A standard day in the life of a second-semester-second-year... (Skip to the analysis below if you don't want to read about the incredibly uneventful day.)
I have to say, I awoke at 6:00am. I got up easier today than normal, very little stress, just ready for a shower to head to school for the day.
I arrived at NP at about 7:00am. Walked into my classroom, put down my bag, changed the date, schedule, and Do Now on the board. I reviewed my PowerPoint notes, objectives, worksheets, and articles for both my preps. I sat down and graded some work from yesterday's seventh period as well as some late work of other students. No problems yet.
My first period begins to trickle into the room. They are a little talkative, but I remind them of my recently installed "one strike and you're out" rule which applies to talking during the Do Now. Just don't.
My Mississippi Studies lesson is on sharecropping. Do Now, review homework, collect homework, guided notes. All runs smoothly. We listen to some music. This time it's "The Boll Weevil Song" which is much more upbeat than yesterday's "Strange Fruit." They look at me oddly, but we listen to the song, read an alternate version, and they begin their independent work.
Second and third period is on cruise control, other than walking around second period with a trash can to collect gum. That class does not know how to chew with their mouths closed. I get tired during third period so I let two of my repeaters read everything to the class. It makes it much easier on me. One announces, "We know dis stuff because we've taken dis before." True.
World Geography is next and I'm teaching on HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. It's a heavy topic, but I didn't realize it until I had begun. I had the kids' attention today which felt good. Do Now, preview of HIV/AIDS numbers, notes, video, news article. Nothing unusual happened in any of these classes, but I think it really did make my kids think hard. That's about all I can ask, right?
I took my fifth period in stride. We had a good day going to and from lunch. They are really getting better at this. New student three-fourths of the way through the year? Not a problem. I put him in my gradebook and keep on truckin'.
It's the end of the day and I'm not so tired. I retrieve make up work for two students who come into my classroom after school. Now it's time to head home.
******************************************
What about this day was worth writing about? Absolutely nothing! That's what is so great. I had an amazing day! Where was the stress that I learned to cope with for the last year and a half? Where were the daily battles I fought for the last year and a half?
It was nearly non-existent. I still have those days, yes. We all do, but there has been a change. MTC has prepared me for days like today. Not just the classes or the summer, but everyone involved who shared ideas and information and lessons.
I could get used to days like today. This is what I signed up for.
******************************************
EDIT: Here's an example of the great friends... My away message reads "freewrite topic suggestions?" Here are some suggestions:
1. "Your favorite mentor, duh!"
2. "Best vacation ever?"
3. "Great Mark Twain Quote. 'Loyalty to my country, always. Loyalty to my government, when they deserve it.' Discuss."
4. "Why you wish you owned my puppy."
5. "Thank you for reminding me." -- Not technically a topic, but you're welcome, Ryan.
Recent Comments