It's been awhile because it's been BUSY. The thing that keeps me the busiest right now unfortuately make-up work!! My students are involved which is great but they miss TOO much for random trips and such.
Anyway, a few things lately that make me smile:
1) Playing Christmas music at the end of class on Tuesday and them all smiling with me. Some sing, one bobs his head to the music and one of shy students I have had twice now actually looks at me and grins. (He is not rude but he never seems very happy or excited about much so to get this grin straight at me meant so much!)
2) My second block's sweet concern for me after I got blood drawn today at school (it was free so I said, why not?!). They were willing to sneak into the teacher's lounge to get me a diet coke since I hadn't eaten or had coffee and it was 10!
3) One student in third block walking in one day this week and just saying, "I love this class!" And THEN, she worked so hard on a challening assignment, didn't give up, and then was SOO PROUD of herself afterwards, she said, "I feel like such a success. WHOO!" This thrills me because math is not always click for her but I have been trying to show her she can really do it even when problems require critical thinking.
4) My first block's extreme excitement over hearing I now have silly bands in my prize box which only had candy before.
5) Watching my first block kids "play" with logic puzzles after their test today. I also had gotten some new ones and they were so eager to try them. They didn't realize I tricked them into doing some "real" thinking! (these are my least motivated bunch)
6) Having a student come to me before school and just talk to me. She thanked me for letting her switch groups because she is feeling more challenged by working with these new students. She is probably the most mature 15 year old you could ever meet! She is in my class of juniors and seniors and everyone is shocked to learn she is sophomore.
7) Getting observed for 10 minutes by our principal and having two boys in the front not believe me and the class that it happened.
8) Being told, "Ms. Hall you are going to miss us, you know it, next semester" from my 3rd block and knowing it's actually true!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
#31: An Ounce of Creativity
Right now I am 8 school days away from Thanksgiving break so my creative juices are really not flowing too well. I am just plum tired and sometimes feel out of ideas to get my students engaged or even awake.
For my algebra class, this tends to be a little harder. Probability and Statistics is much richer content to make interesting. So after the exponent test Wednesday in algebra, I planned two days of review "activities" for them to all do. These were all activities I had wanted to try but hadn't taken the time to yet. I was hoping too that they would be a break from the norm and reenergize them a bit too.
This morning on the way to school, I thought "why did I do this to myself?" I knew it would require more work to try this and I was fearful they would complain and not appreciate it (which does happen).
Today though, I am thankful because they did not complain! They actually all worked! They listened! They said they were happy not to start a new chapter and just review some! They got excited to play BINGO, talk about some application problems, and design something out of linear lines! Now, by NO means were these very neat and in depth activities, but I think just the change of routine and pace helped them and me. We will see how tomorrow goes but I was very thankful doing this change today was appreciated by my class!
For my algebra class, this tends to be a little harder. Probability and Statistics is much richer content to make interesting. So after the exponent test Wednesday in algebra, I planned two days of review "activities" for them to all do. These were all activities I had wanted to try but hadn't taken the time to yet. I was hoping too that they would be a break from the norm and reenergize them a bit too.
This morning on the way to school, I thought "why did I do this to myself?" I knew it would require more work to try this and I was fearful they would complain and not appreciate it (which does happen).
Today though, I am thankful because they did not complain! They actually all worked! They listened! They said they were happy not to start a new chapter and just review some! They got excited to play BINGO, talk about some application problems, and design something out of linear lines! Now, by NO means were these very neat and in depth activities, but I think just the change of routine and pace helped them and me. We will see how tomorrow goes but I was very thankful doing this change today was appreciated by my class!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
#30: Seeing Teenagers Become Adults
I have said before teenagers get a lot of heat in the media and in our culture. I hope I always try to stay their advocate.
I have had the privilege of teaching a few students for a second time this semester. One student, "C", had me for Algebra 2 in student teaching. He was in a very active class 4th block and he was always getting in trouble. He was a sophomore and extremely immmature sometimes. (this was also helped by others' immaturity) I also do not think he liked me very much because I had to "get on" him a lot for his behavior.
When I saw he was on my roll for this year, I was worried he would see me as a student teacher still. I was concerned he may not have grown up. I am happy to say I was wrong. He has matured greatly and while he still is active and energetic, he knows better how to control it.
ALL this to say, last week a very smart remark came out of his mouth and I chewed him out pretty severely. I have never had to get like that in front of that class because they are all very sweet and respectful. I truly do not think I overreacted but in the middle of trying to get technology working, (to which he was complaining about) I did not call him outside.
I forgot about the situation the next day (Friday) but apparently he was still thinking about it SUNDAY. His sunday school teacher apparently is the administrative assistant in the front office. They asked their 11th grade class, "when have you ever made a decision that you know now was not the right one?" And he shared the whole story! She told me he just seemed so upset that he did it and said he knew he was in the wrong. This made me so proud of him for admitting that in front of his peers and that he really saw he shouldn't have done that!
This may seem small but you hardly ever get to know what that a student takes a situation to heart and learns from it in this way!
I have had the privilege of teaching a few students for a second time this semester. One student, "C", had me for Algebra 2 in student teaching. He was in a very active class 4th block and he was always getting in trouble. He was a sophomore and extremely immmature sometimes. (this was also helped by others' immaturity) I also do not think he liked me very much because I had to "get on" him a lot for his behavior.
When I saw he was on my roll for this year, I was worried he would see me as a student teacher still. I was concerned he may not have grown up. I am happy to say I was wrong. He has matured greatly and while he still is active and energetic, he knows better how to control it.
ALL this to say, last week a very smart remark came out of his mouth and I chewed him out pretty severely. I have never had to get like that in front of that class because they are all very sweet and respectful. I truly do not think I overreacted but in the middle of trying to get technology working, (to which he was complaining about) I did not call him outside.
I forgot about the situation the next day (Friday) but apparently he was still thinking about it SUNDAY. His sunday school teacher apparently is the administrative assistant in the front office. They asked their 11th grade class, "when have you ever made a decision that you know now was not the right one?" And he shared the whole story! She told me he just seemed so upset that he did it and said he knew he was in the wrong. This made me so proud of him for admitting that in front of his peers and that he really saw he shouldn't have done that!
This may seem small but you hardly ever get to know what that a student takes a situation to heart and learns from it in this way!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
#29: A Student Feeling My Pain
Today we had a late start day. This means that my first and second block are both only 30 minutes. First block (which usually can give me the most issues) was great! We did a page of notes using the table and graph function on the calculator which they like to use so we discussed this and I answered questions over their homework. These five homework questions were review of old material. They REMEMBERED how to do them and asked good questions like, "Ms. Hall, when we divide by zero that means it is undefined right?" This was very encouraging for me to hear because a lot of time this class seems like they can't remember what we did yesterday.
So with literally no frustration yet in my day, my 2nd block (usually my brightest and sweetest class) walks in and is getting ready for their quiz. It is a bit rushed but they had plenty of time to take this short quiz. I walk around and check off homework and while I am doing this students start asking questions NON-STOP if the formulas will be given for the quiz.
Loud enough for all to hear I say, "Yes, they are at the top of the quiz." I take a few more steps around the room and again, "Are we going to allowed to use our formula sheet?"
To which I respond, "Yes or I have them printed for you on the paper." Then I finish checking homework and ask, "any questions before you start?" To which another student says, "oh yea, are we going to be able to see the formulas." At this point one of my sweet, always on top of it, student just looks at me and chuckles realizing I have said it already about four or five times.
I am really proud of myself that I have not bitten their heads off at this point for not listening. (Also note: they have ALWAYS had the formulas given to them for every statistics or probability quiz they have taken. Always!)
I start passing out the quizzes and after I give out maybe four papers, another student across the room says, "Oh wait! Do we get to use the formula sheet?" I smiled and said "yes!" Again, my student looks at me and really laughs this time.
