I have reached a new stage in my career: procrastination. For the first time since starting school this year, I have been able to sit and not work when I should be.
This might not sound that exciting, but it is to me. You see, I work better under stress. If I have too much to do, I work amazingly well. In fact, that is what carried me from July through November without looking up.
And now I'm past that first huff. I can sit back and surf the internet during school hours with a stack of ungraded papers in front of me. Proudly.
P.S. I have to brag. My boyfriend now has a CHOICE of medical schools.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Easy
I have to blog early today, because my parents are taking me out to dinner tonight, and they'll be upset if I haven't blogged by the time they leave work. They are driving all the way up here to feed me! And bring me clean clothes!
Today was surprisingly easy. I say surprisingly, because I didn't know what to expect. Today through Thursday is "online testing" for 8th grade. They want to get a gauge on the 8th graders' science content knowledge in advance of the CMT, so they give them an electronic test twice during the year, once at the beginning and once at the end.
This is great for me for a couple of reasons. First, I don't have to make it or grade it. All done electronically. Second, it gives me a report on what students know what information that will be on the CMT. The only silly part is that because of scheduling complications, the test will be given now and in February. Not a whole lot of time to fill in gaps in knowledge in that time, which kind of defeats the purpose of the two testing dates.
Still, the testing was easy for me (kids knew what to do already from the English and math testing they did last week) and it gave me a chance to focus my energy on only two classes (the 7th graders aren't testing this year), without all the craziness that we get on half days or other times when I only have two classes in a day. And both the classes went well because I worked hard. Especially Red, even though they sucked out all my energy. It took everything I had, but I got through a lesson without letting ANYTHING slide. It was beautiful. And I discussed the idea of a mascot with Orange, so now they're called Team Swag. Red, Team Swag, Yellow, Green, and Blue.
I've been pretty good about not complaining about some of the messy TFA logistical stuff, but I have a little complaint to make. We had an assignment due yesterday (which I noticed was not completed by several of my peers). I understand why they would make us tidy up our lesson plans, and I even understand why they make us organize and rename a series of files. What really bothered me, though, was that I had to upload 21 files INDIVIDUALLY. There was no way to upload multiple files at once. There are better ways to spend 10 minutes of my life.
Ok, done now.
Today will be my stay late day. I have a ton of grading to do, and I might even get a chance to start planning for the last two weeks before Christmas Break!
Today was surprisingly easy. I say surprisingly, because I didn't know what to expect. Today through Thursday is "online testing" for 8th grade. They want to get a gauge on the 8th graders' science content knowledge in advance of the CMT, so they give them an electronic test twice during the year, once at the beginning and once at the end.
This is great for me for a couple of reasons. First, I don't have to make it or grade it. All done electronically. Second, it gives me a report on what students know what information that will be on the CMT. The only silly part is that because of scheduling complications, the test will be given now and in February. Not a whole lot of time to fill in gaps in knowledge in that time, which kind of defeats the purpose of the two testing dates.
Still, the testing was easy for me (kids knew what to do already from the English and math testing they did last week) and it gave me a chance to focus my energy on only two classes (the 7th graders aren't testing this year), without all the craziness that we get on half days or other times when I only have two classes in a day. And both the classes went well because I worked hard. Especially Red, even though they sucked out all my energy. It took everything I had, but I got through a lesson without letting ANYTHING slide. It was beautiful. And I discussed the idea of a mascot with Orange, so now they're called Team Swag. Red, Team Swag, Yellow, Green, and Blue.
I've been pretty good about not complaining about some of the messy TFA logistical stuff, but I have a little complaint to make. We had an assignment due yesterday (which I noticed was not completed by several of my peers). I understand why they would make us tidy up our lesson plans, and I even understand why they make us organize and rename a series of files. What really bothered me, though, was that I had to upload 21 files INDIVIDUALLY. There was no way to upload multiple files at once. There are better ways to spend 10 minutes of my life.
Ok, done now.
Today will be my stay late day. I have a ton of grading to do, and I might even get a chance to start planning for the last two weeks before Christmas Break!
Monday, November 28, 2011
After Thanksgiving
I think that I've been telling myself so many times that it would get better after Thanksgiving...it did. Either that, or the kids were still tired from vacation today.
The end of last week was chaos in the classroom, but at 1:20 PM on Wednesday I booked it out of there. I drove home and spent a few days with my family. My weekend was wonderful. I had 2 home-cooked family dinners, one major medical emergency to respond to (5 patients and only 2 ambulances!), and a couple of days lounging with the boyfriend.
This morning started out with an accidental extra 30 minutes of sleep, and then a VERY hurried 10 minutes as I threw on clothes and ran out the door. I managed to make it to school with enough time to turn on my computer before meeting with my mentor.
