..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!