NO ONE else noticed the crazy amount of times I answered that question but her smiling and laughing during the situation really did make me thankful and caused me not to lose it!
So with literally no frustration yet in my day, my 2nd block (usually my brightest and sweetest class) walks in and is getting ready for their quiz. It is a bit rushed but they had plenty of time to take this short quiz. I walk around and check off homework and while I am doing this students start asking questions NON-STOP if the formulas will be given for the quiz.
Loud enough for all to hear I say, "Yes, they are at the top of the quiz." I take a few more steps around the room and again, "Are we going to allowed to use our formula sheet?"
To which I respond, "Yes or I have them printed for you on the paper." Then I finish checking homework and ask, "any questions before you start?" To which another student says, "oh yea, are we going to be able to see the formulas." At this point one of my sweet, always on top of it, student just looks at me and chuckles realizing I have said it already about four or five times.
I am really proud of myself that I have not bitten their heads off at this point for not listening. (Also note: they have ALWAYS had the formulas given to them for every statistics or probability quiz they have taken. Always!)
I start passing out the quizzes and after I give out maybe four papers, another student across the room says, "Oh wait! Do we get to use the formula sheet?" I smiled and said "yes!" Again, my student looks at me and really laughs this time.
NO ONE else noticed the crazy amount of times I answered that question but her smiling and laughing during the situation really did make me thankful and caused me not to lose it!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
#28: November is Coming
It is October. We have just finished a three week span of a "testing blitz." PSAT, PLAN, and HSAP. Not every student is affected but in some shape everyone in the school feels it because you either: give it, take it, have class in another room because of it, and have to remember which students are where/when. October also means students are tired and teachers are tired. It is very easy to be less patient. So, now more than ever, I truly need to think of some of the good.
1) At my induction meeting, they fed us. I did not have to make dinner.
2) My prob/stats students were THRILLED that I bought the "Peace Love and Statistics" t-shirt they told me about and that I wore it to school.
3) A fellow teacher (my wonderful mentor) gave me a singing card.
4) Even though my dvd wasn't playing, another teacher let me come in her room to watch it.
5) One former student consistently comes to see me which makes me smile each day. (Because she previously told me she just wished teachers wouldn't care so much about students.)
6) Next week I get to leave for my teaching fellowship's meeting to Pittsburgh. I will get to be refreshed by like-minded teachers in the same boat as me. (During that time, my students will have the math department's most coveted sub so I won't worry a bit about them!)
7) We have an election year so a day off for all is coming soon!
1) At my induction meeting, they fed us. I did not have to make dinner.
2) My prob/stats students were THRILLED that I bought the "Peace Love and Statistics" t-shirt they told me about and that I wore it to school.
3) A fellow teacher (my wonderful mentor) gave me a singing card.
4) Even though my dvd wasn't playing, another teacher let me come in her room to watch it.
5) One former student consistently comes to see me which makes me smile each day. (Because she previously told me she just wished teachers wouldn't care so much about students.)
6) Next week I get to leave for my teaching fellowship's meeting to Pittsburgh. I will get to be refreshed by like-minded teachers in the same boat as me. (During that time, my students will have the math department's most coveted sub so I won't worry a bit about them!)
7) We have an election year so a day off for all is coming soon!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
#27 Teaching Refreshed and Excited
I LOVE teaching probability and statistics. (I also love teaching exponentials in algebra which is coming soon!). Getting to teach these topics is so challenging but very interesting. I recently visited College GAMEDAY and took a backstage tour of their production. I was told that they have a statistican who works for them. I immediately got excited and asked them to tell me all about it! After telling my students this story, I had a student exclaim, "Ms. Hall I never have had a teacher who gets this excited about math." This was such a compliment! Another said, "You really asked them to talk about statistics at Gameday?" I said, "of course!!"
On another note, one of the reasons I love my job is partly because high schoolers can understand you are a "human." Part of my goal is "humanize" myself to them and treat also like "humans." I showed them pictures from my weekend. So many were really excited for me (some clapped!) but I could tell they realized I am a real person who does not sleep/live at school. This may sound strange but sometimes students do not always realize this. Part of my "managment" philosophy is to let them know I am real and treat them like they are.
Because of this, I decided to not give my Algebra students homework this week, they have to take the PSAT, we had a short week, and they are having nine weeks testing Thursday and Friday. I don't want their stress to overflow into class so when I told them no homework sheet this week, I heard, "You know Ms. Hall I actually sort of missed you over the past four days." (this coming from a student who I CONSTANTLY have to remind to act like a 16 year old and I struggle with often) I told him that maybe it is true: absence (of four days) can make the heart grow fonder!
On another note, one of the reasons I love my job is partly because high schoolers can understand you are a "human." Part of my goal is "humanize" myself to them and treat also like "humans." I showed them pictures from my weekend. So many were really excited for me (some clapped!) but I could tell they realized I am a real person who does not sleep/live at school. This may sound strange but sometimes students do not always realize this. Part of my "managment" philosophy is to let them know I am real and treat them like they are.
Because of this, I decided to not give my Algebra students homework this week, they have to take the PSAT, we had a short week, and they are having nine weeks testing Thursday and Friday. I don't want their stress to overflow into class so when I told them no homework sheet this week, I heard, "You know Ms. Hall I actually sort of missed you over the past four days." (this coming from a student who I CONSTANTLY have to remind to act like a 16 year old and I struggle with often) I told him that maybe it is true: absence (of four days) can make the heart grow fonder!
Monday, October 11, 2010
#26 My Own Room
This year I got my own room which has been a great blessing. I do miss the teachers that I "floated" into their rooms from last year but it has been fun to have my own place. I had to take pictures of my room for my fellowship meeting at the end of October so I am going to put up a few here. I think the lights in my room made them a little blurry, sorry!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
#25: Kind Students
It thrills me to death when I see how mature, kind, and thoughtful my students can be. Often teenagers get a bad rap in the media and even by teachers. Here are some instances I can celebrate about the sweetness in my students recently.
1) They graded a short quick quiz for each other so that they could get immediate feedback before their four day weekend. When I looked at them I saw encouraging remarks to each other without my prompting. "Awesome" "Good Job" ":)"
2) They got me a birthday card (since they won't see me on Friday) and were all going to sign it in my 2nd block (SWEET class). The girl forgot it today but almost told me in tears she WOULD remember it Tuesday. I told her I was just so happy they thought of me!
3) A student from my first class moved to another school in our district. I told a guy in our class, who would talk with him each morning, that he moved and asked if he knew why. He told me, "No, I didn't really know much about him Ms. Hall but I figured since I was new this year and I could tell he was awkward and didn't have friends, I would try to be his friend." He said this so sincerely and in such an honest way. And that is a moment that just MELTED my heart!
4) My second block class realized after grading random classmates quizzes that they really didn't know everyone's name in their class. We had finished ten minutes early so they asked can they play a game to get to know everyone's name better. We played "Heads Up Seven Up." This let them "practice" saying people's name (or least they said it helped).
1) They graded a short quick quiz for each other so that they could get immediate feedback before their four day weekend. When I looked at them I saw encouraging remarks to each other without my prompting. "Awesome" "Good Job" ":)"
2) They got me a birthday card (since they won't see me on Friday) and were all going to sign it in my 2nd block (SWEET class). The girl forgot it today but almost told me in tears she WOULD remember it Tuesday. I told her I was just so happy they thought of me!
3) A student from my first class moved to another school in our district. I told a guy in our class, who would talk with him each morning, that he moved and asked if he knew why. He told me, "No, I didn't really know much about him Ms. Hall but I figured since I was new this year and I could tell he was awkward and didn't have friends, I would try to be his friend." He said this so sincerely and in such an honest way. And that is a moment that just MELTED my heart!
4) My second block class realized after grading random classmates quizzes that they really didn't know everyone's name in their class. We had finished ten minutes early so they asked can they play a game to get to know everyone's name better. We played "Heads Up Seven Up." This let them "practice" saying people's name (or least they said it helped).