Morning double-period lab ran smoothly, with a more challenging class of mine. I think I need to name my classes so you can identify them. I'll name them after colors. Here goes:
Red: My homeroom class. 7th grade. Certainly one of the more social and energetic groups. Loyal to me, usually.
Orange: The other 7th grade class. Usually, the most smoothly running class.
Yellow: 8th grade. The challenging class that required Adviser's help. Doing better.
Green: 8th grade. Really smart kids that need to be challenged constantly or chaos ensues.
Blue: 8th grade, with the four extremely social girls. Often at the end of the day.
This morning I had a smooth double period with Yellow.
During my first prep today, I had scheduled a "Cougar Coupon" event. When a student is good in class, they earn a Cougar Coupon (usually two students per period). At the end of the month, any student with 4 coupons or more can attend a special event thrown by us teachers. This month, I was in charge of the 7th grade event, so I planned a party that fit right within my budged: free time in the gym. I played basketball with my 7th graders and it was awesome. As in fun, not as in I'm awesome at basketball. I'm actually pretty terrible. After several chances of an unblocked shot, I finally scored once towards the end. My team lost about 10-5. I got sweaty and tired, but it was great. It also helped me connect with some of my tougher kids.
The rest of the day ran smoothly. It wasn't especially thrilling, and Orange proved a little more challenge than usual, but it was all pretty good. It's becoming more of a routine. Now it's time for my second try at sweaty yoga.
The end of last week was chaos in the classroom, but at 1:20 PM on Wednesday I booked it out of there. I drove home and spent a few days with my family. My weekend was wonderful. I had 2 home-cooked family dinners, one major medical emergency to respond to (5 patients and only 2 ambulances!), and a couple of days lounging with the boyfriend.
This morning started out with an accidental extra 30 minutes of sleep, and then a VERY hurried 10 minutes as I threw on clothes and ran out the door. I managed to make it to school with enough time to turn on my computer before meeting with my mentor.
Morning double-period lab ran smoothly, with a more challenging class of mine. I think I need to name my classes so you can identify them. I'll name them after colors. Here goes:
Red: My homeroom class. 7th grade. Certainly one of the more social and energetic groups. Loyal to me, usually.
Orange: The other 7th grade class. Usually, the most smoothly running class.
Yellow: 8th grade. The challenging class that required Adviser's help. Doing better.
Green: 8th grade. Really smart kids that need to be challenged constantly or chaos ensues.
Blue: 8th grade, with the four extremely social girls. Often at the end of the day.
This morning I had a smooth double period with Yellow.
During my first prep today, I had scheduled a "Cougar Coupon" event. When a student is good in class, they earn a Cougar Coupon (usually two students per period). At the end of the month, any student with 4 coupons or more can attend a special event thrown by us teachers. This month, I was in charge of the 7th grade event, so I planned a party that fit right within my budged: free time in the gym. I played basketball with my 7th graders and it was awesome. As in fun, not as in I'm awesome at basketball. I'm actually pretty terrible. After several chances of an unblocked shot, I finally scored once towards the end. My team lost about 10-5. I got sweaty and tired, but it was great. It also helped me connect with some of my tougher kids.
The rest of the day ran smoothly. It wasn't especially thrilling, and Orange proved a little more challenge than usual, but it was all pretty good. It's becoming more of a routine. Now it's time for my second try at sweaty yoga.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Mystery
Today actually started out wonderfully. My principal walked in during homeroom and COMPLIMENTED me. Like, she said she was impressed. Wow! I guess I truly am a 12-year old, requiring constant validation...because it totally made my day.
Of course, the challenge began second period. My classes today were almost entirely good. However, during the morning, I noticed that none of the four computers in the back of the classroom would turn on. Also, there was a keyboard missing keys...oh, wait, the keys are all over the floor back here (in the back corner alcove, which I can't see from my desk).
Okay, my first guess is that the girls in my challenging class did it. On Friday, I was working on a lab with the class, and I thought they were just back there talking. It never occurred to me that they would trash my computers. Now I know. Nobody is sitting back there any more. One more lesson learned. I even went the communicate-with-principal route and told her about it, even though I have one more week left in my 90 days. She looked disappointed in me, but not terribly surprised.
And then the plot thickens. After school, I tried to fix the keyboard and computers. At this point, I noticed that someone put some serious work into this project. Some keys were missing from one keyboard, but someone had also pried the buttons off of two of the mouses(? mice?). As in, there was plastic broken off. I then noticed that every computer had every single plug pulled out. Someone had methodically pulled the plug out of the back of every computer and out of the wall. The keyboards and monitors were also unplugged. I even had to pull the table away from the wall to discover this.
