well to these discussions as well. And when they don't, I make them worth participation points to "inspire" them. :)
I am currently teaching a persuasive essay to my freshman. I am finding teaching grammar and composition to be very challenging. I am good on the grammar front, but I don't know how to teach essays other than introduce what each essay consists of, analyze an example, and then do some prewriting and drafting activities together. I tried to look around for some writing seminars for teachers, but I couldn't find anything. This is one time that I wish our departments were larger.
I have attended as many sporting events as possible. The kids are so great, and they really appreciate when you show up. I have been to football and volleyball so far, and I am going to a soccer game on Saturday. I might even try and go to a golf match! Mostly because my friend, and fellow first year teacher, Andy is the coach (and a few of my kids are on the team).
I am at school from around 7:15am-5:00pm. It is a long day, and sometimes I feel like I never leave. That being said, I still really enjoy it. I think that is why I am able to be there so many hours a week! I am also keeping all my units organized, so I now that next year will be SO much easier.
The only thing that starts to wear on me is calling parents. I am calling parents CONSTANTLY. Calling about behavior; calling about grades; calling about missing work; even calling about good things! It just becomes a bit much. Especially when I realize I am probably young enough to be their child. So far though, all the parents have been really supportive.
Time now to turn my brain off and watch the Biggest Loser for the next 2 hours. Doing this job is exhausting!
I am teaching my 6 classes, and I have actually gotten used to them. The first week or so, I felt like I should be done after 5 classes like you are in public school. But, you adjust!
So far, I have been teaching short stories to my 10th graders. We have had a lot of class discussions, which I think is just great! I love hearing what they thought about the story rather than just lecturing at them about what I thought was important. We also relate the texts to their lives as much as possible. I guess my philosophy on literature is that it is important to be able to fill out a plot diagram sheet and identify different themes, but the most important thing is making the literature apply to your life. Why read something if it doesn't mean anything to you? Does anyone really believe that author's wrote for no purpose but to entertain? I think we are supposed to take what we read in literature and see how it fits into the world. How it fits into the conversations that are already occurring in society. The kids seems to respond well to these discussions as well. And when they don't, I make them worth participation points to "inspire" them. :)
I am currently teaching a persuasive essay to my freshman. I am finding teaching grammar and composition to be very challenging. I am good on the grammar front, but I don't know how to teach essays other than introduce what each essay consists of, analyze an example, and then do some prewriting and drafting activities together. I tried to look around for some writing seminars for teachers, but I couldn't find anything. This is one time that I wish our departments were larger.
I have attended as many sporting events as possible. The kids are so great, and they really appreciate when you show up. I have been to football and volleyball so far, and I am going to a soccer game on Saturday. I might even try and go to a golf match! Mostly because my friend, and fellow first year teacher, Andy is the coach (and a few of my kids are on the team).
I am at school from around 7:15am-5:00pm. It is a long day, and sometimes I feel like I never leave. That being said, I still really enjoy it. I think that is why I am able to be there so many hours a week! I am also keeping all my units organized, so I now that next year will be SO much easier.
The only thing that starts to wear on me is calling parents. I am calling parents CONSTANTLY. Calling about behavior; calling about grades; calling about missing work; even calling about good things! It just becomes a bit much. Especially when I realize I am probably young enough to be their child. So far though, all the parents have been really supportive.
Time now to turn my brain off and watch the Biggest Loser for the next 2 hours. Doing this job is exhausting!
Monday, August 17, 2009
...a new beginning...
Wow. School is right around the corner. So far I have had computer training, new teacher orientation, and one day of in-service. I have spent probably a good 6-7 hours just cleaning out both personal and professional items that the teacher I am replacing left in the room. It has been crazy! It is nice to have Kathryn and Randy here now to help me decipher what is important and what can be pitched.
Today I was able to meet a lot of new people. Every single person I have met at Rockford Christian has been so nice. I love the administration, the teachers, the maintenance staff, and just everyone! They all seem so supportive and have gone out of their way to introduce themselves to me. I am super excited to see where this year will go!
I have 4 more days of in-service, and while I still have a lot of stuff to get ready, I am ready for the kids to just get here! I am ready to become a bona fide teacher!
In other news, I finished Robinson Crusoe. In the end, I was able to find important themes and ideas in it. Defoe critiques the economy and money. By have Robinson Crusoe on the island, he pinpoints how worthless money truly is and that the only reason it has value is because of the worth our society has placed on it. RC also deals with morality. He is extremely conflicted when it comes to dealing with the savages. While he disagreed with what they did, he was unsure whether killing was justified, considering they had done nothing to him. Finally, and most obviously, RC deals with religion. We continually see him growing and changing in his faith and also ministering to Friday. His insights on struggle and opportunity within a Christian mindset is pretty interesting.
That being said, I will never read that book again. I have since started 1984 by George Orwell and am currently loving it. I am only 50 pages in, so I will wait to begin writing a critique, but I can't wait to get even deeper into the book. So far, many things are horrifying--mainly because the main concepts are present in this day and age (mostly to a lesser extent, but still). Life is creepy. Whoa!
I'm not sure how much personal reading i will get done now that school is starting. I need to start focusing in on short stories and grammar and composition. Oh life from the other side...
Today I was able to meet a lot of new people. Every single person I have met at Rockford Christian has been so nice. I love the administration, the teachers, the maintenance staff, and just everyone! They all seem so supportive and have gone out of their way to introduce themselves to me. I am super excited to see where this year will go!
I have 4 more days of in-service, and while I still have a lot of stuff to get ready, I am ready for the kids to just get here! I am ready to become a bona fide teacher!
In other news, I finished Robinson Crusoe. In the end, I was able to find important themes and ideas in it. Defoe critiques the economy and money. By have Robinson Crusoe on the island, he pinpoints how worthless money truly is and that the only reason it has value is because of the worth our society has placed on it. RC also deals with morality. He is extremely conflicted when it comes to dealing with the savages. While he disagreed with what they did, he was unsure whether killing was justified, considering they had done nothing to him. Finally, and most obviously, RC deals with religion. We continually see him growing and changing in his faith and also ministering to Friday. His insights on struggle and opportunity within a Christian mindset is pretty interesting.
That being said, I will never read that book again. I have since started 1984 by George Orwell and am currently loving it. I am only 50 pages in, so I will wait to begin writing a critique, but I can't wait to get even deeper into the book. So far, many things are horrifying--mainly because the main concepts are present in this day and age (mostly to a lesser extent, but still). Life is creepy. Whoa!
I'm not sure how much personal reading i will get done now that school is starting. I need to start focusing in on short stories and grammar and composition. Oh life from the other side...
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