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
#24: Enjoying my Job
Today I had a student staying after school finishing a test. She is a very sweet and extremely mature girl. She has stayed after before and I have gotten to know her pretty well. Today, she was taking her test and I was getting things ready in the room for the next day. She asked me, "Ms. Hall, do you like your job?" This made me nervous because I thought maybe it seemed like I didn't. So I asked, "does it seem like I don't?" She said, "NO! Me, T.P, and H.R all talk about how you are just the cutest teacher because you seem like you really love it and we love how you get excited about everything. We also like how you have a system for everything that we wouldn't expect younger teachers to have."
It may seem like she was brown-nosing but I really think she was genuine and wanted to know why I like teaching so much. It was such a high compliment I am thankful for. Because with all the stress of being a teacher, with all the students, things to grade, meetings to go to, etc. you don't really know how you come across to your students on a consistent basis. I know I have my days and moments of losing patience but I am just very thankful for my job and for my student noticing it.
It may seem like she was brown-nosing but I really think she was genuine and wanted to know why I like teaching so much. It was such a high compliment I am thankful for. Because with all the stress of being a teacher, with all the students, things to grade, meetings to go to, etc. you don't really know how you come across to your students on a consistent basis. I know I have my days and moments of losing patience but I am just very thankful for my job and for my student noticing it.
Monday, September 27, 2010
#23 Fall is here!
Here are reasons I am thankful that fall is here at school:
1) My room won't be nearly as hot anymore!
2) No more schedules can change so hopefully my classes are set!
3) Wearing fall outfits to work!
4) I am starting to see my students more comfortable talking with one another about....MATH! Friday they were making hypothesis without me asking them to! They are questioning each other more deeply! They are welcoming to new students!
5) My students have a four day weekend and I happy for them. (I have a three day weekend!)
6) I am starting to teach probability at the end of the week which is SO COOL to me!
7) I have my Knowles fellowship meeting in Pittsburgh at the end of October which even though is hard work is a welcome break and encouragement from other teachers similar to me.
8) I got a new bar stool for my room from Pottery Barn that was 80% off! It is blue and puts me at the perfect height when I sit for a minute!
1) My room won't be nearly as hot anymore!
2) No more schedules can change so hopefully my classes are set!
3) Wearing fall outfits to work!
4) I am starting to see my students more comfortable talking with one another about....MATH! Friday they were making hypothesis without me asking them to! They are questioning each other more deeply! They are welcoming to new students!
5) My students have a four day weekend and I happy for them. (I have a three day weekend!)
6) I am starting to teach probability at the end of the week which is SO COOL to me!
7) I have my Knowles fellowship meeting in Pittsburgh at the end of October which even though is hard work is a welcome break and encouragement from other teachers similar to me.
8) I got a new bar stool for my room from Pottery Barn that was 80% off! It is blue and puts me at the perfect height when I sit for a minute!
Friday, September 17, 2010
#22: Feeling Comfortable
I remember starting the semester and eagerly excited about the year. However when I saw former students I sort of briefly mourned the comfort I had with them.
I am now enjoying getting to interim time because I am now in the space of time where students know how things go and they are getting to know me and each other. My students and I are just altogether more comfortable around each other. They are more open and there is some trust now with a lot of them. Of course this new comfort brings challenges of finding balance and to make sure they do not get TOO comfortable. (my wonderful mentor reminded me of this!) However right now, instead of worrying about that now though, I am thankful for the following moments from this week.
1) Sharing Ms. Hall's "theory of time" with them at the end of class and having them laugh at me and also say I should get it published.
2) Doing an airplane lab where we went to the commons and threw airplanes and collected data. Several just couldn't stop smiling and I could tell they loved the change of scenery and getting to act a little bit silly for a few minutes. I heard "how many times do we get to throw stuff in the commons?"
(I tried to take pictures of this to share but my batteries died! They would have been great!)
3) Being told before and after school more about my students personal lives and why they are who they are.
4) Being able to joke with them about football and talking about my LOVE/HATE relationship with Auburn this week and next.
5) Having girls comment (positively) about my outfits and how I match well with the colored paper I am using that day.
6) Getting to help a student with her math club problem and seeing her love of math. SO NEAT!
7) Having a student tell me their mom really liked me when they met me at open house.
(Not that I needed to be liked but meeting parents was VERY nervewracking for me because I am so young.)
Finally, unrelated to school, I am just so thankful for the BEAUTIFUL sunrises I have gotten to see on the way to school each day. I know thousands get to see it too but sometimes I feel it just between me and God and it's His way of waking me up and saying I love you!
I am now enjoying getting to interim time because I am now in the space of time where students know how things go and they are getting to know me and each other. My students and I are just altogether more comfortable around each other. They are more open and there is some trust now with a lot of them. Of course this new comfort brings challenges of finding balance and to make sure they do not get TOO comfortable. (my wonderful mentor reminded me of this!) However right now, instead of worrying about that now though, I am thankful for the following moments from this week.
1) Sharing Ms. Hall's "theory of time" with them at the end of class and having them laugh at me and also say I should get it published.
2) Doing an airplane lab where we went to the commons and threw airplanes and collected data. Several just couldn't stop smiling and I could tell they loved the change of scenery and getting to act a little bit silly for a few minutes. I heard "how many times do we get to throw stuff in the commons?"
(I tried to take pictures of this to share but my batteries died! They would have been great!)
3) Being told before and after school more about my students personal lives and why they are who they are.
4) Being able to joke with them about football and talking about my LOVE/HATE relationship with Auburn this week and next.
5) Having girls comment (positively) about my outfits and how I match well with the colored paper I am using that day.
6) Getting to help a student with her math club problem and seeing her love of math. SO NEAT!
7) Having a student tell me their mom really liked me when they met me at open house.
(Not that I needed to be liked but meeting parents was VERY nervewracking for me because I am so young.)
Finally, unrelated to school, I am just so thankful for the BEAUTIFUL sunrises I have gotten to see on the way to school each day. I know thousands get to see it too but sometimes I feel it just between me and God and it's His way of waking me up and saying I love you!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
#21: Teaching the Why
This is the first time I have taught Probability and Statistics. Today, I had a student ask me "what does the variation and standard deviation really mean?" She said she has always been really great at math and didn't care before about the "why?" because she always good at so it didn't matter. Now, this content she says makes her want to know why and what these numbers really represent. I was SO thankful for this because as a teacher that is my goal and struggle--to teach students why any of this matters. Thankfully, this class has a lot of real life applications and it is very fun for me to think about it and talk with students about these applications.
So this may seem extrememly nerdy but I am very thankful for some really neat academic conversations with students that I am starting to have!
So this may seem extrememly nerdy but I am very thankful for some really neat academic conversations with students that I am starting to have!
Friday, September 10, 2010
#20: Students who are Thankful
Trying to think of the positive parts of your day can be hard for anyone on a given day. Sometimes I tend to think it can be harder for teachers especially if you choose to focus on negatives or listen to others. That is why I started counting and listing the things I am thankful for as a teacher during my first year.
Today, I am VERY thankful for students who are thankful! Seeing just one student's gratitude really put me in a different mood. This student came back after being out all three days this week. She is a smart student but she really did miss a lot of important information since we started the next unit. She came in third block a tad flustered. She had the look of "oh no, what have I missed?" I told her, "I am not stressed about you missing so I don't want you to be either." She sighed and I told her to just see what she could do today and get caught up as much as possible and then Monday while they take a major quiz I will talk with her about the material. She felt so relieved because her previous two classes had everything due back Monday. Maybe that means I am too "easy" but I wouldn't want to be her if that was the case for all four classes. She thanked me then which was great.
Later on during class though, she checked back that I was sure this was still our arrangement and she said she just HAD to give me a hug for being so understanding. It was so sweet (though I did ask to make sure she wasn't still sick)!! This may seem small but it felt really good to know something I was doing that I thought really was for the best of the student was acknowledged by the student!