So, am I that bad at managing my classroom that a few girls had the time to methodically unplug every wire of four computers in the back of my classroom in a 40-minute period? Or did someone get in my classroom when I wasn't there? The custodians promised that nobody can get in the room after school, and the school is alarmed at night. So I guess it happened when I was there? I'm suspicious.
Whatever, it's pretty much fixed (I only need two working mice when I only have two working computers out of four). And I got some really good work on SF projects today from several classes. Half a day left, and then I'm OUTTA HERE. The moment school is over, I will be on the road sitting in pre-Thanksgiving traffic on I-95. And loving every minute of it.
In less than 24 hours, I will be able to say that I made it to Thanksgiving as a first-year teacher. It almost brings me to tears. The good kind. I think.
Of course, the challenge began second period. My classes today were almost entirely good. However, during the morning, I noticed that none of the four computers in the back of the classroom would turn on. Also, there was a keyboard missing keys...oh, wait, the keys are all over the floor back here (in the back corner alcove, which I can't see from my desk).
Okay, my first guess is that the girls in my challenging class did it. On Friday, I was working on a lab with the class, and I thought they were just back there talking. It never occurred to me that they would trash my computers. Now I know. Nobody is sitting back there any more. One more lesson learned. I even went the communicate-with-principal route and told her about it, even though I have one more week left in my 90 days. She looked disappointed in me, but not terribly surprised.
And then the plot thickens. After school, I tried to fix the keyboard and computers. At this point, I noticed that someone put some serious work into this project. Some keys were missing from one keyboard, but someone had also pried the buttons off of two of the mouses(? mice?). As in, there was plastic broken off. I then noticed that every computer had every single plug pulled out. Someone had methodically pulled the plug out of the back of every computer and out of the wall. The keyboards and monitors were also unplugged. I even had to pull the table away from the wall to discover this.
So, am I that bad at managing my classroom that a few girls had the time to methodically unplug every wire of four computers in the back of my classroom in a 40-minute period? Or did someone get in my classroom when I wasn't there? The custodians promised that nobody can get in the room after school, and the school is alarmed at night. So I guess it happened when I was there? I'm suspicious.
Whatever, it's pretty much fixed (I only need two working mice when I only have two working computers out of four). And I got some really good work on SF projects today from several classes. Half a day left, and then I'm OUTTA HERE. The moment school is over, I will be on the road sitting in pre-Thanksgiving traffic on I-95. And loving every minute of it.
In less than 24 hours, I will be able to say that I made it to Thanksgiving as a first-year teacher. It almost brings me to tears. The good kind. I think.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Countdown
1.5 school days until Thanksgiving.
On Friday, the old science teacher (also TFA) came to visit. I took one look at him and realized why the 8th grade girls don't like me. He's tall and good-looking. He's confident. According to a student, "he's blazing, Miss." I had a nice chat with him, and he gave me a bit of motivation. The week ended in a headache.
Saturday brought a full day of TFA PD. Oy. I got some good advice out of it, on several fronts, but I didn't have the energy to really engage in the workshops. Saturday work is tough. A lot of first years weren't really into it. It was useful listening to the second year teachers talk, though. And there were some TFA-standard uncomfortable discussions about race.
For the most part, today was REALLY GOOD. Two of my classes did really great work on a lab. I learned on Saturday that when I give them more responsibility, it takes longer to do the labs (duh), even though they learn more inquiry skills. If they don't know what they're doing, they don't like to do anything, so there is more explaining to do. I even learned a good technique for differentiating labs: I can create a lab, and then take out a few words (some variables, or the hypothesis) and make the students do it for more inquiry practice. I can add or take away entire sections (e.g. procedure, testable question) depending on the level of the class.
I had a good chat with our new temporary assistant principal. She seems like she'll be a great resource, and it's always nice to have an extra adult in the classroom.
My last class was tough, but I had hoped I'd get tired of writing before I got to explaining it. I am.
Now I'm off to enjoy my newest LivingSocial purchase, my first of 10 yoga classes for $40.
On Friday, the old science teacher (also TFA) came to visit. I took one look at him and realized why the 8th grade girls don't like me. He's tall and good-looking. He's confident. According to a student, "he's blazing, Miss." I had a nice chat with him, and he gave me a bit of motivation. The week ended in a headache.
Saturday brought a full day of TFA PD. Oy. I got some good advice out of it, on several fronts, but I didn't have the energy to really engage in the workshops. Saturday work is tough. A lot of first years weren't really into it. It was useful listening to the second year teachers talk, though. And there were some TFA-standard uncomfortable discussions about race.
