October 2011
5 posts
September 2011
28 posts
In need of assistance!!
The homework turn in rate of my students is extremely poor. Several students have F’s and we haven’t been in school for one month. Even though we do a lot of work in class, the students won’t turn in work for a grade. Its 7th grade, and I feel that although I need to continue in guiding them through this process, they should understand the concept of turning in work for credit.
I have their homework notices posted two places in the class room, remind them verbally, have them write it in planners, and have it post on my class website, but I still have lack luster results.
Maybe they are choosing to fail, maybe they don’t care, or maybe all their work is piled up in their bag and they simply haven’t turned it in. But I need to figure out a way to increase the turn in rate so they can sense some success.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my students to turn in their work?
Story Impression: Catherine Called Birdy
- Below is my story impression for Catherine Called Birdy. Its a great preliminary activity that exposes students to basic idea of the novel and activity their prior knowledge regarding vocabulary and events. The students read the list of clues in the left column and then, based on their “impression” of the clues, write a paragraph summary of the novel. I equate it to the back cover of a novel, providing the new reader with a taste of the story.
I have used this once before and it worked really well. Students enjoy the process and reflect. We then think pair and share.
Also, I think the novel is great! I laughed so many times while reading. And its excellent for a humanities class in which you are studying middle ages.
Story Prediction: Catherine Called Birdy
Have you ever read the back flap of a book before reading? Does that summary help you judge the book? What if you were just given random words instead of a summary?
This is an activity to be completed by the students before reading has begun. Students are to read the list of events, characters, and settings in the left hand column. Then, based on this list, students will predict the plot of this story. In other words, students will write what they believe happens in this novel based on the information give. Students are to use all the events/ characters/settings in the list, in the order they appear, when writing the prediction. Students are to write with complete sentences and revise their work as needed.
List of terms
Your Story Prediction
Catherine
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diary
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Edward
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monk
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Corpus Bones!
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embroidery
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ale-head
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curse
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manor
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privy
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betrothal
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Lady Shaggy Beard
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“I think myself worth at least 7 oxen”
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cage
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Lady-Lessons
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Exile
YAY!
I am pretty small on Tumblr, but I still like to share my ideas and lesson plans so others can enjoy them. I logged on today and saw that my recent post got 27 messages! Super excited.
It can be used for concepts too! I will probably use it for parts of speech later this year, and maybe for identifying different cultures in world history.
Phases of First Year Teaching
Haha I thought that this sounded about right :)
Curriculum Night!
freaking out because I am so nervous!!!
"Ms. Chattin...we have decided. You are pretty cool for a teacher."
Probably because I am the youngest teacher there by at least 5 years.
When the little munchkin said that to me I smiled. And then I heard Dr. Kress’s comment run through my head. “I will like some of you, and I will like some of you less. Do you know which of you I like less?” Its my job to make sure that all of the students, regardless of how much I care for them or connect with them….or not, cannot tell who I like more than the others. Needless to say, the student who made this comment just might be a student I like a little more than the others.
The first few days
It still feels somewhat surreal…being a real live teacher and all. But I am starting to settle into the the realization that this is my career.
The rest of the staff has been so supportive and kind. They are continually offering help and advice, which is always needed. All of them are amazed that I actually stay the entire school day and attend assemblies and staff meetings. Even though I only teach part time, I still want to have a presence in the school and show the kids that I am in it for the long haul.
Three things happened that I didn’t really expect so quickly:
1. I can already tell what kind of students they are…at least half of them. I thought I would remain ignorant for a few weeks and things would be gumdrops and roses before behavioral issues and sleeping happened. But, I have already moved students, warned trouble makers, and jolted a kid out of sleep. I guess its better to know early on.
2. I caught my first cold. Only one day in and I could tell I was getting sick. I don’t know if its actually from the students, since I caught it so quickly, but that was a real drag. I was going to get my flu shot this weekend, but I was too late on that one. Thankfully the worst of it is over and I can hopefully be fine to teach on Monday.
3. Since I am only part-time, I have offered to substitute a few periods a day. I thought it would be a while before I could make any money that way, but I have already been double booked to sub for next week. I am really hoping this will help build a better paycheck since health care costs an extra $200 out of pocket.
Well, I need to get back to lesson planning, because I have no idea what we are doing past Monday.