On a smaller example of gratitude, a hilarious student who is full of energy and who me and him are working on appropriate behavior has had previous issues with thankfulness. After doing a candy lab the first week he complained he did not get exactly 32 skittles like another student. He only got 27. Today, he won something and I gave him some of the leftover skittles. He looked at me very intentionally and said "THANK YOU--I appreciate however much comes out of the bag into my hands. I love SKITTLES!" It made me laugh and I was happy to see he learned his lesson that time!
Today, I am VERY thankful for students who are thankful! Seeing just one student's gratitude really put me in a different mood. This student came back after being out all three days this week. She is a smart student but she really did miss a lot of important information since we started the next unit. She came in third block a tad flustered. She had the look of "oh no, what have I missed?" I told her, "I am not stressed about you missing so I don't want you to be either." She sighed and I told her to just see what she could do today and get caught up as much as possible and then Monday while they take a major quiz I will talk with her about the material. She felt so relieved because her previous two classes had everything due back Monday. Maybe that means I am too "easy" but I wouldn't want to be her if that was the case for all four classes. She thanked me then which was great.
Later on during class though, she checked back that I was sure this was still our arrangement and she said she just HAD to give me a hug for being so understanding. It was so sweet (though I did ask to make sure she wasn't still sick)!! This may seem small but it felt really good to know something I was doing that I thought really was for the best of the student was acknowledged by the student!
On a smaller example of gratitude, a hilarious student who is full of energy and who me and him are working on appropriate behavior has had previous issues with thankfulness. After doing a candy lab the first week he complained he did not get exactly 32 skittles like another student. He only got 27. Today, he won something and I gave him some of the leftover skittles. He looked at me very intentionally and said "THANK YOU--I appreciate however much comes out of the bag into my hands. I love SKITTLES!" It made me laugh and I was happy to see he learned his lesson that time!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Familiar Faces--Students from last semester
These are some pictures from last year. I am new to blogging so I just figured out how to put these up but here are some of my students!
# 19: Freshman
This year I am not teaching freshman (which is not what I am thankful for). Last year I was what I called in "freshmanland." All freshman, all year. They really are unique. Right now teaching sophomores, juniors, and seniors it is much more difficult to tell the differences between them. Freshman though, especially in the beginning, are SO different. Even though I don't teach them this year, I have a teacher floating into my classroom during fourth block planning. She teaches an all freshman algebra class.
Today they were SOOOO funny. I seriously just sit and listened to them for 15 minutes. Thankfully, it didn't stress me out being distracted--instead I just enjoyed them and laughed quite a bit. Their teacher showed them the "mathematical dating rule" which always starts interesting conversations. This unleashed their personalities and random questions/comments which she allowed.
They wanted to know my first name. They wanted to know about their teacher's boyfriend. They asked me for my skittles on my shelf (I said no). They asked if my lanterns hanging from the ceiling could light up. They can and I said that if I had 30 triple AAA batteries and someone to turn them on and off they could. One hilarious student who is impossible to describe said "hey I will bring a huge bag..no matter how many times I tell my mom to buy AA she never does." (I wish I could insert audio here!) This went on for a little bit and they made me miss my freshman from last year. I am very happy to teach upperclassmen. It is a welcomed change and good challenge. I also love the content I am teaching. However, freshman are a little more open and honest. They are not afraid to say stupid things quite as much and really are entertaining to teach even though at times frustrating.
So today I am thankful for getting to laugh and that I have now found something to appreciate in every age of high school teenagers this year!
Today they were SOOOO funny. I seriously just sit and listened to them for 15 minutes. Thankfully, it didn't stress me out being distracted--instead I just enjoyed them and laughed quite a bit. Their teacher showed them the "mathematical dating rule" which always starts interesting conversations. This unleashed their personalities and random questions/comments which she allowed.
They wanted to know my first name. They wanted to know about their teacher's boyfriend. They asked me for my skittles on my shelf (I said no). They asked if my lanterns hanging from the ceiling could light up. They can and I said that if I had 30 triple AAA batteries and someone to turn them on and off they could. One hilarious student who is impossible to describe said "hey I will bring a huge bag..no matter how many times I tell my mom to buy AA she never does." (I wish I could insert audio here!) This went on for a little bit and they made me miss my freshman from last year. I am very happy to teach upperclassmen. It is a welcomed change and good challenge. I also love the content I am teaching. However, freshman are a little more open and honest. They are not afraid to say stupid things quite as much and really are entertaining to teach even though at times frustrating.
So today I am thankful for getting to laugh and that I have now found something to appreciate in every age of high school teenagers this year!
Monday, September 6, 2010
#18: Evidence of Who I Need
Teaching is such a refining career. So much patience and compassion is needed. The ability to extend grace and love the least lovable is not easy but I am thankful for a career where I can tell God is using it to grow and refine me.
Each day in my job, I see "evidence of who I need." When I feel the tiredness of getting up at 5:30, I am reminded of who I need for strength. When I have to say the same thing without an attitude to the same student for the 5th time in a day, I reminded of who I need for patience. When I have to submit to authority, I am reminded of who I need for the power to obey. When students test the waters, I am reminded of who I need for confidence to be firm. When students treat my classroom like its a bedroom, I am reminded of who I need for calm. When I make mistakes, I am reminded He gives me grace even in my career.
I was reminded of all this after listening to Needtobreathe's "These Hard Times" yesterday traveling home after a needed weekend away.
Give me something brighter
Give me something I can see
Give me something I can be
Give me all the love and peace
To end these wars
Give me something sacred
Something worth fighting for
It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need
Give me an answer
Give me a way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times
Give me motivation
Give me all my heart's desires
Show me something gorgeous
Show me till my eyes get tired
Give me all the drums and
Show me how to play them loud
Show me how to move
When I can't feel that you're around
It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need
Give me an answer
Give me a way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times
Each day in my job, I see "evidence of who I need." When I feel the tiredness of getting up at 5:30, I am reminded of who I need for strength. When I have to say the same thing without an attitude to the same student for the 5th time in a day, I reminded of who I need for patience. When I have to submit to authority, I am reminded of who I need for the power to obey. When students test the waters, I am reminded of who I need for confidence to be firm. When students treat my classroom like its a bedroom, I am reminded of who I need for calm. When I make mistakes, I am reminded He gives me grace even in my career.
I was reminded of all this after listening to Needtobreathe's "These Hard Times" yesterday traveling home after a needed weekend away.
Give me something brighter
Give me something I can see
Give me something I can be
Give me all the love and peace
To end these wars
Give me something sacred
Something worth fighting for
It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need
Give me an answer
Give me a way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times
Give me motivation
Give me all my heart's desires
Show me something gorgeous
Show me till my eyes get tired
Give me all the drums and
Show me how to play them loud
Show me how to move
When I can't feel that you're around
It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need
Give me an answer
Give me a way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times
Monday, August 23, 2010
#17 New Beginnings and Old Faces
Last week started the new school year but technically I am still in my first year of teaching so I am picking up with my list of things to be thankful for! The beginning of the school year can be administratively CRAZY: kids coming in out of your classes, lots of papers, teaching procedures, IEPS, 504s, ESOL accomodations, getting to know names, and lots of paperwork for the school.
As the new semester starts though I am thankful for a lot. One being that I get a fresh start. All the mistakes I made can be revisted and I can choose a different way of handling situations. I also have a lot more courage this time around to try something that is very different even if it doesn't work out all that well.
In the midst of these new faces, another very encouraging thing is all the OLD FACES. Truly, nothing has thrilled my heart more the past few days then students I taught last semester come up to talk to me. Not just ones who wave when they walk by (trying to not let me embarass them) but those who actually stop and come say hello and talk to me. It is SO exciting and encouraging to me, not because I was just the greatest teacher ever last semester (because I wasn't!) but because these kids are intimately acquainted with my failures and shortcomings as a teacher but they still knew I cared about them as a person.