For the most part, today was REALLY GOOD. Two of my classes did really great work on a lab. I learned on Saturday that when I give them more responsibility, it takes longer to do the labs (duh), even though they learn more inquiry skills. If they don't know what they're doing, they don't like to do anything, so there is more explaining to do. I even learned a good technique for differentiating labs: I can create a lab, and then take out a few words (some variables, or the hypothesis) and make the students do it for more inquiry practice. I can add or take away entire sections (e.g. procedure, testable question) depending on the level of the class.
I had a good chat with our new temporary assistant principal. She seems like she'll be a great resource, and it's always nice to have an extra adult in the classroom.
My last class was tough, but I had hoped I'd get tired of writing before I got to explaining it. I am.
Now I'm off to enjoy my newest LivingSocial purchase, my first of 10 yoga classes for $40.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Aha!
I've survived my first round of report card conferences. I saw about 2/3 of my students' parents. Today I saw some more parents. It was a similar variety to last night. I saw a few parents that I thought could really help improve their students' performance, and I saw a few parents whose kids are perfect. Unfortunately, I had a couple of parents who came in frustrated and discouraged by their kids' repeatedly poor performance in school each year. It hurt me a little bit, and it seemed like every suggestion I had was already attempted. I wish I could help here.
It's getting to be that blah time of year, when the days are too short and there are consecutive cloudy days. It's harder to wake up in the morning. I'm getting a little unmotivated.
On the other hand, the job is becoming generally less stressful. I think things are getting more under control every day. I'm better able to sift through the millions of things I'm required to do every second, and sorting out the important from less important. I can better take criticism, even when it's different advice from different people, and incorporate the advice into my day. I'm learning more about bureaucratic processes.
My happy thoughts for the week: I'm sitting and watching South Park, enjoying my dinner before choir rehearsal. Tomorrow afternoon, I have a massage appointment. One day until the weekend!
It's getting to be that blah time of year, when the days are too short and there are consecutive cloudy days. It's harder to wake up in the morning. I'm getting a little unmotivated.
On the other hand, the job is becoming generally less stressful. I think things are getting more under control every day. I'm better able to sift through the millions of things I'm required to do every second, and sorting out the important from less important. I can better take criticism, even when it's different advice from different people, and incorporate the advice into my day. I'm learning more about bureaucratic processes.
My happy thoughts for the week: I'm sitting and watching South Park, enjoying my dinner before choir rehearsal. Tomorrow afternoon, I have a massage appointment. One day until the weekend!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I Survived Report Card Conferences...
...and all I got was this lousy list of names and phone numbers.
It's actually a useful list, although not a lot of new information. I saw about 15 parents, 8-10 in my homeroom. Of the parents I saw, about half of them had wonderful children. A few had nice kids who needed to do more homework. One parent of a nice, smart kid explained to me that she was crying because her son used to not do work and get terrible grades. This year, he was all A's and B's.
A couple of parents of challenging kids were there. There were a few more parents I'd have liked to see, but there's still tomorrow. Three parents I saw who I think might help their children improve. Those were the toughest. It's hard to be nice and friendly, while saying that their child needs improvement on work ethic and attitude. Fortunately, I was not the first teacher these parents had seen, so it wasn't news to them. These parents promised they'd help, either by working with their child or by checking up on their school work. I'm hopeful. It was nice to talk to them, and I think it will help.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to see the parents of my students who are failing. If they don't pick up the report card, they never find out. There's no accountability for some of these kids. I wish I could help them, somehow.
It was nice to hear from a couple of parents that they had received my message, and didn't have time to return the call. I got a couple of new phone numbers. All in all, a useful experience. Tomorrow should be less crowded, but I'm looking forward to it.
It's actually a useful list, although not a lot of new information. I saw about 15 parents, 8-10 in my homeroom. Of the parents I saw, about half of them had wonderful children. A few had nice kids who needed to do more homework. One parent of a nice, smart kid explained to me that she was crying because her son used to not do work and get terrible grades. This year, he was all A's and B's.
A couple of parents of challenging kids were there. There were a few more parents I'd have liked to see, but there's still tomorrow. Three parents I saw who I think might help their children improve. Those were the toughest. It's hard to be nice and friendly, while saying that their child needs improvement on work ethic and attitude. Fortunately, I was not the first teacher these parents had seen, so it wasn't news to them. These parents promised they'd help, either by working with their child or by checking up on their school work. I'm hopeful. It was nice to talk to them, and I think it will help.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to see the parents of my students who are failing. If they don't pick up the report card, they never find out. There's no accountability for some of these kids. I wish I could help them, somehow.
It was nice to hear from a couple of parents that they had received my message, and didn't have time to return the call. I got a couple of new phone numbers. All in all, a useful experience. Tomorrow should be less crowded, but I'm looking forward to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)