That's Not Exactly What I Meant

In my classroom it is important to me to build trust and an open dialogue. I want my students to feel like they can contribute to class discussions without worrying about being teased and laughed at. I try to build that trust early on and have a lot of dialogue that first week of school. I also, along with every other teacher, reach into my teacher bag of tricks and find an opening activity that will provide an atmosphere of ownership. This year I chose an activity wherein my students could make nameplates. Inside their large block letters they were to write words using the letters of their name, that describe them. For instance - my daughter is Brooklyn and B could be bossy, bubbly and bold. I was showing the students the one I made for an example. I told them that not every trait had to be positive. For instance, for my 'O' I wrote obstinate. I asked them in anyone knew what obstinate meant. One boy's hand shot right up and I called on him (by name, I was so proud of myself for remembering). He proudly and loudly said, "It's a word for someone who waits until they are married to have sex." Giggles erupted and I must admit I joined them. I try so hard to never laugh at a student, unless they want me to. I couldn't keep the grin off my face though. "No," I explained calmly and seriously, "that would be abstinent. My word is obstinate. Does anyone else want to try that one?" Of course by then no one was going to answer. I went on to explain that I was stubborn but could not used that word with no 'S' in my name and I had to choose obstinate instead. I feel that after my initial giggle, I saved it well and we moved on. Can I just add here, this example is one of the many reasons I love teaching middle school? These kids crack me up.

I'm Ready?

This is the night. All summer we dread it. We try to make those hot days stretch out as long as possible without dragging. How is that for a conundrum? But Labor Day comes and goes with good food, time with friends and family and one last day to soak up the sun before we go back to school.

I celebrated this day by doing things a great mom, readying her children for school, would do. I made them do chores, had them fix dinner and clean up, they showered and laid out their clothes. They fought with each other. They fought with me. They fought with themselves. This is a great way to end my summer because it allows me to look forward to school starting. Thank you kids. I do love you.

I did, however, take them to the playground and had a special back to school dinner for them complete with treats. It made me feel like a great mom. I had to relish it, it's so rare I feel like a great mom.

I do feel like a great teacher though. It's not hard when the students have yet to arrive. The wall of my room looks fantastic, I have the first three weeks of the 8th grade English class planned and a teacher that was leaving to stay home with her baby gave me a lot of neat crap! Teachery kind of crap. I can't wait to use it. Wish me luck!