I saw a few from my precious fourth block who only had 14 last year. I got to know them very well so from them I got a lot of hugs and big smiles as they told me about their summers and new classes.
I have seen kids from 1st block who didn't get me for Algebra Part 2 yell, "I really miss you. I wish I had you still even though this teacher is good too." (And I made the MOST mistakes in their class for sure!)
I have had students I honestly did not like very much or who barely passed my class (and even those who didn't) come and tell me about their new classes and how they are "doing homework finally!"
Lastly, I have had a few former students in my class again! That can be a scary thing because all the change I want to make they will know is a "change." However, two said in their beginning letter to me that I was one of their favorite math teachers because I didn't not like them even though they were not the strongest math students or even hardest workers last year. The third wrote to me thanking me that "I did not give up on her last year." This student taught me last semester how far I was from experiencing pain and the real world when I was in high school. She has had to grow up so quickly but she told me she is motivated not only to pass but to do really well in my class this semester. Her letter reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher and why the crazy and exhausting first weeks of school with mistakes galore are so very worth it.
As the new semester starts though I am thankful for a lot. One being that I get a fresh start. All the mistakes I made can be revisted and I can choose a different way of handling situations. I also have a lot more courage this time around to try something that is very different even if it doesn't work out all that well.
In the midst of these new faces, another very encouraging thing is all the OLD FACES. Truly, nothing has thrilled my heart more the past few days then students I taught last semester come up to talk to me. Not just ones who wave when they walk by (trying to not let me embarass them) but those who actually stop and come say hello and talk to me. It is SO exciting and encouraging to me, not because I was just the greatest teacher ever last semester (because I wasn't!) but because these kids are intimately acquainted with my failures and shortcomings as a teacher but they still knew I cared about them as a person.
I saw a few from my precious fourth block who only had 14 last year. I got to know them very well so from them I got a lot of hugs and big smiles as they told me about their summers and new classes.
I have seen kids from 1st block who didn't get me for Algebra Part 2 yell, "I really miss you. I wish I had you still even though this teacher is good too." (And I made the MOST mistakes in their class for sure!)
I have had students I honestly did not like very much or who barely passed my class (and even those who didn't) come and tell me about their new classes and how they are "doing homework finally!"
Lastly, I have had a few former students in my class again! That can be a scary thing because all the change I want to make they will know is a "change." However, two said in their beginning letter to me that I was one of their favorite math teachers because I didn't not like them even though they were not the strongest math students or even hardest workers last year. The third wrote to me thanking me that "I did not give up on her last year." This student taught me last semester how far I was from experiencing pain and the real world when I was in high school. She has had to grow up so quickly but she told me she is motivated not only to pass but to do really well in my class this semester. Her letter reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher and why the crazy and exhausting first weeks of school with mistakes galore are so very worth it.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
#16: Mission
I haven't posted in a long time! What can I say..its the end of the year and I am ready to be done almost as much as my students are! I am grateful for though a lot! A few things recently are:
-My students that I see are emerging adults and have grown. They are working hard and really still care. They keep me going each day!
-My ability to still get excited about the content well into May.
-For my tiny class of 14 which just might be the only time this ever happens.
-Beautiful spring weather and getting to take them out into the courtyards to work.
-Their grace to me when I haven't felt well the past few weeks.
-The way God gives me the strength I need when it has been so exhausting to keep getting up early.
-For reminding me this is my mission field last week. For Him in His power helping me forgive a student and continue to love her when I didn't want to.
-The fact that teaching is one of the most sanctifying careers I think I could have chosen! It is such a refining job and revealer to alot of my weaknesses!
-My students that I see are emerging adults and have grown. They are working hard and really still care. They keep me going each day!
-My ability to still get excited about the content well into May.
-For my tiny class of 14 which just might be the only time this ever happens.
-Beautiful spring weather and getting to take them out into the courtyards to work.
-Their grace to me when I haven't felt well the past few weeks.
-The way God gives me the strength I need when it has been so exhausting to keep getting up early.
-For reminding me this is my mission field last week. For Him in His power helping me forgive a student and continue to love her when I didn't want to.
-The fact that teaching is one of the most sanctifying careers I think I could have chosen! It is such a refining job and revealer to alot of my weaknesses!
Monday, April 12, 2010
#15: All I Can Ask For
Today I had one of those days in my second block that was SO enjoyable. You hardly ever get to hear these from teachers. I loved getting to go to lunch and say my second block were all angels! They were and I thanked them at the end of the day and said "this is what I have been hoping for each day." Now I know all students have their days but they were just all so good at paying attention, talking WHEN appropriate, answering questions, and staying on task. I also really enjoyed getting to catch up with them about their spring breaks and tell them about mine. Today I really felt like I could talk to them like they were real people.
Side note: a new hobby of mine has been couponing and I shared the site I use with my students. Well over spring break, I received a free pack of gum and thought about Maddi who also had submitted a request and it was the CUTEST thing when we both got to share in our excitement today about our FREE gum!!
Side note: a new hobby of mine has been couponing and I shared the site I use with my students. Well over spring break, I received a free pack of gum and thought about Maddi who also had submitted a request and it was the CUTEST thing when we both got to share in our excitement today about our FREE gum!!
Monday, March 22, 2010
#14: Being Real
Some days my students just are really funny and make me smile a good bit. Today was one of those days. During first block, I told them about my free cone from Bruster's for wearing PJs and they got onto me for not telling them about it. They honestly were upset I didn't tell them! They looked at me like I was their best friend who had forgotten to tell them the best secret of my life. It was so funny--I laughed and then told them about where I get my super saving money insider information--southernsavers.com. They all wanted to check it out! It was just too cute. But in the end, reflecting on this, I am happy that maybe I am setting a good example to them of looking for deals and being wise with the money I get. They know I work hard and now they definitely know how much I hate to waste money. For teenagers this really is something important to learn but I know we are not all taught this important life skill.
My second block class had a few girls who were also so sweet to me today and complimented me on my outfit! Three girls within like three minutes. I know this sounds silly but it is even nice coming from 15 year old girls that you did a good job at 5:30 in the morning dressing yourself! :) It is little things like that that truly do make someone smile and make a day a "better" day. I try to this, especially for the girls I teach, when they walk in. Today I told someone who got highlights how much I like them and I could see her light up. It reminded me how much girls especially at that age need that and how EASY it is to make someone have a better day.
My second block class had a few girls who were also so sweet to me today and complimented me on my outfit! Three girls within like three minutes. I know this sounds silly but it is even nice coming from 15 year old girls that you did a good job at 5:30 in the morning dressing yourself! :) It is little things like that that truly do make someone smile and make a day a "better" day. I try to this, especially for the girls I teach, when they walk in. Today I told someone who got highlights how much I like them and I could see her light up. It reminded me how much girls especially at that age need that and how EASY it is to make someone have a better day.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
#13: Five Minute Conversations
Teenagers are different everyday. They are SO unpredictable. I am learning that with my three classes all of them will have a week where they are so frustrating and then the next week they will decide to impress and thrill me to death! It just how they are I suppose.
Well this week I am thankful for the fun five minute conversations I got to have with my first block class. Towards the end of that class, I know that no serious learning is going to happen. Maybe I haven't been structured or strict enough but I can just see them turning themselves off and whatever I say math wise really won't matter to them. So, instead, I usually let them pack up and talk with one another and myself. This week we had some fun conversations during this time.
One day my students all got onto what they want to be when they grow up. So I then basically made everyone tell me. They told me what they knew about these jobs. One said he was going to be a web designer which will be "so easy." My student M that I mention a good bit says he wants to be a pyschiatrist. They were really cute talking about where they want to go. I have one who said he wants to play pro basketball but "don't worry Ms. Hall I know I have to have a back up plan too." I wonder how many people have stressed this to him?
Another day we got into a discussion about how much money teachers should make. They had me laughing as they said, "teachers should make alot of money for dealing with all these attitudes." How reflective of their own species! It was enlightening too how little they grasp money and paychecks. M said, "I bet y'all get paid like at least $6,000!" They also were aghast when I said we get paid twice a month. "Why not every week?" was their response. It was really nice though to see how concerned they were that I get paid well. It made me feel good that they could even appreciate that teachers do alot.
In another class too while I was calling them up one by one to talk about their grade (since report cards are coming up), they let me know I care about them more than the other teachers they have. While I know I can't start caring whether they like me the most, it was nice to know they realize I care about them. My response to them saying that I care was "get used it!"
Well this week I am thankful for the fun five minute conversations I got to have with my first block class. Towards the end of that class, I know that no serious learning is going to happen. Maybe I haven't been structured or strict enough but I can just see them turning themselves off and whatever I say math wise really won't matter to them. So, instead, I usually let them pack up and talk with one another and myself. This week we had some fun conversations during this time.
One day my students all got onto what they want to be when they grow up. So I then basically made everyone tell me. They told me what they knew about these jobs. One said he was going to be a web designer which will be "so easy." My student M that I mention a good bit says he wants to be a pyschiatrist. They were really cute talking about where they want to go. I have one who said he wants to play pro basketball but "don't worry Ms. Hall I know I have to have a back up plan too." I wonder how many people have stressed this to him?
Another day we got into a discussion about how much money teachers should make. They had me laughing as they said, "teachers should make alot of money for dealing with all these attitudes." How reflective of their own species! It was enlightening too how little they grasp money and paychecks. M said, "I bet y'all get paid like at least $6,000!" They also were aghast when I said we get paid twice a month. "Why not every week?" was their response. It was really nice though to see how concerned they were that I get paid well. It made me feel good that they could even appreciate that teachers do alot.
In another class too while I was calling them up one by one to talk about their grade (since report cards are coming up), they let me know I care about them more than the other teachers they have. While I know I can't start caring whether they like me the most, it was nice to know they realize I care about them. My response to them saying that I care was "get used it!"
Thursday, March 18, 2010
#12: Floating
If you don't know the teacher lingo word "floating," it means I do not have a room to my own. Instead I have a desk in one room where I teach 2nd block and I have a cart that I take into another room for first and then another room for fourth block. I "float" around our hallway! :) This week because of some events that happened within our math deptartment, I found out I will have my own classroom next semester (back upstairs where I was for student teaching). While it was very exciting to know I will have my own classroom, it made me realize some of things I love about floating.
First off, the teacher I share a "homebase" with volunteered to let me do this so you know she is a very gracious and kind person. She is a second year teacher and I love talking with her each day. She is a great teacher and we get along so well. I am very thankful to be able to talk about different things with her and bounce ideas off one another. Having another adult in the room has its advantages when it comes to teenagers! Today I realized that I will be sort of sad to not be with my friend anymore. I am thankful I can call co-worker a friend!
All this also reminds me of not knowing what is best for you. From the outside you would think, "man, it must stink not having your own place." However, God knew what I needed this semester. He knows how I love collaboration and how it has helped me to talk with other coworkers everyday. It has helped problem solve and not get too stressed out. He took what most would call "undesireable" and made it a huge blessing during my first semester of teaching!
First off, the teacher I share a "homebase" with volunteered to let me do this so you know she is a very gracious and kind person. She is a second year teacher and I love talking with her each day. She is a great teacher and we get along so well. I am very thankful to be able to talk about different things with her and bounce ideas off one another. Having another adult in the room has its advantages when it comes to teenagers! Today I realized that I will be sort of sad to not be with my friend anymore. I am thankful I can call co-worker a friend!
All this also reminds me of not knowing what is best for you. From the outside you would think, "man, it must stink not having your own place." However, God knew what I needed this semester. He knows how I love collaboration and how it has helped me to talk with other coworkers everyday. It has helped problem solve and not get too stressed out. He took what most would call "undesireable" and made it a huge blessing during my first semester of teaching!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
#11: Outside School
I haven't posted in awhile because I have been so busy with my classes and quite exhausted! :) Thankfully Friday we have a weather make up day we don't need so we ALL have off!
Today though I am thankful for my students making comments about thinking about our content discussed in class OUTSIDE of school. These were the ones that thrilled my heart!
"Hey Ms. Hall, I thought about you the other day when I was watching ESPN. Yea, they had a matrice showing all the stats on Kobe Bryant. I remember you saying matrices organize information." (And this was not said in a "suck up" kind of way. He really was sincere!)
"Hey the other day I heard the word 'solution' and I thought about this class."
"Ms. Hall, I was in the grocery store and thought about doing our unit rate lab from last week and about how much you like looking for the deals." (Another student said this several days after the lab we did where they had to calculate unit prices while looking through sale papers!)
Today though I am thankful for my students making comments about thinking about our content discussed in class OUTSIDE of school. These were the ones that thrilled my heart!
"Hey Ms. Hall, I thought about you the other day when I was watching ESPN. Yea, they had a matrice showing all the stats on Kobe Bryant. I remember you saying matrices organize information." (And this was not said in a "suck up" kind of way. He really was sincere!)
"Hey the other day I heard the word 'solution' and I thought about this class."
"Ms. Hall, I was in the grocery store and thought about doing our unit rate lab from last week and about how much you like looking for the deals." (Another student said this several days after the lab we did where they had to calculate unit prices while looking through sale papers!)
Friday, March 5, 2010
#10: Reminders
There are many discouraging moments as a teacher. Many they make you feel exhausted like when you realize they are still teenagers and still immature. It's hard cause you see the glimpses of people they will become one day they just are not there yet. I had very discouraging start to the beginning of the week but God gave very sweet reminders this week in my first block (the class I was so frustrated with) that I am not doing a horrible job--that I am making an impact in small ways in some of my students lives. Here are the reminders and sweet encouragements he brought my way.
#1: A sub for the teacher that I use her first block class told me, "You are doing a really good job with those kids. They respect you. If you can teach and get these kids to work, you can teach any kid they throw your way." Don't know if thats completely true but it was sweet of her to say.
#2: Overheard this, "No I can't text during first block that is Ms. Hall's class and she is like my favorite teacher." MC
#3: M.O. did his classwork for the first time ON HIS OWN on unit rates. It was a huge celebration!! He got a 100! So did J.O. for the first time since the first week of school!
#1: A sub for the teacher that I use her first block class told me, "You are doing a really good job with those kids. They respect you. If you can teach and get these kids to work, you can teach any kid they throw your way." Don't know if thats completely true but it was sweet of her to say.
#2: Overheard this, "No I can't text during first block that is Ms. Hall's class and she is like my favorite teacher." MC
#3: M.O. did his classwork for the first time ON HIS OWN on unit rates. It was a huge celebration!! He got a 100! So did J.O. for the first time since the first week of school!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
#9: My Own Education
Lately I have been very frustrated with one my classes. This class contains very low math skills and many who already failed this class. It is a challenge but I truly like these students. I have been very frustrated with their work ethic (for some of my students) and attitudes toward not just math but education. All of this frustration doesn't really sound like "something I grateful for" today I know but I just can't them off mind so I have been thinking ALOT about what I can do as their teacher to help them and motivate them.
One thing this struck in me was how grateful I am for my own education. I have been blessed with intellectual capabilites some people are born, in God's soverignty, without. I have been blessed by living in the U.S. where I never had to think "IF" I get to go to school or college or grad school for that matter. It never occured to me I couldn't, especially K-12--everyone in our country gets to. I am also grateful for the school I teach at and all that it provides in materials, technology, and opportunities to my students. I am GRATEFUL! It is knowing these things though that makes me hurt so much for my students and wish they could GET what they do HAVE. I know more than I wish I did about what they don't have. Some have horrible home situations or bad experiences with school. I just wish they could start seeing a little bit of the blessings they do have in their school. I wish they could think ahead to what failing a course for 2nd or 3rd time means for them down the line.
I remember visiting Nicaragua--the second poorest country in the world and seeing students NOT allowed to go to school and what that meant for the future of their life. I remember being broken and I am grateful I was. I am so grateful and don't want to squander the blessings God has given me.
One thing this struck in me was how grateful I am for my own education. I have been blessed with intellectual capabilites some people are born, in God's soverignty, without. I have been blessed by living in the U.S. where I never had to think "IF" I get to go to school or college or grad school for that matter. It never occured to me I couldn't, especially K-12--everyone in our country gets to. I am also grateful for the school I teach at and all that it provides in materials, technology, and opportunities to my students. I am GRATEFUL! It is knowing these things though that makes me hurt so much for my students and wish they could GET what they do HAVE. I know more than I wish I did about what they don't have. Some have horrible home situations or bad experiences with school. I just wish they could start seeing a little bit of the blessings they do have in their school. I wish they could think ahead to what failing a course for 2nd or 3rd time means for them down the line.
I remember visiting Nicaragua--the second poorest country in the world and seeing students NOT allowed to go to school and what that meant for the future of their life. I remember being broken and I am grateful I was. I am so grateful and don't want to squander the blessings God has given me.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
#8: Thought
Today I was thankful for seeing multiple different ways my students were thinking. First, a lab I had them working on was what I call a "thinky" lab. None of them gave up, lots asked me questions and thus accomplished what I hoped--they were thinking, making connections between the content. No one "got it" perfectly but I was glad to see them persist and keep trying. No one made any negative comments about being asked to think!
I was also thankful for the their thoughtful concern after I told them about my flat tire story from yesterday (the reason I did not write yesterday). The all listened intently to my story and were "upset" as was I that the cop who stopped left me there because he didn't believe my tire was really flat. It was fun to tell them about my adventure and what was funny was some of them I think really realized I was a real person when I told them a teared up a bit.
I was also thankful for the their thoughtful concern after I told them about my flat tire story from yesterday (the reason I did not write yesterday). The all listened intently to my story and were "upset" as was I that the cop who stopped left me there because he didn't believe my tire was really flat. It was fun to tell them about my adventure and what was funny was some of them I think really realized I was a real person when I told them a teared up a bit.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
#7: Creativity
Today I was grateful for teenager's creativity. I did not realize it until it happened but today my students in all three classes had a chance to be creative in different activities we were doing. I loved getting to see some of them shine (even the ones for whom math is not their strong subject). My part one class had "fashion" lab where they drew different items on a stick figure corresponding to their answers. The pictures they drew were so funny and it is so funny hearing their comments while drawing the items. "There is no way I am drawing a purse--its going to have to be a shopping bag instead." "My person's surfboard is going to have been attacked by a shark I'm thinking!" "How do you draw a belt on a stick figure--they have no waist!" These comments and drawings definitely made me laugh! (there were several more!)
In my algebra class, they got to make a design out of a linear equations on their graphing calculator. To them it was like a game they get to play. It is amazing how much more students are captivated when you give them a calculator. Some just completed the assignment, but so many really got creative trying to make designs only out of linear equations. I loved hearing, "oh look what I did!" or "cool!" My students were creative today and I loved getting to see them think (even when its not always about mathematics directly!)
In my algebra class, they got to make a design out of a linear equations on their graphing calculator. To them it was like a game they get to play. It is amazing how much more students are captivated when you give them a calculator. Some just completed the assignment, but so many really got creative trying to make designs only out of linear equations. I loved hearing, "oh look what I did!" or "cool!" My students were creative today and I loved getting to see them think (even when its not always about mathematics directly!)
Monday, February 22, 2010
#6: Encouragement
Today I was encouraged by one of my 15 year old students and by a vetern teacher who has taught for 25 plus years and I am so grateful for both that God sent my way.
I love teenagers. I think they are so unique. I love watching them and seeing them become into adults. I appreciate all they are handling and trying to learn. All this to say, they are not the most thoughtful group of people I could teach. I know elementary kids love drawing teachers pictures, making them things, bringing/buying them things, saying I love you, etc. It is just their nature. Then, by high school, it is just not cool to do those things anymore. I am not complaining and I understand I chose this. However, it makes me appreciate any encouragement they give me SOOO much. Today, my sweet student R.G. who is always bubbly and laughs at any corny joke, wrote me a note that said" hey miss hall I like you and this class so much. this class is the best!:)" She also drew a baby chick. Ha! Very sweet and very much made my day!
Another fellow teacher I mentioned who has taught for 25 plus years encouraged me by saying I am doing a good job. I respect her so much for how long she has been the profession when so many leave early so this meant a whole lot to me today--just the kinds of things that make this Monday not so "monday."
I love teenagers. I think they are so unique. I love watching them and seeing them become into adults. I appreciate all they are handling and trying to learn. All this to say, they are not the most thoughtful group of people I could teach. I know elementary kids love drawing teachers pictures, making them things, bringing/buying them things, saying I love you, etc. It is just their nature. Then, by high school, it is just not cool to do those things anymore. I am not complaining and I understand I chose this. However, it makes me appreciate any encouragement they give me SOOO much. Today, my sweet student R.G. who is always bubbly and laughs at any corny joke, wrote me a note that said" hey miss hall I like you and this class so much. this class is the best!:)" She also drew a baby chick. Ha! Very sweet and very much made my day!
Another fellow teacher I mentioned who has taught for 25 plus years encouraged me by saying I am doing a good job. I respect her so much for how long she has been the profession when so many leave early so this meant a whole lot to me today--just the kinds of things that make this Monday not so "monday."
Saturday, February 20, 2010
#5 Energy
On Friday, I was definitely thankful for the energy of my students. Friday fourth blocks can make students and teachers all antsy...everyone is ready for the weekend. My fourth block though this year only has 13 students (my other class of the same course has 27) so I really get to have alot more fun and freedom with them. Friday's class was just one of those lessons that makes me love being a teacher. I am thankful for those days because it easy most days for me to tear apart my lessons anazlying all that I would I change. Thankfully though, Friday I got to teach a lesson that matters in the big scheme of mathematics--slope! I had cool analogies that related to skiing which they loved and laughed at as I told them. I braved taking them out around the school to measure different things for an activity and nothing horrible happened and they SO appreciated the ten minutes away from our room. They came back with ten minutes left in class and were still able to carry on an intelligent discussion about what we did and make conjectures about our investigation. They all took notes today and before they took their quiz--they asked me questions which made them do way better than 2nd block! (go figure--asking questions helps you in school!) So all in all, it was just a good class at the end of the week and makes me hopeful that as I learn I will be able to create more days like this with my students.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
#4: Fellow Teachers
Today I am really grateful for other teachers. I truly get to teach at a great school with a great math department. I am the 29th math teacher in the department. Last semester I student taught on the upstairs math hall (floating then too) so I got to meet the majority of the math teachers. They all made me feel so welcomed and showed me the ropes. This semester I am downstairs floating and have gotten to meet and get to know the remaining 9 teachers who teach downstairs. Even though I am the one for their group, they too have made me feel so welcomed. One teacher, a second year teacher, offered to let me have a home base and thus share a room with her rather than me have a desk in the workroom. We really didn't know each other that well but I absolutely LOVE getting to talk with her each day. Adult interaction really is something to be thankful for when you teach 9th graders all day.
I am also grateful for the other teachers who share and let me ask questions all the time. I am also thankful that because I float (they are in the room during planning) I can ask them to watch my students if I need to go to the bathroom :)
Lastly, the reason I chose this for the day, today one teacher who I float into her room for 4th block, said I inspired her to try something new to "spice things up." This really humbled me and just made me so grateful I work at a school where I don't feel have to feel like I have nothing to offer just because I am new. The vetern teachers also don't hold all their stuff for themselves--they love to share with me and help me out! I love collaborating with other teachers and am so thankful that I teach with other people who care about students and wanting to learn every year how to become a better teacher.
I am also grateful for the other teachers who share and let me ask questions all the time. I am also thankful that because I float (they are in the room during planning) I can ask them to watch my students if I need to go to the bathroom :)
Lastly, the reason I chose this for the day, today one teacher who I float into her room for 4th block, said I inspired her to try something new to "spice things up." This really humbled me and just made me so grateful I work at a school where I don't feel have to feel like I have nothing to offer just because I am new. The vetern teachers also don't hold all their stuff for themselves--they love to share with me and help me out! I love collaborating with other teachers and am so thankful that I teach with other people who care about students and wanting to learn every year how to become a better teacher.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
#3: Smiles
Today I am thankful for smiles on students faces when you get to give them good interim grades. For the most part, all of my students are doing well so it was fun giving them out with handwritten comments for all of them. I loved hearing them ask each other, "what did she say on your yours?!" "Ha she said I am a hard worker...well yea, she said I am a GREAT student." I know the material is going to get harder so it was fun to see many of them have a positive day getting interims. I also teach one class who all failed their previous course and are retaking it with me. So giving out good grades to most of my students and getting to encourage them was the best part of my job today. Among all the smiles my favorite comment by far was hearing, "Ms. Hall, was my smiley face supposed to be an Asian smily face?"
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
#2: Mornings with J and M
Just because I never know, I will always use initials for my student references. Today I am thankful for my mornings with J and M. Every morning M, my student, and J a neighbor teacher's student come and "hang out" with me in the morning. Some mornings, I honestly can see it as a bit of annoyance because I am busily trying to get things done. But, today when I see them come in, it just put the biggest smile on my face.
My student, M, is a goofy black boy who grins when you say anything or ask him anything. It is not disrespectful it is just like breathing to him--"M, get to work." Grin. "M, how was your weekend?" Grin. M can also get a little hyper in the morning probably from his breakfast which is a bag of chips and a jug of sunny D he carries in his backpack. Yes, a jug of Sunny D--I know. J on the other hand is a very timid black boy who I have learned thinks argyle sweaters impress girls so has decided to where them every day. He greets me no matter where I see him in the school or after on my way out. "Hi Ms. Hall!" "Bye Ms. Hall!" This is all I have ever heard him say. Besides my favorite statement--"M didn't do his homework again." J is quite the overachiever and DOES his homework where M NEVER does his.
So when they walk in each morning, I ask them about their day before or weekend and I always here M say "oh boring, nothing going on" to which I reply, "so how come no homework." Even though I lovingly get on him, he somehow stills come by "just to hang out Ms. Hall" each morning. The teachers really appreciate this because before he would wander around our hallway starting at 7:45 making random noises (no way else to really explain them but loud, random noises.) It now has gotten to the point where he comes to find me in the morning if I am not in our first block classroom and instead in my homebase class. (I am a floater!) This is a big improvement from one day early in the year when a teacher suggested, "why don't you go into Ms. Hall's class since you are here early and work on homework" to which he ran down the hallway away from me.
I really don't know if M will pass my class. He really has low low math skills that are probably why he is in my repeater course for algebra one part one. But, I do know I am thankful for him and J coming in to visit me each morning and for moments like the one on Valentine's Day where M looks at me and says, "Ms. Hall, what do you LOVE?" Grin.
My student, M, is a goofy black boy who grins when you say anything or ask him anything. It is not disrespectful it is just like breathing to him--"M, get to work." Grin. "M, how was your weekend?" Grin. M can also get a little hyper in the morning probably from his breakfast which is a bag of chips and a jug of sunny D he carries in his backpack. Yes, a jug of Sunny D--I know. J on the other hand is a very timid black boy who I have learned thinks argyle sweaters impress girls so has decided to where them every day. He greets me no matter where I see him in the school or after on my way out. "Hi Ms. Hall!" "Bye Ms. Hall!" This is all I have ever heard him say. Besides my favorite statement--"M didn't do his homework again." J is quite the overachiever and DOES his homework where M NEVER does his.
So when they walk in each morning, I ask them about their day before or weekend and I always here M say "oh boring, nothing going on" to which I reply, "so how come no homework." Even though I lovingly get on him, he somehow stills come by "just to hang out Ms. Hall" each morning. The teachers really appreciate this because before he would wander around our hallway starting at 7:45 making random noises (no way else to really explain them but loud, random noises.) It now has gotten to the point where he comes to find me in the morning if I am not in our first block classroom and instead in my homebase class. (I am a floater!) This is a big improvement from one day early in the year when a teacher suggested, "why don't you go into Ms. Hall's class since you are here early and work on homework" to which he ran down the hallway away from me.
I really don't know if M will pass my class. He really has low low math skills that are probably why he is in my repeater course for algebra one part one. But, I do know I am thankful for him and J coming in to visit me each morning and for moments like the one on Valentine's Day where M looks at me and says, "Ms. Hall, what do you LOVE?" Grin.
Monday, February 15, 2010
#1: Influence
The number one thing I am thankful for in being a high school math teacher is influence. God has taught me how much influence He has given me where I am at with these students. I have heard people say, "you will always remember your first year the most." So sometimes I look around and think what exactly will I remember from these students. One thing I know is that God gave me influence with them for this half of 2010.
I have exactly 60 students this semester. If I began to list what I already know four weeks into the semester that these 60 students are facing I can become very overwhelmed and burdened knowing they face issues that I never have. Many times, I wonder why it seems my students have more issues than the other teachers on my hall. All I know is that God chose these 60 students for me to have 90 minutes a day, for 91 school days while they are going through their 15th or 16th year of life. I have to believe God knew what He was doing and how He wants to use my influence with these students.
I recently looked back in my prayer journal on January 6th of this year and I wrote "I will teach these students for the glory of God."
Lord, I thank for the influence you have given me--let it be for your glory and reknown!
I have exactly 60 students this semester. If I began to list what I already know four weeks into the semester that these 60 students are facing I can become very overwhelmed and burdened knowing they face issues that I never have. Many times, I wonder why it seems my students have more issues than the other teachers on my hall. All I know is that God chose these 60 students for me to have 90 minutes a day, for 91 school days while they are going through their 15th or 16th year of life. I have to believe God knew what He was doing and how He wants to use my influence with these students.
I recently looked back in my prayer journal on January 6th of this year and I wrote "I will teach these students for the glory of God."
Lord, I thank for the influence you have given me--let it be for your glory and reknown!
When I grow up...
From the time I was five, I said I wanted to be a teacher. This is what administrators don't want to hear when they are interviewing teachers (so I didn't say it either) but this for me was the truth. I truly wanted to teach from the moment I knew what it was to learn and then tell someone else about it.
Well, this semester, on January 19th , I started doing what I have wanted to do since I was five. Even typing that makes me say "wow!" Really, I am a teacher?
So the point of this blog for me is to at least once a day find one thing (big or small) to be grateful for or to celebrate what happened. Right now, I am four weeks into teaching and have already realized how to do this job for the long haul or at least until God leads me down a different path, I have to be thankful everyday and look for what God did that day. Though there are a what feels like a million decisions made, issues to handle, copies to be made, and voices talking all around, I have one of the most amazing opportunities a person could be given.
Well, this semester, on January 19th , I started doing what I have wanted to do since I was five. Even typing that makes me say "wow!" Really, I am a teacher?
So the point of this blog for me is to at least once a day find one thing (big or small) to be grateful for or to celebrate what happened. Right now, I am four weeks into teaching and have already realized how to do this job for the long haul or at least until God leads me down a different path, I have to be thankful everyday and look for what God did that day. Though there are a what feels like a million decisions made, issues to handle, copies to be made, and voices talking all around, I have one of the most amazing opportunities a person could be given.
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